Third Annual Walk/Run For Literacy!

Get Fit For Lit! What better way to support the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System as we work towards improving literacy around metro Atlanta? Why not sign up for the 3rd Annual 5K Walk/Run for Literacy, hosted by the Literacy Alliance of Metro Atlanta (LAMA)!

The Literacy Alliance of Metro Atlanta was formed in June 2010 in response to an identified community need: the nearly 900,000 adults in the community with low literacy skills (including both native and non-native speakers of English.) That is 28% of the metro area’s population. Low literacy is one of the root causes of poverty, un- and under-employment, homelessness, and poor health outcomes – all of which have vast implications in terms of the cost to society.

You can find more information about LAMA on their website or Facebook page, and more educational facts about literacy here.

If the statistics above come as a shock to you, then it's time to show your support for literacy initiatives! This event is scheduled for Saturday, September 14 at 8:00 a.m., and will take place in Grant Park at 840 Cherokee Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30315. Did we mention it's a Peachtree Road Race qualifier? You can register on the FitForLit website, and when you do be sure to select the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System in the "Additional Information" section to ensure your registration fee goes towards supporting our fantastic GED program, which includes preparation classes and testing. Registration fees are $20 per adult (online and paper registration available), $10 per student and $60 per teams of four. 

And even if you aren't much of a runner (or walker for that matter!) the best part is you can still register and give your financial support without having to participate! Last year patrons and staff from the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System narrowly beat out the participants from the Dekalb County Public Library and we'd love to see that happen again! Help us reach our goal and help support the efforts of all of the organizations in our city that work to make a difference in people's lives every day. 

Volunteer At Your Library!

Have you ever thought about how you can give back to your local library? Maybe you need to earn some community service hours for school or work? Well, the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System is always grateful for our wonderful volunteers and we encourage anyone who's interested to look into it! All volunteers are asked to fill out a Volunteer Application which can then be returned to any branch location. You can also contact our Volunteer Services Department by calling 404.730.1965 

There are many ways in which volunteers serve in the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System and we will do our best to give you an assignment that suits your interests and skills at the location of your choice. However, please be aware that not all opportunities are needed at all times and jobs vary by Library location. Listed below are just some of the many tasks performed by Library volunteers every day!

Auburn Avenue Research Library Volunteer
Auburn Avenue Research Library on African-American Culture and History
Volunteers at the library assist with behind-the-scenes clerical tasks and/or serve as docents/tour guides and hosts/hostesses for special events. See Volunteer Opportunities.

Children's Program Aide
Assist staff with preschool story hour by preparing craft materials and name tags, ushering and supervising children during programs. Assist with puppet shows, parenting workshops and other programs. Help with Summer Reading Program by registering children and distributing certificates.

Computer Lab Specialist
Skilled computer users are needed to assist the public by answering questions and assisting with computer basics, Internet access, word processing, spread sheets and other software programs in Library computer labs or to assist with computer classes.

Computer Lab Trainer/Workshop Presenter
Experienced trainers needed to conduct workshops on computer basics, software applications, resume writing, Internet use and other computer-related topics.

ESL (English as a Second Language) Coach
Volunteers conduct or assist with small classes for individuals learning to speak English. The Library provides training and resources for teachers and students.

Homework Help Assistance
Volunteers are needed in branches that have Homework Help Centers by helping students with their homework after school, including assisting students utilizing the computers for their assignments, and providing general supervision of the children. Another great group project. Adopt a branch now!

Job Search Coach
Help individuals learn to use library technology resources to develop their resume and use the Internet to search and apply for jobs online.

Library Clerical Aide
Help library staff with such tasks as preparing arts and crafts materials for library programs, checking books and other library materials for damage, making simple repairs, assisting with filing and/sorting library material.

Library User Survey Assistant
Take counts of library patrons and distribute surveys on library usage at the Central Library and at branches. Done several times a year. Different shifts available.

Literacy Tutor

Assist adults who are learning to read or are improving their reading skills. Volunteers are paired with learners and work one-on-one. The Library provides training and resources for tutors and learners. (more information)

Math Tutor

Volunteers with math skills needed to assist individuals with basic math such as adding, subtracting, multiplication, division, fractions and percentages.

Shape Up The Shelves!
Shape Up The Shelves group projects make it easy for volunteers to get involved with the Library. Days of service are designed with the busy person in mind. They are also a fun team builder for organizations. Teams search the shelves for lost items, shelve books, assist with processing materials and straighten stacks--important behind-the-scenes tasks that help get books and materials in the hands of patrons. With this blitz approach, groups of volunteers help the library accomplish, in a short time, tasks which otherwise might take months.

Spanish Language Teachers
Volunteers fluent in Spanish and familiar with teaching techniques are needed to present a workshop series on basic Spanish. (Volunteers fluent in other languages may also be needed to present workshops.)