| Support Libraries | Get a PINES ecard!
If you can’t get to a library for a physical card, check out the PINES ecard.
The PINES ecard provides access to all digital resources offered at your local library, such as GALILEO, eRead Kids, Mango Languages (through GALILEO), and much more.
This important service reduces barriers to getting a library card. You can also register to vote using the ecard application!
What is PINES?
Public Information Network for Electronic Services, or PINES, is Georgia’s public library lending service.
PINES is a national model of service delivery for library users and in cost savings for member libraries. PINES creates a statewide borderless library that eliminates geographic and socio-economic barriers, and the initiative is one way that Georgia Public Library Service provides an innovative, scalable service that creates equity in access to information, no matter where someone lives.
Nearly two million Georgians have PINES library cards, and cardholders live in every county in the state. Any resident of Georgia may obtain a free PINES card by visiting any PINES library.
How does PINES benefit libraries and library users?
PINES makes it easy for libraries to share resources. This means local public libraries don’t need to purchase every single book ever printed. Now, they are free to use their limited resources to buy books and other resources that meet the needs and interests of their local communities.
In addition to avoiding duplication of collections, PINES also prevents duplication of staff, equipment and maintenance.
“PINES makes it easy to find & borrow books we like to read.”
In its first 20 years, PINES has saved Georgia’s public libraries $12 million in one-time costs and more than $79 million in ongoing costs.
These savings have allowed libraries to use funds on other needed resources and services for their patrons. PINES also provides automation, training and courier services to libraries for a fraction of the $24 million that would be required to pay for the same services on a system-by-system basis.
With an annual budget of $1.1 million, the PINES program costs less than 58 cents for each cardholder.
What can I do with PINES?
► Your free PINES library card is the key to discovering, learning and building new skills.
► Resources carried by PINES libraries are a great supplement to college materials, and PINES also connects Georgians to online resources that improve job skills.
► Georgians with PINES cards have access to materials from over 300 libraries that can be delivered to your home library with no charge.
PINES is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Georgia Public Library Service under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act. gapines.org.
PINES is an initiative of the Georgia Public Library Service, which empowers libraries to improve the lives of all Georgians.
