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NEW THIS WEEK
Featured Highlights
  • Libraries NOW FULLY OPEN for In-Person Browsing and Computer Use
  • All Libraries are closed July 5th In Observation of the July 4th Holiday
  • Central Author Talks: Ann Shin, Thursday, July 22 at 7:00 pm
  • Celebrate 245 Years of Independence with Digital Library Resources
  • Join our Book Clubs
  • Libraries Celebrate Reopening with Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
  • 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.
LIBRARIES CELEBRATE REOPENING WITH RIBBON CUTTING EVENTS
This week, FulcoLibrary hosted ribbon-cutting ceremonies throughout the County to celebrate the reopening of several libraries that completed renovations during the last year, including Ocee Library, Northeast Spruill Oaks Library, East Atlanta Library and the new Hapeville Library.

County Commissioners, local Mayors and City Officials gathered with County leadership and the designers and builders behind each project to commemorate the huge accomplishment.  
Want more than Fourth of July crafts to occupy you over the coming holiday? Why not celebrate 245 years of American independence by flexing your freedom of speech?

Check out our Issues & Controversies platform from Infobase, which offers an introduction, background, arguments, chronologies, and discussion questions all backed up by authoritative bibliographies for all your debates! Use Independence Day as an excuse to explore this platform, which not only informs arguments, but offers help with analyzing sources, presenting your research, and even offers templates for staging your own Town Hall.


In tabs across the top of each entry on present-day controversies you can find primary sources, media, infographics, editorials, and links to Reuters news articles to support your take on the debate. Issues and Controversies also offers keywords to help you search other platforms (like GALILEO), correctly formatted citations for cut-and-paste homework help, and a link to the state and national academic standards that can be met by studying any issue. Whenever you need to know more about our country's past or present, remember that Issues and Controversies is a great place to start gathering well-researched information.

ONLINE BOOK CLUB
A new book club selection is now under way with our Online Book Club! The book selection for May 2021 - June 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.
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