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A Message from the Director
Gayle Holloman
Hello everyone. Let me take this time to thank all of the patrons of the Fulton County Library System (FCLS). Thank you!

You have maintained patience with the Library during its closure. You are anticipating the start of our curbside pickup of holds which will begin on July 1st. Please know Library employees agree with you that it is not enough.

Please know that, on a daily basis, we are working toward ways to bring back libraries to you in traditional ways. You want to come inside and sit with a magazine, browse the shelves, use computers, talk with staff, attend programs, use meeting spaces, and greet each other.  We believe all of those things will be a part of the many services offered at the Library again. However, for the safety us all of us, we will have to make that happen using a phased in process.

Please stay tuned to the website for updates on all changes, additions, and modifications to services. We appreciate that you have used the Library’s virtual resources in increased ways. Virtually, you are attending streaming storytime programs for children and adults, book clubs for teens and adults, cooking programs, read aloud programs, and you use the libraries e-resources to check out e-books, audiobooks, and to stream movies and music. You utilize the many databases for your information, research, and educational needs. Upgrades and additions will be made to the online services as we move forward.

On another note, please know that the FCLS will always strive to present diversity across the spectrum. We align ourselves with the American Library Association in its “unequivocal stand against racism” and we stand against all forms of discrimination. Also, we embrace and applaud the Fulton County Board of Commissioners’ stand against Hate Crimes and Racism and its commitment to diversity. The Library Board of Trustees and the Library Foundation continue to stand committed to our libraries and to all the communities we serve.

There is a statement that echoes in my mind, spoken by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr: “In a real sense, all life is inter-related. All men are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” Whether the response to those things that affect us will lead to protests in the streets, discourse in the media, or books that express a myriad of opinions, there are links to how it all affects human beings.

All of us want to get through the COVID-19 pandemic. We want to find better avenues toward kindness and understanding of all people. We understand the rights stated in the United States Constitution regarding free speech, the right to peaceful assembly, and laws, be they local, state or federal. The Library stands with the Pledge of Allegiance in its ideal of “liberty and justice for all.” The “for all” is what has been challenged; and is what poses the greatest opportunity for each and every one of us to examine ourselves.

We challenge you to “Imagine Your Story.”  It is the theme of the 2020 Summer Reading Program. We each, in a real sense, get to write our own story, on paper, or mentally. It is composed based on what we hold true about, and for ourselves. The good thing is that we can always edit it.

Have a great summer!

Gayle
We Want To Hear From You!
The Fulton County Library System wants to hear from patrons about our digital resources! Please take a moment to complete this survey and tell us how you use our digital services, which new services you would like to see and any other input you'd like to share! We are looking forward to continuing to grow all the services offered through our digital library. We need your input to make this happen!

Curbside Services Begin July 1st
Curbside services begin Wednesday, July 1st and include curbside pickup and walk-up pickup of items on hold and book returns.

Don't know how to place a hold? Watch this quick video and start placing your holds today!

More information is available on our website.

Click here for details.
Summer Reading Program - June 29-July 5
Celebrate Summer Reading with the library! Simply click on the image below and print your schedule for some exciting activities! You can also use this week's schedule as a coloring sheet.
Virtual Programming at the Library - June 29-July 5
Join us this week, June 29 - July 5, 2020 for Virtual Programs with library staff! Click here to download and print this week's schedule at home.

Also, check out this week's Summer Reading Programs. We have some exciting readers and programs lined up for our summer readers! Click here to download and print this week's Summer Reading schedule at home.

Each week, we'll send out a new lineup of programming for all ages.
Streaming Storytime - Monday - Friday
Join the Fulton County Library System for Live Streaming Storytime, Monday - Friday at 11 a.m. with special guest readers throughout the summer to help the us celebrate our Summer Reading Program , "Imagine Your Story!"

Download the Summer Reading Virtual Program Schedule each week to join in the fun!
KITCHEN CHEMISTRY - MONDAYS
Kids' Kitchen: Coconut Popsicles and Berry Patriotic Salad with Jyothi D'Souza, Karin Collins, and Melissa Jurgens
Join us for fun summertime treats you can make on the 4th of July or at anytime! We'll show you how to make refreshing coconut popsicles and a delicious fruit salad with strawberries, bananas, and blueberries.

Watch on Facebook Live at 2 p.m.
Adults Eats and Treats: Tomato Egg Drop Noodle Soup with Joanne Sun
Join us as Alpharetta staff member, Joanne Sun, shares one of her family's all-time favorite recipes with us: Tomato Egg Drop Noodle Soup. 

Watch on Facebook Live at 5 p.m.
FITNESS TUESDAYS
Fitness: Yin Yoga, Part 2

Slow down with a brief demonstration of Yin Yoga poses to encourage calm and work the deep tissues of the ligaments, joints, and deep fascial networks.

LANGUAGE LAB
Join Fulton County Librarian Roger Chesley on Tuesday, June 30th at 2 p.m. for Language Lab! Learn to read and write Japanese Hiragana today!

This is a Facebook program.
MAKER WEDNESDAYS - DIY/CRAFTS
Patriotic Bunting with Vicky Lajesse

Make fun craft decorations to celebrate the Fourth of July!

Watch on Facebook Live at 2 p.m.
Hobbyworks: DIY Wood Coasters with Krysta Price

Learn how to make wood coasters that are easy and inexpensive.  

Watch on Facebook Live at 5 p.m.
THURSDAYS - BOOK BREAK
Join Adult Librarians and Library Staff as they
read special excerpts from some of their
favorite titles on Facebook Live each Thursday at 4 p.m.

This week, join us for a special excerpt reading of 'Who Moved My Cheese?' A Parable by Spencer Johnson, MD.

This is a Facebook Live event.
Thursdays - Imagination Station
Join Youth Services Librarian, Ms. Adrienne as she reads "The Princess and the Pea" by Hans Christian Anderson to Elementary aged children.

This is a Facebook Live event and takes place Thursdays at 2 p.m.
Fridays - All Booked Up - Book Time for Teens
Join your favorite Fulton County Librarians for Teen Book Reviews and more, Fridays at 3 p.m. on Instagram Live. Follow us @fulcolibrary .

Do you love YA Lit? Join Youth Services Librarian Erin, as she dives into Gmorning, Gnight!: Little Pep Talks for Me & You by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

This is an Instagram program.
Fridays - Book Stream for Tweens
Join us for FAN ART Fridays for Tweens. Watch on the Library's YouTube channel. Don't forget to like and subscribe while you're there! This program will also take place Saturday and Sunday, July 3 and July 4.

Today we are sharing YOUR artwork as a part
of Fan Art Friday! Keep them coming! Send

Join us every weekend, Friday, Saturday and
Sunday on YouTube for some hot summer
reads with your librarian friends.
Join the Library for Zoom Book Clubs
Do you miss the lively discussion and gathering time of your library book club? We have some great Zoom book clubs taking place with Librarians throughout the Library System.

Email one of the staff members below to register and join any of our Zoom Book Clubs! You will be emailed a link to join before the meeting. Remember, you must pre-register to participate.
This Week at Auburn Avenue Research Library
This Fourth of July is Yours, not Mine.
Understanding Frederick Douglass’
“The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro”
Public Lecture by Dr. Grace D. Gipson
 
Tuesday, June 30. 7:00 p.m.
In collaboration with Georgia State University’s Department of African-American Studies, the Auburn Avenue Research Library (AARL) will host Dr. Grace D. Gipson, who will present This Fourth of July is Yours, not Mine? Understanding Frederick Douglass’ “The Meaning of July Fourth for the Negro”.

In the shadow of America’s most revered holiday, Independence Day (2020), Dr. Gipson will discuss the historical significance and contemporary relevance of Douglass' July 5, 1852 speech, commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Dr. Gipson will use Douglass' biting oratory as a lens to examine the ongoing structural underpinnings of systemic anti-black violence that continues to thwart freedom for Blacks in the United States. Dr. Grace D. Gipson is an Assistant Professor in the African American Studies Department at Virginia Commonwealth University.

Register in advance for at https://tinyurl.com/y6uawx2g  
'Public Health Racial Disparities in American Jails and Prisons: Covid-19’s impact on the Black Community' - Community Discussion

Friday, July 03. 7:00 p.m.
In collaboration with Georgia State University’s Department of African-American Studies and the National Council of Black Studies, the Auburn Avenue Research Library (AARL) will present Public Health Racial Disparities in American Jails and Prisons: Covid-19’s impact on the Black Community. This discussion moderated by Dr. Maurice Hobson, Georgia State University; includes panelists Dr. Christina Rivers, DePaul University; Tawana Morgan, Attorney, Ma’at Law Firm; Jihad Uhuru, Georgia State University Instructor (Perimeter Campus); and Janie Francis Asante, Forever Family.

Register in advance at   https://tinyurl.com/yd2kfu88  
Librarian Book Reviews for Youth and Adults
Are you interested in Reading Recommendations from our Librarians? You can learn about two featured books each week, one for youth and one for adults. Click on each of the images below to see a full review for each of these wonderful stories.