SHARE:  
NEW THIS WEEK
Featured Highlights
  • Libraries NOW FULLY OPEN for In-Person Browsing and Computer Use
  • Central Author Talks: Ann Shin, Thursday, July 22 at 7:00 pm
  • Camp Paper Offers Free Virtual Classes
  • Long Live the Revolution(s) with Digital Library Resources
  • Join our Book Clubs
  • Daily Digital Programs for All Ages
The year was 1776. That will soon be 245 years ago! The Declaration of Independence was signed by men who could not have known that document’s far-reaching impact on America. It has stood through the years and serves to inform our democracy.
Libraries are a lot like that document, in that they continue to stand the test of time; have great impact; and serve to inform our needs as support centers for learning, literacy, and leisure reading.

As we ready ourselves to continue emerging from the lockdown mode of the COVID-19 pandemic, let this weekend and July 4th serve to guide you to new ideas; creative and innovative endeavors; and an even greater commitment to using libraries.

Most of you never ceased to use the libraries during the pandemic. You embraced virtual programming at all age levels; made use of the curbside service and allowed us to find new ways to stay in touch with you. The libraries have reopened and we appreciate your kind words about the renovated interiors; enhanced services and technology. The staff of the Fulton County Library System (FulcoLibrary) is excited to be back in full form.
LIBRARY REOPENS FOR IN-PERSON SERVICES MONDAY - SATURDAY
The Fulton County Library System recently reopened all 32 branch libraries, as well as the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History on Tuesday, June 1st. 

During the second phase of the Library’s reopening plan, all 32 branch libraries, as well as the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American History and Culture opened for full-time in-person services, Mondays and Tuesdays from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Wednesdays - Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. 

Now entering the third and final phase of the reopening plan, the library will phase in the following services on July 1st: 
  • Meeting, conference and study rooms will now be open and available for use.
  • In accordance with CDC guidelines, people who are unvaccinated or not yet fully vaccinated are asked to wear masks in Fulton County facilities. People who are fully vaccinated (two weeks after the final dose of vaccine), may opt not to wear a mask in facilities.
  • In-branch programming will resume at all library branches.
  • In-branch use of tables/chairs or lounge areas will resume.
  • Self-serve options will remain in place and are recommended for in-branch services like self-checkout machines for paying fines and fees.

For information on the Library’s reopening plans, visit www.fulcolibrary.org/reopening or contact our Ask-A-Librarian services at www.fulcolibrary.org/ask.
Camp Paper offers free virtual classes to keep younger students engaged in a fun, low-pressure learning environment while giving families the flexibility to select individual classes that fit within their summer schedules. Running from July 6 to August 13, this virtual program offers classes across several categories, including art, movement, math, science, cooking, language, and more. Classes are best suited for ages 4 to 12, and each class is scheduled for 30 minutes.
As capacity is limited for many live classes, every week registration for the following week will open on Friday, 3 pm PT/ 6 pm ET. Families will have the option to register for up to three live Zoom classes per week.
The Fourth may have just passed, but July is known as the month of revolution for a reason! Besides our own Independence day, July is known for over two dozen official independence or revolutionary holidays across the globe. You may have heard that July fourteenth is Bastille Day in Francewhich celebrates a turning point in the French Revolution, but did you know the fifth of July was Independence day for Algeria, who officially broke away from French rule on this day in 1962? Closer to home, both Venezuela and Cape Verde celebrate on the fifth as well, with the South American country breaking away from the Spanish Empire in 1811, and the Atlantic island nation declaring itself free of Portugal's rule in 1975. You can read all about these, and other Independence Days in our online history resources, or check out a book from our Overdrive collection Long Live the Revolution(s)!

Would you rather watch than read about historical revolutions? Check out the historical news reels on Access Video to watch the citizens of Hungary pull back the Iron Curtain in 1956 or the people of Libya overthrow Muammar Gaddafi’s regime in the Arab Spring of 2011Kanopy offers great contemporary global content as well, including the award-winning African Independence documentary series and lectures from The Great Courses like Independent India and Independent Bangladesh. Or get a more general explanation for all these holidays by attending the lectures for Professor Donald J. Harreld's course Colonialism and the Independence Movement.

No matter whose Independence Day it is, from Burundi (July 1, from Belgium in 1962) to Vanuatu (July 30, from the UK and France in 1980) you can download or stream all the history you'd like with your Fulton County Library System card.
ONLINE BOOK CLUB
A new book club selection is now under way with our Online Book Club! The book selection for May 2021 - July 2021 is The Leavers by Lisa Ko. 

Please take a moment to join the Online Book Club, it's not too late to jump into The Leavers and join the conversation. We look forward to exploring The Leavers. 

If you have not been able to join us before now, please take a moment now to sign up for the Online Book Club.
JOIN OUR ZOOM BOOK CLUBS
STAFF REVIEWS
Fulton County Library System