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.