Holiday Hours And Events!

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System will be closed next Monday and Tuesday, December 24-25 for the Christmas Holiday. All branches will reopen as regularly scheduled on December 26. In the meantime, why not come celebrate the season at your local library branch! We have lots of ways for our patrons to have fun and de-stress during what can sometimes be a chaotic time of year. Why not check out a few holiday-themed books, CDs, or DVDs to enjoy fireside? Or find a fun craft program or seasonal storytime to attend? Already looking towards your New Year's resolutions? Why not let the library help you get healthy in 2013? Or maybe you want to make one of your resolutions to better familiarize yourself with all of the electronic resources your Library System has to offer. Need to test out that new eReader you got from Santa? Don't spend a lot of money purchasing downloads when you can visit our collection of downloadable eBooks and eAudiobooks and get started for free!

With so many ways to make the library a part of your holiday traditions, we're sure we have something here for everyone. We look forward to seeing all of our patrons throughout the rest of the year, and we wish everyone a very happy, safe, and joyous holiday season!

Holiday Tips From The Library

'Tis the season for all things holiday! From decoration ideas to party recipes, you're sure to find a book to help you through the season at your library. Come browse the stacks and get inspired! Here's some suggestions to get you started, but you can always check the catalog for many more titles:

Holiday Theme Parties: Entertaining Ideas, Decorations & Recipes For Nine Unique Parties
     Creative Publishing International

The Essential Book of Jewish Festival Cooking: 200 Seasonal Holiday Recipes and Their Traditions
     Phyllis Glazer

Upcycling Celebrations: A Use-What-You-Have Guide to Decorating, Gift-giving & Entertaining
     Danny Seo

Celebrating Home: Decorating For the Holidays and Seasons
     Seasons of Cannon Falls

Kwanza Crafts: Gifts and Decorations for a Meaningful and Festive Celebration
     Marcia Odle McNair

And don't forget to check out a few holiday movies or CDs while you're here! You can find most of the classics and other favorites in our system, so if your branch doesn't have what you're looking for, place a hold and you'll get it soon!

December Art And Author Programs

December is almost upon us! 'Tis the season for all kinds of holiday activities, parties and events. And what better time to take advantage of all of the wonderful free programs your library system will be hosting throughout the month? Our line up of art and author programs cover all kinds of topics so you're sure to find something of interest for you and your family. Artist talks, concerts, puppet shows, book clubs, craft nights and much, much more! Check the link for the full list of programs and locations.

And while you're visiting your local library, why not pick up a few books, movies or CDs to take home and snuggle up with as the weather gets colder outside. Check the catalog before you come so you know just what's available. We look forward to seeing you here!
 

National Book Awards

The 2012 National Book Award winners have been announced! This prestigious award, established in 1950 and supported by the National Book Foundation, is an American literary prize given to writers by writers. The four award categories are Fiction, Nonfiction, Poetry and Young People's Literature. Each year a panel of 20 distinguished authors, including several from each of the four categories, are selected to judge the nominated titles published by American authors in the current year. Writers such as William Faulkner, Flannery O'Conner, Phillip Roth and Ralph Ellison have all won this prize.

Three of this year's winners can be found in the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System, so be sure and check the catalog now to place a hold on your copy!

Young People's Literature:
William Alexander, Goblin Secrets
       Poetry:
David Ferry, Bewilderment: New Poems and Translations
Nonfiction:
Katherine Boo, Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity
 
Fiction:
Louise Erdrich, The Round House

For a complete list of the nominated authors, most of which can also be found in the library's catalog, and more information about the award, including video of the ceremony, visit the National Book Foundation's website.

Cookbooks For Fall

It's that time of year again! Fall is finally upon us, and with that first breath of cooler air many of us start to crave those warm comfort foods that go hand-in-hand with the season. Soups, stews, chili and the like are all starting to sound pretty good now that it's no longer over 100 degrees every day! So why not get a head start on filling up your recipe box this fall by checking out some wonderful cookbooks from your local library branch? Here's a few suggestions, just to get your mouth watering:

Soups and Stews by Marie Simmons

Ready When You Are : A Compendium of Comforting One-Dish Meals by Martha Rose Shulman

Vegan Soups and Hearty Stews For All Seasons by Nava Atlas

Weight Watchers One Pot Cookbook by Weight Watchers International

50 Chowders : One-Pot Meals : Clam, Corn & Beyond by Jasper White

The Big Book of Soups & Stews : 262 Recipes For Serious Comfort Food by Maryana Vollstedt

As always, you can check the catalog for these and many other gourmet (and not so gourmet!) cookbooks. Enjoy and happy cooking!

Halloween At The Library!

It's that time of year again when ghosts, ghouls and goblins come out to play! Halloween is almost upon us so if you haven't picked out your costume yet, you better get to it. Need some inspiration? Why not check out some of the many books and ebooks available at your library? The titles below should get you started, but there are many, many more. You can search the catalog, or call your local branch for help. And if you're looking for some fun (and free!) family activities with a Halloween theme, check out all of the programs and events taking place in our system. There's sure to be something for everyone, and we hope to see you there!


Extreme Halloween: The Ultimate Guide to Making Halloween Scary Again
     by Tom Nardone

Cake Decorating With the Kids: Halloween [eBook] by Jill Collins

The Halloween Handbook: 447 Costumes by Bridie Clark

Spooky Crafts by Helen Skillicorn

Dog Trick or Cat Treat: Pets Dress Up For Halloween by Archie Klondike

Halloween: A Grown-Up's Guide to Creative Costumes, Devilish Decor, and Fabulous Festivities
     by Joanne O'Sullivan

Paper Crafts for Halloween by Randel McGee



October Is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Although National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) is celebrated in October, NBCAM.org is dedicated to raising awareness and educating individuals about breast cancer throughout the year. Through a collaboration of national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies working together to promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and provide greater access to services, NBCAM strives to remain at the forefront of promoting awareness of breast cancer issues. Visit their webpage to see a full list of all of the organizations that work together for this very important cause.

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System also wants to recognize the importance of this issue and raise awareness during this month. Join us on October 17, 11:00 a.m. at the Central Library for a discussion with Debra DeWitt, Nursing Supervisor, with the Fulton County Women’s Health Program. Ms. DeWitt will discuss how under insured and uninsured residents of Fulton County can have access to free breast exams, mammograms, and follow-up visits.

For more information you can also visit Fulton County's Health and Wellness section of their website here.

Atlanta Celebrates Photography

Two photography groups will be celebrating photography with a show honoring the late photographer, Denise Gray. In conjunction with Atlanta’s annual event, “Atlanta Celebrates Photography, “Sistagraphy,” the international recognized group of African American women photographers, and Zone III Photographic Workshop, will hold an exhibit entitled, “Convergence.” This collection of works will be on display from September 24 through October 27 at the Atlanta- Fulton Public Library System's Central Library, located at One Margaret Mitchell Square in downtown Atlanta. An opening reception will be held on Oct. 7, from 2:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. in the lower level alcove. This event will be catered and is free and open to the public.

“Convergence” is a coming together of two photographic groups in honor of their late friend and member, professional photographer, Denise Gray, who died recently of complications from a blood clot. The exhibit is dedicated to Ms. Gray, who was well-known in the city of Atlanta. “Convergence” will be a showing of the groups’ very best work, as they salute Ms. Gray.

 For more information, please call the Central Library at (404)730-1700 or Barbara Bishop at
(404)228-0815.

Voter Registration Deadline October 9, 2012

Per the Georgia Secretary of State's website, the last day to register to vote in this year's general election, to be held on November 6, 2012, will be Tuesday, October 9, 2012. Voter registration applications can be obtained from any of the branches of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System. Applications are postage-paid so, once filled out, patrons can simply drop them in the mail. Or, if you're getting a library card for the first time, or renewing a card that has expired, applications can be filled out on site and mailed for you by library staff. Just be sure and ask for an application so you don't miss out on your opportunity to be a part of the democratic process!

Also note that advanced (in person) voting for the general election will begin on October 15, 2012. Several of our library branches will be used as polling places, beginning on this date. Not sure where you are supposed to vote? Check out the My Voter Page on the Secretary of State's website. Here you can find all the information you need about:
             

Voter registration status

Mail-In application and ballot status              

Poll Location

Early Voting Locations

Elected Officials

Registration information on file with the county office

Sample ballot for the upcoming election

Walk For Literacy!

Did you know that 900,000 adults in the metro area lack basic literacy skills? This includes  both native and non-native speakers of English. It's a frightening statistic, but the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System and the Literacy Alliance of Metro Atlanta (LAMA) are working to change it. LAMA is a practical and innovative coalition that seeks to achieve 100% literacy among metro Atlanta's adults and families. By increasing public awareness about low-literacy being one of the root causes of poverty, un- and under-employment, homelessness, and poor health outcomes, LAMA hopes to see real change in Atlanta's citizens. They also provide a gateway to our member organizations as they focus to expand literacy programming in the Metropolitan Atlanta Area.

Please support AFPLS's participation in the second annual Literacy Run/Walk to be held on September 29 at 8:00 AM on the Decatur square. The fee is $20 but you don’t have to attend to show your support! Register here today and be sure to choose Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System as the recipient of your funds. All proceeds for AFPLS will go directly to our award-winning GED testing program. But hurry, the deadline to register is Friday, September 28!

P.S. It’s a fun event, a fun walk and Rocky the Reading Raccoon will be there to cheer you on!

September Is Library Card Sign-up Month

September is Library Card Sign-up Month! If you don't already have a library card with the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System, then it is certainly about time you got one! Library Card Sign-up Month is a time when libraries across the country remind parents and guardians that a library card is the most important school supply of all. Thousands of public and school libraries join together each fall in a national effort to ensure every child signs up for their own library card. A library card is also an excellent tool for adult continuing education and recreation. If you already have a card, now is a good time to make sure all of your personal information (address, phone number, email) is still correct and current in our system. Encourage your friends and family to get their own cards to discover all of the wonderful resources their library has to offer them, for free! For more information on how to sign up for a library card, visit our website.

Top 10 Reasons A Library Card Is The Smartest Card In Your Wallet:

1. Download ebooks and audiobooks anywhere you are.
2. 24/7 access to online databases for homework help, test prep, research, and career building.
3. Use your local branch as a WiFi hotspot or use one of our public computers.
4. Attend programs like toddler storytimes, yoga classes, health seminars, or celebrity book-signings.
5. Reserve and enjoy thousands of books, CDs, DVDs, and BluRays.
6. Check your investments, search your family tree, or update your resume all from one location.
7. Register for GED preparation classes, take the test, and pass!
8. Check out the Zoo Pass, Georgia State Parks Pass, Go Fish! Pass, or the Kill-A-Watt monitor.
9. Reserve a meeting room for your book club, nonprofit group, or for quiet study time.
10. Get help from the ultimate search engine - a librarian.

Back To School Homework Help!

The school year has officially begun here in Fulton County and the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System is here to lend support to all our students, parents, and teachers! Not only do we have a variety of books on all subjects and for all ages, but we also offer excellent online databases covering everything from literary criticism to algebraic equations.

In particular, Tutor.com is a great resource for students of all ages who need help in any subject. By accessing Tutor.com through the library's eCampus resources, you can have live one-to-one help every day, 24/7! Quickly and easily create your free account using an email address and password to connect with a certified tutor using live chat. You can ask questions about an assignment, get help solving problems, or have essays and papers proofread, reviewed, and critiqued. Tutor.com's Skills Center also provides access to thousands of worksheets, lessons, standardized test preparation study guides, videos, even career resources, all available to our patrons for free!

For more information about our eCampus resources, contact Juree Hall, eCampus Coordinator, at
juree.hall@fultoncountyga.gov. We hope all of our patrons can benefit from these wonderful learning tools!

YALSA Top Ten Critique Group

Hey teens, do you have an interest in the publishing industry or would you like to help the publishing industry release titles that are of real interest to you? If so this is the group for you! The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) is a national association of librarians, library workers and other advocates dedicated to strengthening library services for teens age 12-18. Through their research and advocacy, YALSA helps libraries and librarians engage, serve and empower this important demographic.  Now through this elite program (one of only 16 in the country!) teens here in Fulton County can have a real say over what types of things are being published for their age group. All teens are welcome on Sundays at 2:00 p.m. at the Northeast/Spruill Oaks Branch to preview as yet unpublished titles to select which ones they'd like to read and review. The best reviewed titles are sent to publishers to help them identify which upcoming titles will be the most popular. Check the link for more information and we look forward to hearing the opinions of our teens!

This is also a great time for teens (and adults who love YA fiction!) to vote for YALSA's Top Ten favorite books from the past year. Voting is open now through September 15 and the Top Ten List will be revealed during Teen Read Week, October 14-20, 2012. Here are this year's nominated titles, and here is where you cast your vote!

An Evening With Debbie Macomber

Join the Margaret Mitchell House for an evening with Debbie Macomber on August 20^th as she discusses The Inn at Rose Harbor, the first book in a new series.  Based in the Pacific Northwest town of Cedar Cove, Macomber’s cast of characters finds love, forgiveness, and renewal behind the doors of Rose Harbor Inn. For more information on this lecture, visit the Margaret Mitchell House website or call them at 404.249.7015.

You can also enter to win two tickets to the lecture and a signed copy of The Inn at Rose Harbor! Go here to register: http://bit.ly/oyqsm7. Enter contest code: LIBRARY.

And there's still time to visit your library and pick up a copy of one of Debbie Macomber's many other titles. Check the catalog with an author search and see what your local library has available!

GED Classes and Testing

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System is proud to offer our patrons our successful GED program at the Central Library. Study classes, taught by Atlanta Public Schools, meet every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings and accept new students on the second Tuesday of every month. A valid state ID is needed for placement into these classes and reservations are required, so please be sure and call ahead (404.802.3560 ) for more information. You can also visit the website for meeting times, testing dates, and other library locations where the test is administered.

And we also invite our patrons to check out all of our GED materials located in every branch throughout the system. For study guides, helpful videos and more visit the library catalog or your local librarian to find exactly what you need to help boost your test-taking skills. You can also use our online databases found in our A-Z Database List, such as LearnATest, for online practice tests, ebooks, and study help. This database will even time and score you, then follow up with correct answers to anything you may have missed.

For further information about our GED classes and testing, call the GED Information Line at 404.730.1837. For testing information you may also contact Rick Wright, GED Chief Examiner at 404.730.1733. We know that these resources will continue to help more of our patrons achieve their goals!

Career Resources At Your Library

If you or someone you know is currently seeking employment, help starting a small business, or simply trying to update and polish an old resume then the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System is a great place to start! We have a variety of resources available both online and in print in all of our branches. Our Job Resources link from our homepage offers links to AFPLS databases, such as Career Transitions, and also to state resources like the Georgia Career Information Center and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are also links to resume building websites in this section, as well as a link to our eCampus Resources that include this type of information.

In the Entrepreneur section you will find links to things like the Georgia Secretary of State's Office and the Small Business Administration. You will also find links to funding and grant organizations, tutorials on business ownership and marketing, as well as articles and advice for the first-time business owner.

Company information can also be found on this page by using the links to some of our business databases located in our A-Z Database List, such as Reference USA, BusinessWise (in-library use only) and Standard and Poor's NetAdvantage. Browse through Georgia specific company resources as well as general business information. You can also find information on facing foreclosure, bankruptcy, and finding financial assistance in Georgia.

And, as always, you can check the library's catalog for books, audiobooks and DVDs on the subject of career preparation and business start-up. We hope all of these free resources will help our patrons better themselves, our city, and our state!

There's Still Time For Summer Reading!

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System will continue to sign up children, teens and adults for our Dream Big, READ! summer reading program through August 1, so if you haven't registered yet, there's still time! There are still plenty of programs left to attend at all of our branches, including visits by the ZooMobile, storytimes and more. And you don't want to miss out this year as registered readers who complete the program will be entered into prize drawings for small prizes, gift cards, coupons, even a Kindle Fire!

Visit your local branch to join in the fun, or sign up for the adult program online through the link above. Be sure and check our Events Calendar often to see what kinds of programs are being offered throughout the rest of the summer at a library location near you, then in bring the family for some fun and free entertainment!

Catch A Story With Kuumba 7/14!

In partnership with the NBAF (National Black Arts Festival,) the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System is bringing a special storytelling event to many of our branches around the county! Kuumba storytellers bring the joy of reading to children through a series of folktales. All of the library branches that are hosting this event will have the programs at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 14. These are sure to be great programs for the whole family (not to mention a great way to spend the afternoon out of the heat!) so mark your calendars and come on out. Follow the link for a list of all branches that will be participating in this event, and feel free to contact the branch you plan to visit for more information about the program. We are looking forward to a great turnout and some fun stories!

A Taste Of Summer

The temperature outside has officially confirmed summer's arrival! For a lot of us this time of year is a perfect opportunity to gather the family every weekend around the grill or barbeque, relax in the shade and eat some delicious meals. Why not let the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System provide you with some summer culinary inspiration! We have a host of new cookbooks that are sure to titillate every palate. Check the catalog for these and other titles, put on your apron, grab your tongs and get cooking!

Also check out this story on our Facebook page from USA Today. Some great cookbook reviews, many of which we have in our system!

Martha's American food : A Celebration of Our Nation's Most Treasured Dishes, From Coast to Coast by Martha Stewart

Pure Beef : An Essential Guide To Artisan Meat With Recipes For Every Cut by Lynne Curry

Vegetarian : A delicious Celebration of Fresh Ingredients by Alice Hart

Cindy's Supper Club : Meals From Around the World to Share With Family and Friends

     by Cindy Pawlcyn

Weber's Smoke : A Guide to Smoke Cooking for Everyone and Any Grill by Jamie Purviance

The Book of Burger by Rachael Ray

  

    

Summer's Best Reads

Every summer book enthusiasts compile all sorts of summer reading lists to encourage people to read for enjoyment during these hot, sometimes lazy, months. This summer is no exception! National Public Radio has a slew of lists, reviewed and recommended for all types of readers. In their special 2012 Summer Books series you can find book lists spanning a variety of genres from romance to historical fiction or teen reads to flights of fancy. Or perhaps you have your own lists of books you'd like to finish before the summer is through. Regardless of where your list comes from or what titles it consists of, the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System  is here to support all of your reading goals! Search the catalog for titles on your list, then place holds on them to have them sent to your local branch, or visit the branch that may have one sitting on the shelf (just waiting for you!)

And there's still time to register for the library's Summer Reading Program. Fun for all ages we have programs for children, teens and adults! The summer fun will continue until August 1, so be sure and register, read and enter to win prizes! Grand prize winners will receive a new Kindle Fire to download and read all of their favorite eBooks checked out from the library, but you have to read to win!

Building For The Future

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System is engaged in a $275 million building program, funded by a library bond referendum approved by Fulton County voters in 2008. Progress is being made in the first phase of this initiative and we invite our patrons to follow our progress as new libraries are built and old ones renewed! The new libraries are scheduled to open in late 2013 and continuing into 2014. Upon completion of Phase I, 23 libraries currently in our system will be renovated and updated. For more information about the library building program and its timeline, visit our website.

And for more information on opportunities available with the library projects visit the Fulton County Department of Purchasing & Contract Compliance website here.

eCampus Summer Learning Series

Don't let your skills get rusty during the summer! You can use our suite of eCampus resources to take online classes, update your resume, brush up your study skills, and more! Use Universal Class to take a photography workshop, Tutor.com to help your child through summer school, or Career Transitions to improve job related skills.

eCampus is the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System’s online learning suite of tutoring, test preparation and educational resources for all ages, and you can get started using all of these easy-to-follow learning tools here. And throughout the summer several of our branches will be offering sessions introducing children to these databases for high school test prep and middle school vocabulary building. You can visit our web page here for more information about these sessions and for the locations and dates of each. For all of these sessions internet accessible devices are welcome, so bring out your smart phones and tablets and follow along with our presenters.

For more information about our eCampus resources, contact Juree Hall, eCampus Coordinator, at

404-730-1759. We hope all of our patrons can benefit from these wonderful learning tools!

Art And Author Programs All Summer Long!

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System will be hosting many art and author events during the months of our Summer Reading Program, June through August. With a variety of programs for all ages, we are sure you'll find plenty of reasons to visit the library with your whole family! Check here for a sampling of what's being served up during the month of June, but check the Events Calendar often for updates and added events at your local branch. Thanks to our wonderful librarians and staff we have author talks, musical performances, film screenings, children's crafts, and so much more. Join us!

And don't forget, now adults can sign up for this year's Summer Reading program online!  Read books, submit short reviews, and get entered into the end of summer prize drawing...it's that easy! Visit our web page for more information and to access the registration form.

2012 Summer Reading Program

Registration for this year's Summer Reading Program begins June 1 in all 34 circulating branches of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System. There are three separate themes for all ages, so we hope to see the entire family sign up and participate! For the younger children we have Dream Big, Read!, for teens (rising 6th graders and up) we have We Own the Night, and for our adults there's Between the Covers. By simply reading or listening to books throughout the summer until August 1, you can take away prizes and be entered into our grand prize drawing for a Kindle Fire! Find out details from your local librarian when you sign up and be sure to check the Events Calendar to see all of the fun programs and activities your branch is hosting in celebration of Summer Reading. Visits from the ZooMobile and Georgia State's BioBus will be happening around the Library System, as well as puppet shows, storytimes, educational programs and more! Call your local branch to find out how they're kicking off the summer and to make any necessary reservations. We're looking forward to a fun-filled (and book-filled) summer!

ZooMobile Visits Your Library!

The 2012 Summer Reading Program is just around the corner (registration begins for children, teens and adults in all branches on June 1) and this year the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library is getting wild with the ZooMobile! Starting in June, each circulating branch of our Library System will receive two visits from Zoo Atlanta's ZooMobile! Programs will feature a Science in Circulation theme with a trained educator who gives an exciting presentation using small live animals, hands-on teaching tools and entertaining educational activities. These programs may require reservations, so be sure and contact your local branch for more information. And visit our website here to see the ZooMobile's schedule as it makes it's way around all of our libraries throughout the summer months. We hope you'll come get wild with us this summer!

Caribbean Film And Storytelling Festival

Join the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System in celebrating Caribbean American Heritage Month with an exciting collection of films from Trinidad, Tobago, St. Lucia, Jamaica, and the Caribbean. Then, stay for a film discussion with a question and answer session for each screening. The film screenings will be held at the Central Library on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. beginning on June 6, and each will start off with a reception and meet and greet at 5:00 p.m. The receptions will feature refreshments from the country being showcased that evening.

For more information, including a list of films being screened this year, visit our web page. We are looking forward to an informative and exciting festival this year and hope to see you there!

2012 Volunteer Appreciation Awards

Are you volunteering with the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System? If not, consider joining the more than 2,000 volunteers who were celebrated at the 22^nd Annual Volunteer Recognition Program held at the Central Library during National Volunteer Week. Special Volunteer of the Year Award went to Dishelesh Jones, an Adult Literacy Tutor at the Central Library. Lianna Arah Kang, won Youth Volunteer of the Year for organizing a homework help program at the Ocee Branch. Kim Serakan, Library Associate at the Northeast/Spruill Oaks Branch, received the Staff Award for Effective Work with Volunteers. Volunteers received Five-Year to Twenty-Year Service Awards, along with recognition for outstanding hours. This annual event is a formal thank you to our fabulous, dedicated volunteers. The awards were presented by (l to r) Stephanie Moody, Chair Library Board of Trustees; John Szabo, Library Director; Joan Garner, Fulton County Commissioner; John Eaves, Chairman-Fulton County Commission.

We'd love to say a big thank you to each and every one of our outstanding volunteers! Their invaluable donation of time and energy enables us to better serve all of our patrons. Be sure and check our Facebook page for all the photos of the awards ceremony!

Celebrate Children and Reading With The Library!

A special day highlighting children, families, and reading, El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day), culminates yearly on April 30. The celebration, an initiative of the American Library Association, emphasizes the importance of advocating literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds, and serves as a reminder to enjoy reading with children every day!

This is an also an excellent time to highlight the Pura Belpre Award. This award, named for the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library, is given annually to a Latino/Latina writer and illustrator "whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in an outstanding work of literature for children and youth."

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System will be joining in the celebration with programs, events, and displays taking place throughout our branches. Check the link to see what might be happening in a branch near you. We'd love to have you celebrate with us!

Celebrate Earth Day At The Library!

Earth Day is just around the corner, and the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System has a ton of crafts, storytimes, and displays going on to celebrate! Each year Earth Day, April 22, marks what many believe to be the birth of the environmental movement in 1970. And each year this day serves as an excellent reminder to all of us that we need to do our part to help keep our planet healthy and beautiful for generations to come. The Earth Day Network is a great resource for more information about this day, from a history of its foundation to current projects they are involved in around the globe. Pledge your "Act of Green" on their website and help this community reach 1 billion people! For a listing of Earth Day events at the library, check here for program locations, dates and times.

We hope to see you this Earth Day season!

Celebrate National Library Week!

April 8 - 14, 2012 is National Library Week! This year's theme from the American Library Association is You Belong @ Your Library. So why not show your support and visit your local library this week to take advantage of all the wonderful services we have to offer?

Many people don't realize the number of formats we use here at the public library. From VHS and cassette tapes, to downloadable eBooks and Audiobooks, and pretty much everything in between, you can get for free through the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System! Not to mention the latest best sellers, a huge variety of research databases including eCampus, hot new movies on DVD, and collections designed just for children and teens. We do our best to serve as many different types of library users as we can, and we want our patrons to get the most out of every visit!

Several branches will be hosting events to celebrate National Library Week, so check here for more information. We hope to see you soon!

Preservation Week April 22-28

Have you ever sifted through your parents’ or grandparents’ photos wondering who those faded faces were? You can learn to save your heritage during Preservation Week, April 22-28, through programs in our libraries! In observance of Preservation Week: Pass It On!, the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System will present a series of free public programs, events and activities on the importance of preserving personal, family, community and cultural memories and treasures. These programs are supported in part by a grant from the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation. Check the events calendar for more information.

And in keeping with the spirit of Preservation Week, why not take some time to learn more about your family heritage? All Atlanta-Fulton Public Library patrons have access to Ancestry Library Edition from within any of our 34 branches! HeritageQuest can be used from home to search census records and family histories. To access this database, visit the A-Z database list from our website. You will need the current GALILEO password, which you can find by logging into your library account with your card number and PIN, and following these directions. These databases are excellent tools for those getting started with genealogy and mapping out their family trees.

We hope our patrons get the most out of discovering their own heritage and learning how to preserve it for future generations!

Earth Hour 2012

Earth Hour is an annual event that takes place worldwide in an effort to promote awareness of climate change and other environmental issues. This year the team behind Earth Hour is encouraging people to participate by switching off their lights for one hour on Saturday, March 31 at 8:30 p.m. Last year, more than 5,200 cities and towns in 135 countries worldwide switched off their lights, sending a powerful message and marking the largest environmental event in history! This year Earth Hour has launched “I Will If You Will” on YouTube to showcase how everyone has the power to change the world we live in, bringing together the world’s biggest social video platform with the ‘world’s largest action for the environment.’ Will you accept the challenge? Or better yet, come up with a challenge of your own! Head to YouTube to learn more about how you can participate.

And let the kids participate too! The Earth Hour website has all kinds of fun stuff to explore and even some games that teach about recycling and conservation. Earth Hour Kids ambassador, Pocoyo, has already planted 20,000 trees for Earth Hour, and will plant 50,000 more if 100,000 people play his recycling game!

And for more information on protecting our planet, you can search the catalog for these titles and many more at your local library!

Living Green: The Missing Manual, by Nancy Conner

Go Green! [DVD] Paramount Pictures

Building with Secondhand Stuff: How to Re-claim, Re-vamp, Re-purpose & Re-use Salvaged & Leftover Building Materials, by Chris Peterson

Cool Crafts with Flowers, Leaves, and Twigs: Green Projects for Resourceful Kids, by Jen Jones

Green Your Work: Boost Your Bottom Line while Reducing Your Carbon Footprint, by Kim Carlson

Green Career$: You Can Make Money and Save the Planet, by Jennifer Power Scott

101 Ways You Can Help Save the Planet Before You're 12! by Joanne O'Sullivan

March Is Women's History Month!

There is still time to celebrate Women's History Month with the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System! This year's theme is Women's Education - Women's Empowerment, and the library has several events throughout the rest of the month that both celebrate and honor women. Check the events calendar to see what might be happening in a branch near you. There is also a program this Friday, March 23, at 12:30 at the Central Library, A Women's Civil War Letters to Atlanta. For more information about this program, click here.

And for those of you who'd like to know more about Women's History Month, you should also check out the National Women's History Project. This educational nonprofit organization offers a wealth of information on this year's theme, partners and honorees. There are also links to other news and events sources that highlight women's achievements around the globe!

We hope you can join us for one or more of these programs!

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day!

The Irish have been celebrating St. Patrick's Day on March 17th for over 1000 years to mark the anniversary of the saint's death in the 5th century. This religious holiday is typically celebrated with dance, drink and a feast of Irish bacon and cabbage. Delicious!

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System may not be serving up any traditional Irish fare, although here are a few recipes you could try at home with the family this Saturday, but we are definitely joining in the celebration. Many branches will be having special exhibits, story times, and crafts dedicated to Irish history and tradition, so check our events calendar to see what a branch near you might be offering.

And for more ways to get into the spirit of things, visit your library and check out some St. Patty's themed books and music for the whole family!

The best of Riverdance : [DVD], by Michael Flatley

St. Patrick's Day crafts, by Carol Gnojewski

A catered St. Patrick's Day : a mystery with recipes , by Isis Crawford

Kids St. Patrick's Day party music [CD], by Hit Crew

Plum lucky [audio book], by Janet Evanovich

The wearing of the green : a history of St. Patrick's Day, by Mike Cronin

Act two [CD], by Celtic Thunder

We hope all our patrons enjoy a little luck of the Irish this St. Patrick's Day!

Celebrate Teen Tech Week March 4-10!

Here are 25 ways you can participate March 4-10, 2012 so you can get into the theme of Geek Out @ Your Library! These ideas brought to you by The American Library Association's Young Adult Library Service's Association.

1. Visit the library’s webpage at www.afpls.org.

2. Download an eBook or eAudiobook from the library.

3. Download mobile library apps to your phone or tablet.

4. Check out the library’s blog at http://afpls.blogspot.com.

5. Try a book-focused site like GoodReads, LibraryThing or Shelfari.

6. Create a soundtrack or book trailer for your favorite book.

7. Ask a librarian to recommend a book on an area of technology that interests you.

8. Add something to an article on Wikipedia.

9. Set up a podcast for a group or club you belong to.

10. Find the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library on Facebook and “Like” us!

11. Check out your favorite author’s webpage or blog.

12. Create an avatar on Yahoo! Avatars.

13. Start a Teen Tech Club at your school or library branch.

14. Read and contribute to a blog about technology.

15. Download a newspaper article from the day you were born using on of the
library’s many electronic databases.

16. Create a YouTube, Animoto or Vimeo video about your library or favorite book.

17. Take a class on digital photography or graphic design.

18. Learn how to use new software.

19. Search the library’s Biography Resource Center database for your favorite musician.

20. Watch some anime or start an anime club at your library.

21. Learn how to DJ or record music with a computer.

22. Start a Twitter, Tumblr or Flickr account.

23. Volunteer to tutor library users who are new to using computers.

24. Use the 'Ask a Librarian' feature of the library's website to ask a librarian a question.

25. From the library's website, use Ancestry Library to look up one of your grandparents.

Have fun exploring all the tech savvy ways you can geek out at your library!

Read Across America 2012!

Every year the National Education Association (NEA) celebrates the birthday of Dr. Seuss on March 2nd with the Read Across America event. This year we have a very special 2012 Read Across America celebration with a green theme. The campaign will showcase The Lorax book as well as NBC/Universal's The Lorax, which opens nationwide on March 2, 2012. This year the event is getting the star treatment with the cast of the film, Taylor Swift, Zac Effron, Betty White, Danny DeVito, Ed Helms and Rob Riggle acting as honorary Co-chairs and taking time from their busy schedules to record two promotional videos for NEA.

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System will be participating in this day of reading for the whole family, so check our events calendar to see what may be taking place in a branch near you. And don't forget you can always make your own family fun at home by checking out materials from your local library. Check the catalog for books, videos and audiobooks featuring all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters. Or check out this "family literacy bag" of activities for The Lorax, brought to you by the organization, Reading Rockets.

Parents and children can visit the Read Across America pledge site and make their promise to get reading!

Celebrate Black History Month At Your Library!

February is Black History Month and the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System is continuing to celebrate with programs, events and author visits all month long. You can also check out a wide variety of materials highlighting African-American history and achievements. Check the catalog for some of these interesting books and films! Here's a suggested list to get you started:

The Tuskegee Airmen [DVD] by William C. Carraro

African Heritage, American Experience by Akili Amina

Lift Every Voice : Honoring the African American Musical Legacy [CD]

A Raisin in the Sun : A Drama in Three Acts by Lorraine Hansberry

You Are Not Alone : Michael, Through a Brother's Eyes by Jermaine Jackson

You are also invited to attend any of our programs this month that have an emphasis on African-American history. All programs are free and open to the public. We look forward to seeing you there!

My Family Tree (Genealogy)
Wednesday, February 15. 5:00 p.m.
In celebration of Black History month, discover who your ancestors are and how to build your family tree. All ages.
Adams Park Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
2231 Campbellton Rd, SW, Atlanta 30311
For information call 404.752.8763

The Role of the NAACP: Yesterday and Today
Thursday, February 16. 3:00 p.m.
A representative from the NAACP will do a presentation on the history of the NAACP upon inception, the focus today and why the NAACP’s existence is of vital importance today. Adults.
Martin Luther King Jr. Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Library System
409 John Wesley Dobbs Avenue, Atlanta 30312
For information call 404.730.1185

Dream Art Exhibit
Saturday, February 18-Thursday, May 31. 9:00 a.m.
A special children and teen Civil Rights exhibit of semi-finalists of the Dream Art contest.
Central Library, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta 30303
For information call 404.730.1845

Black Stars in Orbit: Celebrating the Contributions of African Americans to Space Exploration
Saturday, February 18. 3:00 p.m.
Dr. Curtis M. Graves, retired Deputy Director for Civil Affairs at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), will discuss his 30-year career at NASA and the extraordinary achievements of African American astronauts and scientists to the exploration of space. This event will include a screening of the documentary produced by Dr. Graves, Black Stars in Orbit: African Americans and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Registration is required.
Roswell Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
115 Norcross Street, Roswell 30075
For information call 770.640.3075

Black Women, A Picture History
Tuesdays, February 21, 28. 10:00 a.m.
Preschool stories, rhymes and songs. Ages 3-6. Reservations required for groups.
Washington Park Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
1116 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Atlanta 30314
For information call 404.752.8760

Focus on African American History Month: Jazzy Storytime for Toddlers
Tuesday, February 21. 10:30 a.m.
Today’s Toddler Time salutes the grand achievement of African Americans in jazz culture. Jazz-themed storybooks and music will be featured and children may sing a jazzed-up version of the ABC song and some other jazzy versions of familiar songs.
Peachtree Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
1315 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta 30309
For information call 404.885.7830

African American History Month Storytime
Tuesdays, February 21, 28. 11:00 a.m.
Children will listen to stories celebrating African American History Month. Ages 3-6.
College Park Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
3647 Main Street, College Park 30337
For information call 404.762.4060

Black History Story and Craft for Preschoolers
Tuesday, February 21. 11:45 a.m.
Preschoolers will enjoy a Black History Month story, followed by an interesting craft activity. Note: this is a part of the storytimes series. Ages 3-5.
Buckhead Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
269 Buckhead Avenue NE, Atlanta 30305
For information call 404.814.3500

Black History Month Teen Trivia Challenge
Tuesday, February 21. 4:00 p.m.
Test your knowledge for a chance to win a prize. Ages 12-16. Reservations required.
Martin Luther King Jr. Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Library System
409 John Wesley Dobbs Avenue, Atlanta 30312
For information call 404.730.1185

African-American Women Stories on Film
Tuesday, February 21. 5:30 p.m. -- Dreamgirls
Join us for the film screening of For Colored Girls. The film is based on Ntozake Shange's play. Each of the poems deal with intense issues that particularly impact women in a thought-provoking commentary on what it means to be a female of color. Dreamgirls is based on the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, a trio of black female soul singers goes from just a group with talent to being a crossover hit on the pop charts of the early 1960s. Adults.
Central Library, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Library System
One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta 30303
For information call 404.730.1906

Black History Month
Wednesday, February 22. 10:30 a.m.
February is Black History Month! Come help us celebrate by listening to stories focused on the contributions of African Americans in the United States and then make a special craft to take home.
East Atlanta Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
400 Flat Shoals Ave, SE, Atlanta 30316
For information call 404.730.5438

Focus on African American History Month: Jazzy Storytime for Preschoolers
Wednesday, February 22. 10:30 a.m.
Today’s Preschool Storytime is all about jazz. In conjunction with African American History Month, we will salute African Americans’ singular contribution to this worldwide cultural phenomenon. We will share jazz-themed picture books and plenty of music, including our much anticipated annual Cab Calloway hi-de-ho sing-along.
Peachtree Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
1315 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta 30309
For information call 404.885.7830

Afro Tales Then and Now
Wednesday, February 22. 10:30 a.m.
Celebrate Black History Month with fun tales about people of African descent. Ages 3-5. Reservations required.
East Point Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
2757 Main Street, East Point 30344
For information call 404.762.4842

Heritage Tales
Wednesday, February 22. 11:00 a.m.
Gloria Elder, Kuumba Storyteller. Ages 3-5.
Bowen/Bankhead Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Library System
2685 Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway, Atlanta 30318
For information call 404.792.2646

African American History Craft
Wednesday, February 22. 4:00 p.m.
Children will make a craft celebrating African American History Month. Ages 3-8.
College Park Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
3647 Main Street, College Park 30337
For information call 404.762.4060

Introduction to African-American Genealogy
Wednesday, February 22. 6:00 p.m.
Presented by Thelma Khatib of the Central Library’s Special Collections Department.
Southwest Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
3665 Cascade Road, Atlanta 30331
For information call 404.699.6363

Annual Day in the Life Celebration of Black History
Wednesday, February 22. 6:00 p.m.
All ages.
Cleveland Avenue Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Library System
47 Cleveland Avenue, Atlanta 30315
For information call 404.762.4116

Civil Rights Movement Documentary
Thursday, February 23. 12:00 p.m.
View a DVD titled “Ain’t Scared of Your Jails,” a part of the Eyes on the Prize series.
Central Library, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Library System
One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta 30303
For information call 404.730.1906

Black History – Essay Contest
Thursday, February 23. 4:00 p.m.
This essay contest is in two categories -- middle and high schools. Prizes will be awarded for the best essays.
Registration required.
Dogwood Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
1838 Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway, Atlanta 30318
For information call 404.792.4961

Black History Month Drop-In Craft
Saturday, February 25. 12:00 p.m.
Children can drop in any time between 12:00 and 3:00 p.m. to make a unique Black History Month craft as a parent and child activity. Ages 5-12.
Buckhead Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
269 Buckhead Avenue NE, Atlanta 30305
For information call 404.814.3500

Our Stories: African American History for Children -- An Afternoon with Calvin Ramsey
Saturday, February 25. 3:00 p.m.
In recognition of Black History Month the Roswell Branch will host renowned author and playwright Calvin Alexander Ramsey, who will discuss his thoughtful works of illustrated children’s literature highlighting the African American experience. This discussion will include Mr. Ramsey’s book Ruth and the Green Book, the powerful story of a young girl’s journey from Chicago through the segregated South to her Grandma’s house in Alabama; and Belle, The Last Mule at Gee's Bend: A Civil Rights Story, the moving tale of a mule that played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement – and a young boy who sees history anew. Registration is required.
Roswell Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
115 Norcross Street, Roswell 30075
For information call 770.640.3075

The "Kitchen" Doesn't Lie: Kemetic Roots and African American Hair Community Forum
Sunday, February 26. 4:00 p.m.
In collaboration with the Atlanta Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, the Auburn Avenue Research Library will host The Kitchen Doesn’t Lie: Kemetic Roots and African American Hair, a lecture facilitated by Dr. Nefertari Patricia Hilliard-Nunn of the University of Florida. This presentation will address the history of ancient Kemet / Egypt and explore African hairstyles, their meaning and relationship to the styles in the African American context.
Auburn Avenue Research Library, a Special Library of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
101 Auburn Avenue, NE, Atlanta 30303-2503
For information call 404.730.4001 x100

West End Reader Book Discussion Group
Monday, February 27. 6:30 p.m.
In celebration of African-American History Month, we will read and discuss My Song: A Memoir by Harry Belafonte.
West End Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
525 Peeples Street SW, Atlanta 30310
For information call 404.752.8740

Black History Month Teen Trivia Challenge
Tuesday, February 28. 3:00 p.m.
Age-appropriate stories, songs and games.
Martin Luther King Jr. Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Library System
409 John Wesley Dobbs Avenue, Atlanta 30312
For information call 404.730.1185

African Drum Crafts
Tuesday, February 28. 4:30 p.m.
Design an African drum out of styrofoam. Ages 7-12.
Washington Park Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
1116 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Atlanta 30314
For information call 404.752.8760

Black History Month Program: Women in American History and Culture
Wednesday, February 29. 11:00 a.m.
The Honorable Georgia State Representative Alisha Thomas Morgan will be our guest speaker. Representative will discuss her book, No Apologies: Powerful Life Lessons in Love, Life, and Politics. Teens and adults.
Georgia Hill Branch, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
250 Georgia Avenue, Atlanta 30312
For information call 404.730.5427

Sankofa/Honoring Black History Month
Wednesday, February 29. 2:00 p.m.
Join us for an overview of the struggles, contributions and history of Blacks to America.
Central Library, a part of the Atlanta-Fulton Library System
One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta 30303
For information call 404.730.1906

Spotlight On eCampus!

eCampus is the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System's suite of online learning tools that provides educational resources for all ages. Tutoring, Test Preparation, Career Guidance, and Lifelong Learning courses are just a few of the many things that eCampus can help our library patrons with, all from the comfort of your own home! You can access the eCampus page from the library's homepage. From here you will see all of the databases included in this package of learning materials.

Skills Tutor - Online skills review program for grade K through adult in basic subjects. Requires user registration. Email juree.hall@fultoncountyga.gov to sign up.

Tutor.com - 24/7 access to live, online, one-on-one tutoring sessions and homework help in academic subjects, basic learning skills, and GED preparation.

ePrep - Online video review and preparation for standardized tests.

Universal Class - Online continuing education classes for adults.

Testing & Education Resource Center (TERC) - Unlimited access to test preparation and review for GED, standardized tests, entrance exams for college and technical schools, plus informative career information.

Ed2Go - Online continuing education certificate program classes for adults. Requires user registration. Email juree.hall@fultoncountyga.gov to sign up.

LearnATest - Provides practice tests, exercises, skill-building courses, eBooks, and information to help at school, work, or during job hunts.

Career Transitions - Walks job-seekers through the process of assessing strengths and interests, exploring new opportunities, preparing personal career information, assessing possible career paths and searching job listings.

American Book Company Online Testing - Georgia resources for exit exams such as the EOCT (End of Course Test), GHSGT (Georgia High School Graduation Test) for students who entered 9th grade before 2011-12 school year, and various sample tests for state standardized tests including the CRCT (Criterion-Reference Competency Test).

We hope our patrons will use and enjoy all of these wonderful online tools!

Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. At Your Library!

In the many years since his assassination, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. has evolved into a symbol for the entire civil rights movement in the United States. Every year the nation celebrates all of the ideals, beliefs and accomplishments of this great man around his birthday. This year is no exception, so why not visit your local branch of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System to participate in some King Celebration Programs? Programs range in appeal from children to adults and can be found in branches throughout the system. You can also check the events calendar for updated events and programs at your local branch. While you're in the library, why not browse for more information about Dr. King? Biographies, journal articles, and many films documenting the life and times of Dr. King can be found throughout the library system.

The Auburn Avenue Research Library also has many upcoming programs and events in recognition of the 2012 Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, and you can check their event listings here.

Please be aware that all branches of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System will be closed on Monday, January 16, 2012 in recognition of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. Branches will reopen at their regularly scheduled times on Tuesday, January 17, 2012.