A Message from the Director
Gayle Holloman
Happy New Year! I am honored and excited to be the new Fulton County Library System Executive Director. Earlier this month, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners officially named me your director and I am thrilled to be leading the Library System through our final year of renovations and into a new future for the library.

You may have heard that we kicked off the new year with a library opening in Roswell. It was a very well attended event and we were very happy to share the new space with the Roswell community.

In addition, we ended 2019 with the opening of our College Park and Adams Park libraries and the communities of both branches were so happy with the renovation, the new look of the branches and all the new technology and materials they have to enjoy for many years to come. I hope you'll take the time to read about all of these libraries below.

I would like to thank the Library Board of Trustees, Board of Commissioners, County Manager, our library staff and volunteers for their support as we move forward. There is much to do.
All Libraries will be closed Monday, January 20, 2020 in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday.
Roswell Library Opens After Renovations
The Roswell Library is now open! On January 3rd, the Library System began the year with the much anticipated re-opening of the newly designed Roswell Library. The library grand opening ceremony kicked off with standing room only crowds, a special presentation of the Pledge of Allegiance by local Girl Scout troops and a performance of the National Anthem by local performer Marva Rodriguez.

Local officials in attendance including Fulton County Commission Chairman, Robb Pitts, Commissioner Bob Ellis, Commissioner Liz Hausmann, Roswell Mayor Lori Henry, various City Councilmembers, Library Board of Trustees members and more.

Library volunteers provided tours of the new space to patrons and guests were also able to tour the library's new "Innovation Station" outreach vehicles during the event. The library is now open during regular operating hours. Click here for hours and programs.
Gayle Holloman Named Library Executive Director
During their meeting on Wednesday, January 8th, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the appointment of Gayle Hunter Holloman as Executive Director of the Fulton County Library System.

Holloman has served with the Fulton County Library System since 1994. She brings to her new role extensive knowledge of both the library system and the communities it serves. She began her library career as a Library Associate, and has worked in many roles within the library system including Librarian, Children’s Librarian, Young Adult Librarian, Branch Manager, Reference and Adult Services Department Manager, Central Library Administrator, and Branch Group Manager/Youth Services Coordinator.  
Most recently she served as the Library Division Manager, with responsibility for the daily operations of the 34 library branches. 
Holloman has been an integral part of the Library Capital Plan, which is scheduled to come to full fruition in 2020 with the re-opening of Central Library and the completion of all remaining library renovation projects. 

“Gayle is an outstanding public servant whose knowledge of our library system is unmatched,” said County Manager Dick Anderson. “We are grateful for her passion for libraries and for her commitment to serving Fulton County communities.”
“I am immensely appreciative of the confidence placed in me by my appointment,” said Holloman. “This continues to be an exciting time for the Library System. There is a lot of work ahead of us. However, we have a great and hardworking staff. The momentum is in place; and offering excellent customer service is our top priority.”

Before joining the Library System, Holloman worked at the Architecture Library of the Georgia Institute of Technology and at the DeKalb County Public Library. 

Holloman is an Atlanta native who earned a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Georgia State University and a Master of Library and Information Studies degree from Clark Atlanta University. She and her husband have one son.  
Thank You To Our 2019 #givingtuesday Donors
Thanks to everyone who participated in the 2019 #givingtuesday campaign, the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation raised over $3,000 to support library programs and services.

To support the library foundation, visit www.afplf.org to make your gift today!
2019 New Books Newsletter Winners
The Library System's "New Books" newsletter is one of many ways library patrons can learn about great new titles, highlights about specific genres and even WIN special prizes each month!

In 2019, the New Books newsletter awarded new books to the following lucky patrons! Sign up today and enter to win one of many prizes in store for 2020.

Congratulations to our 2019 winners:

Georgeanne Gray
Kristy Gillmann
Gaylen Baxter
Elizabeth Groseth
Colleen Dondero
Haley Bovard
Molly Dowd
Andrew Brown
Jackie Campbell
Eliott Lewis
Kathie
Dana Mee
Shannon Simpson
Jeannie Lightsey
Christine Moctezuma
Karels, Lucy
Doreen Pettit
Patricia Fuqua Lovett
Jamillia Richmond
Jennifer Aqua
Yvette Stembridge
Elva Ratchford
Lynda Wier
Megan McHugh
Mary Craven
Sarah Buehrle
Gerald Buttelwerth
Joan Rummel
Libby Mandarino
Paula Roberts
Deanna Smith
Dana
Georgeanne
Karen Todd
Len Stark
Jenn Molner
Steven Vore
Emma Loniewski
C. Sheffield
Tara Thomas
Eric and Kristin Sharpe
Carolyn Caswell
Kimberlea Elliot
Andrea Hix
Steven Vore
Krista Patel
Click the graphic above to read more from our "Librarians Recommend Most Overlooked Titles of 2019" edition of New Books.
Join the Winter Reading Challenge
Beanstack Announces Penguin Random House U.S. Children’s Divisions to Sponsor 3rd Annual Beanstack Winter Reading Challenge

The Fulton County Library System will take part in this exciting program, encouraging all residents to register online and start their new year off with a resolultion to read! This year, a record number of over 1,500 schools and libraries are expected to participate, with reading to surpass last year’s collective goals of at least 5M minutes and 75,000 books during the month of January. Top-performing libraries and schools will earn “Golden Penguin” and “Golden House” awards. PRH has pledged to donate $50,000 in prizes, including author visits and new books, to be shared among the winners.

Participating libraries will use Beanstack , a web and mobile application, to track self-directed reading time and help build a culture of reading in school and at home. Beanstack is marking the 2020 Winter Reading Challenge with the release of its new Badge Book, an activity log and sticker book that motivates young readers while working hand-in-hand with the online portion of various national reading challenges.

For more information or to register today, visit https://fultoncounty.beanstack.org/ .
AARP Tax Preparation Sites for 2020
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The Fulton County Library System is, once again, hosting AARP Tax Preparation Sites in 2020 (for 2019 tax prep). Sites are open for a weekly schedule between 2/1/20 and 4/15/20 unless otherwise noted. ALL library locations are closed Monday, February 17, 2020.

Click here to download the schedule. Be sure to check the "Schedule Comments" for additional dates and information. YOU MUST BRING a copy of: 2018 federal/state tax return, all Tax Year 2019 tax documents, proof of medical insurance, a check with home address/name for direct deposit, a picture ID and a SS card for each person on the tax return.

Featured Library Renovation: College Park Library
The College Park Library re-opened to the public Thursday, December 12, 2019 to the public after a remarkable renovation project! The new look was unveiled to a crowd of neighborhood supporters, local and county officials and included activities for patrons of all ages! In addition to the renovated library, the new Innovation Station outreach vehicles were also unveiled during the Check out the beautiful new building in the images below or stop by and see for yourself. You will love the new open layout, new finishes, study rooms and more.
The renovated library includes self check-out machines, lowered shelving, for better visibility across the branch and more book display areas.
Open layouts and more natural light make the branch easier to navigate while providing better security for branch staff with increased visibility across the main floor.
New technology, including new computers for patrons, are among the many technology upgrades at the renovated Fairburn Library.
Work and reading stations throughout the branch like these allow patrons to enjoy some natural light while reading, studying, checking email or just relaxing.
Electronic Resources: Homework Help & Tutoring
Need homework help? The Library System has resources for students of all ages! All free with a library card. From tutor.com to Infobase, there is a resource for all your school needs.

Whether you need help with homework or you need help researching a school project, the Digital Library has a resource to get you on your way.

Upcoming Library Events (January 17 - January 29)
Foreign Film at the Alpharetta Library
Thursday, Jan. 23 at 5:30 pm 

10 Park Plaza
Alpharetta, GA 30009

The film Amores Perros will be shown with English subtitles. This film is rated R. People under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Contact Carolyn.Bean@fultoncountyga.gov for more information.


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A Good Day to Be Black & Sexy
Community Dialogue and Discussion|Heritage and Education Center  
Thursday, January 22. 6 pm

101 Auburn Avenue NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
                                           
This event is free and open to the public.
Chinese New Year Story Time and Crafts
Monday, January 27. 10:30 am

3647 Main St
College Park, GA 30337

Join us as we listen to stories and make crafts about Chinese New Year. Ages 4 and up. Reservations required. 25 participants maximum.
Floral Arranging: Ikebana Class for Beginners
Wednesday, Jan 29, 11 am

2301 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Roswell, GA 30076

Ikebana is the art of beautifully arranging cut stems, leaves and flowers that evolved in Japan over 700 years. All materials will be provided by instructor. Sponsored by Friends of East Roswell Library, Inc. Adult. Registration is required.

Personal Finance for the Millennials: Break Free How to Achieve Time and Money Freedom
Thursday, January 23, 6 pm

4055 Flat Shoals Road
Union City, GA 30291

What happens when you fall into money like it’s a hole in the ground? Millennials join the discussion get ready for your future. Registration is required. 


AstroKids and Milton Astronomy Club
Saturday, January  25, 2 pm and 3:15 pm

855 Mayfield Road
Milton, GA 30009

Join Mr. Jeff or Mr. Phil as they lead us on a journey through the stars in his exploration of the universe. AstroKids ages 8+ with parent. AstroKids at 2:00 p.m., Astronomy Club at 3:15 p.m.