Nonprofit Fundraising Help At Your Library!

The Foundation Center’s Atlanta office moved out of the Hurt Building and will reopen in the Georgia Pacific Building on May 6. Until then, Foundation Center staff are conducting classes at branches of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System. As always, all library programs are free and open to the public, and the Foundation Center staff also hold walk-in hours at the Central Library to provide one-on-one assistance to patrons. Those hours are Tuesdays from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. through May 6, 2014, on the second floor of the Central Library.  If all of this isn't enough, check out some of the truly excellent free webinars, as well as live chat assistance, that are also available through Grantspace. Even more Grant Resources are available through our Grant Resources page. For a full list of the programs taking place in the coming months at many of our branch libraries, see the dates and times below. We hope all of our patrons will be interested in taking advantage of these wonderful resources! 

Grantseeking Basics 
Tuesday, April 1 from 12:00 - 1:30 pm
at the Bowen/Bankhead Branch
Learn how to become a better grantseeker! In this class we will cover: what you need to have in place before you seek a grant; the world of grantmakers; the grantseeking process; and available tools and resources. Register >> 

Finding Foundation Support for Your Education
Saturday, April 5 from 4:00 - 5:30 pm
at the Sandy Springs Branch
Learn about tools and techniques for seeking financial support for higher education. Register »

Introduction to Finding Funders
Wednesday, April 9 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm
at Central Library
Get hands-on computer training in using the Foundation Directory Online and other online resources to find matches for your nonprofit’s funding needs. Seating is limited. Register »

How to Start a Nonprofit
Wednesday, April 23 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm
at the East Atlanta Branch
This class will explore the characteristics of effective nonprofits and demonstrate how to transform your idea for a charitable program or service into a fully-fledged organization. Register >>

Proposal Writing Basics
Tuesday, June 10 from 12:00 - 1:30 pm
at the Bowen/Bankhead Branch
Teaches newbies the key components of a proposal to a foundation. Learn how the proposal fits into the overall grantseeking process and provides tips and samples. Register>>

Grantseeking Basics
Wednesday, June 11 from 1:00 - 2:30 pm
at the Martin Luther King Jr. Branch
Learn how to become a better grantseeker! In this class we will cover: what you need to have in place before you seek a grant; the world of grantmakers; the grantseeking process; and available tools and resources. Register>>

Proposal Writing Basics
Tuesday, June 24, 2014 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
at the Fairburn Branch 
Teaches newbies the key components of a proposal to a foundation. Learn how the proposal fits into the overall grantseeking process and provides tips.Register>>

How to Start a Nonprofit
Wednesday, June 25, 2014 from 1:00 - 2:30 pm
at the Martin Luther King Jr. Branch
This class will explore the characteristics of effective nonprofits and demonstrate how to transform your idea for a charitable program or service into a fully-fledged organization. Register>>

Proposal Writing Basics
Monday, July 21, 2014 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm
at the East Atlanta Branch 
Teaches newbies the key components of a proposal to a foundation. Learn how the proposal fits into the overall grantseeking process and provides tips and samples. Register>> 

New Alpharetta Library Ground Breaking!

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System will break ground on the new Alpharetta Library Tuesday, March 25 at 11:00 a.m. and we'd love to see you there!

The new 25,000-square-foot library for Alpharetta is part of Phase I of the Library Building Program, currently underway. The library will be located in the Alpharetta City Center project in downtown Alpharetta, near the corner of Haynes Bridge Road and Thompson Street.

Cooper Carry, in association with Vines Architecture, is contracted with Fulton County to provide design and engineering services for the new library. Peter R. Brown/Moss Construction, Inc., is contracted to provide construction management services on this project, and Heery/Russell is the program management team.

The grand opening of the Alpharetta Library is expected in the 2^nd quarter of 2015.

In November 2008, Fulton County voters overwhelmingly passed the Library Bond Referendum. The plan will greatly enhance all of the county’s libraries, and includes: 

• 8 New Branch Libraries: Alpharetta, East Roswell, Milton, Northwest Atlanta, Palmetto, Southeast Atlanta, Stewart-Lakewood and Wolf Creek.

• Two expansion projects: Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History and the South Fulton Library.

Green building design and sustainability are priorities for these library building projects, and the Library System expects to achieve LEED Silver on all of the Phase I projects. Each library will reflect the culture and interests of its community.

For more information or to R.S.V.P. please call 404-730-1972 or email laura.wright@fultoncountyga.gov. 

You can also stay up-to-date on the Library Building Program by visiting http://www.afpls.org/building-for-the-future.

eBooks From The Federal Government

THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS E-BOOKS TOO!

The U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) is now making eBooks available in the Catalog of U.S. Government Publications (CGP). These titles are joining the growing number of online resources that have been a vital part of the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) for over 20 years.

Users can download GPO-provided files of eBooks free of charge, for use on various eBook reading devices.  eBook titles are available in EPUB and MOBI formats, as well as PDF. For technical assistance the Federal Depository Library Program also offers an FAQ page. 

PDF and HTML versions of many U.S. government publications also are linked from the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System catalog. And for more information about The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System's role as a U.S. Federal Depository Library and the Ivan Allen Reference Department, visit our website.

There is an eBook search box on the GPO’s eBooks page.

http://fdlp.gov/377-projects-active/1886-ebooks-gpo

New Palmetto Library Groundbreaking!

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System is once again breaking ground on what will soon be the new Palmetto Library! Please join us for the Groundbreaking Event on Thursday, January 30 at 11:00 a.m. The address of the future library is 9111 Cascade Palmetto Highway, Palmetto, GA 30268. Interested attendees should RSVP to: 404-730-1972 or laura.wright@fultoncountyga.gov by Friday, January 24. We certainly hope to see you there! 

And for continuing updates to our Library Building Program, be sure and check the website often and click the "Your New Libraries - News and Updates" link at the top of the page. 

The Library System is engaged in a $275 million building program, funded by a library bond referendum approved by Fulton County voters in 2008. The project is divided into two phases.

Phase I of the Library Building Program consists of 10 projects, 8 new libraries – Alpharetta, East Roswell, Milton, Northwest Atlanta, Palmetto, Southeast Atlanta, Stewart-Lakewood and Wolf Creek – and 2 expanded libraries – Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History and South Fulton – with a total budget of $167 million; these dollars include everything from design and construction to funding for collections.  

Follow our progress as we move forward and build for the future! 

Ring In The New Year With eCampus!

You don't have to be a student to appreciate access to life long learning! The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System has an array of online databases that are designed for learners of all ages, backgrounds, and in a variety of subjects. The best part about eCampus? It's free for library card holders and can be used anywhere you have an Internet connection! If you haven't explored any of these resources yet, why not make it your New Year's resolution to give them a try and learn a new skill in 2014? Whether you're trying to pass the GED, want to take a photography or flower arranging class, have a desire to learn Mandarin, or need some extra tutoring in Algebra, the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library's eCampus is here to help! Classes that explore these resources will be given throughout the year at many of our locations, starting with Top 10 Ways Students Can Use eCampus at the Southwest Branch this month! Register now to ensure you have a seat, and don't forget your flash drives!

eCampus resources and their descriptions can be found below. And you can always visit our web page and click on the eCampus link in the middle of the screen to access any of these wonderful resources at your own convenience. 

Visit eCampus Resources

eCampus is Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System’s online learning suite of FREE resources. eCampus supports the empowerment of patrons through eight unique databases strategically designed to support: test preparation and educational resources for all ages – K-adult; continuing education and GED resources, and career and employment resources. eCampus databases are accessible via the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System library card. The eCampus databases are: BookFlix (Home access): Online literacy resource for Pre-K through 3rdGrade that offers a unique way to link fact and fiction through online read-along. Tutor.com: Live online one-on-one tutoring sessions and homework help in academic subjects. Access to resources and links for basic learning skills, homework help, GED preparation and career assistance. ePrep: Online standardized test preparation for the PSAT, SSAT, SAT, ACT and PLAN. Test prep includes video based instruction. Testing & Education Reference Center: Unlimited access to college prep tools, scholarship search, preparation and skill building for GED and other tests for technical school and vocational occupations, plus informative career information. LearningExpress Library: Provides practice tests, exercises, skill-building courses, testing resources for all ages -- K-12, undergraduate and graduate, vocational and GED. Career and employment resources are available also. Mángo Languages: Learn a new language with an interactive database that provides step-by-step lesson plans including ESL lessons for patrons. Universal Class: Over 500 online self-paced continuing education classes for adults in a range of subjects related to skills, jobs or personal growth. Learn4Life: Online continuing education certificate program for professionals, including CEU and PLU-granting courses, online GED, SAT/ACT Prep courses. Click here for more information. For more information regarding AFPLS eCampus resources, contact Ms. Jurée Hall, Project Coordinator at juree.hall@fultoncountyga.gov or visit www.afpls.org/ecampus.

Used Book Sales To Support Literacy Alliance

Did you know that 28% of the metro area's population (that's almost 900,000 adults) are living with low literacy skills? Or that children who aren't read to and don't develop basic literacy practices when they enter school are 3 to 4 times more likely to drop out? Or that businesses nation-wide estimate spending an average of $600 million per year on remedial reading, writing and math skills for their employees? Even the US military spends on average $70 million annually for basic skills remediation for new recruits. Well now you have a chance to help combat the problem of low literacy in the city of Atlanta.

The Literacy Alliance of Metro Atlanta is partnering with A Capella Books to host ongoing used book sales benefiting LAMA! Thanks to Lama's founding member, Laura Hauser, proceeds from the Used Book Sales will support LAMA and find seed grants for its members. The next book sale is on Saturday, December 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. These special book sales will occur on each 2nd Saturday and 4th Sunday of the month, just in time for holiday gift-giving season!

The Literary Alliance of Metropolitan Atlanta (LAMA) has a mission to achieve 100% literacy among metro Atlanta's adults and families by providing visibility for the issue of low literacy; providing visibility for its member organizations in their work to combat low literacy; developing and implementing a viable model for expansion of literacy programming; and to offer a single marketing-and-funding mechanism for the member organizations so that they are free to deliver our mission. The coalition hopes to increase public awareness about low-literacy as it is one of the root causes of poverty, un- and under-employment, homelessness, and poor health outcomes. We also provide a gateway to our member organizations as they focus to expand literacy programming in the Metropolitan Atlanta Area.

This practical and innovative coalition is comprised of nonprofits (literacy, refugee/ immigrant services, and human service providers;) governmental agencies, including county library systems, the Technical College System of Georgia, school systems that offer adult education services, higher education colleges and universities; umbrella organizations like the United Way and the Certified Literate Communities Program; and business and community leaders. Together, they strive to have a lasting impact on the Metro Atlanta community. Help support their cause and buy some books this Saturday!

Celebrate Thanksgiving At Your Library!

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is only one week away! If you're looking for some fun family activities to get you in the spirit of things, look no further than the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System! Many of our branches will continue to have Thanksgiving-themed storytimes, crafts and programs right up until we close for the holiday. And while you're here enjoying one of our programs, why not browse the cookbook aisle to get inspired with some new holiday recipes! Remember that all branches of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System will close on Wednesday, November 27 at 6:00 p.m. and will remain closed on Thursday and Friday. We will reopen on Saturday, November 30, 2013. We wish all of our patrons a very safe and happy Thanksgiving! 

Giving Thanks, Thank You Turkey Craft!Thursday, November 21. 1:00-5:00 p.m.

Youth will create a colorful feather filled turkey craft and write what they are thankful for on each feather.

Mechanicsville Branch
400 Formwalt St. SW, Atlanta 30312
For information call 404.730.4779

Saturday Storytime Celebrates Being Thankful!Saturday, November 23. 3:00 p.m.

Ms. Leah will have a fun seasonal storytime and related activities for the whole family. Sign up required, space is Limited. Come by, call or emailleah.germon@fultoncountyga.gov. Ages 3-7.

Sandy Springs Branch
395 Mt. Vernon Highway, Atlanta 30328
For information call 404.303.6130

Gobble, Gobble, Gobble Preschool Thanksgiving Storytime and CraftTuesday, November 26. 10:00 a.m.

Enjoy Thanksgiving stories, songs and crafts.

West End Branch
525 Peeples Street SW, Atlanta 30310
For information call 404.752.8740

Gobble, Gobble Turkey Surprise Storytime!Tuesday, November 26. 6:30 p.m.

Children come create a “hand” some turkey craft for the holiday.

Southwest Branch
3665 Cascade Road, Atlanta 30331
For information call 404.699.6363

Thanksgiving Craft Wednesday, November 27. 10:45 a.m.

Join us for a turkey-themed craft, appropriate for preschoolers. Ages 2-5. Reservations required for groups.

Ponce de Leon Branch
980 Ponce de Leon Ave., NE, Atlanta 30306
For information call 404.885.7820

School’s Out Turkey Making CraftWednesday, November 27. 1:00 p.m.

Make a turkey to decorate your room for the Thanksgiving.

West End Branch
525 Peeples Street SW, Atlanta 30310
For information call 404.752.8740