National Library Week 2023

Subscribe to our email list during National Library Week 2023 and we will send you a “Libraries Change Lives” magnet as a thank you gift.

Libraries have free resources to help Georgians build literacy, start a business, discover their family history, save money through partnership passes, and so much more.

Many people know about the wealth of stories available at the library, from picture books and large print to audiobooks and ebooks. But there’s so much more to the story of libraries.

Georgia’s more than 400 public library facilities are welcoming spaces that bring communities together for entertainment, education, and connection through book clubs, storytimes, movie nights, crafting classes, lectures, and more.

With your free library card, you can borrow a laptop to do school work, use digital resources to write cover letters and resumes, or catch a play or visit the zoo.

There is truly something for everybody at the public library. Keep reading to learn MORE about some of these fantastic services and resources.

Go see a play… or to the zoo or a state park

Alliance Theatre production stage set

The Alliance Theatre Georgia Libraries Community Pass provides up to four free admissions to performances.

Thanks to our partnerships with organizations around the state, Georgians can get free or discounted access to state parks, museums, cultural attractions, and more. For example, the Alliance Theatre Georgia Libraries Community Pass provides up to four free admissions to performances at the Alliance on the Hertz and Coca-Cola Stages. The Macon Museum Pass admits up to four people to some of the area’s best attractions, like the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, Museum of Arts and Sciences, and Tubman Museum. If you enjoy the outdoors, there’s the Chattahoochee Nature Center Family Pass. This Pass allows for four free admissions to the Center.

With more than 15 partnerships spanning Georgia, your library card provides access to activities for many interests. These partnerships are popular, and some are seasonal, so check with your local library for availability.

Just keep learning

Whether beginning kindergarten, graduating high school, starting a career, or finding a new interest in retirement, public libraries have resources to help learners of all ages succeed.

Public libraries are the ideal work spaces. Most have study rooms where you can collaborate or work alone. Libraries also offer laptops and mobile hotspots so you can work on homework assignments or business plans on-the-go.

For the youngest learners, libraries offer interactive storytimes that spark children’s curiosity and teach literacy skills. ERead Kids is a free digital collection of 28,000+ ebooks and audiobooks for kids up to 4th grade. If your youngster enjoys fantasy, mystery, thrills or chills, there’s a book for them in eRead Kids.

And don’t forget about Makerspaces and MANGO Languages for the lifelong learners. Makerspaces are collaborative work spaces for designing, making, learning, exploring, and sharing that use no-tech to high-tech tools. These spaces are open to kids, adults, and entrepreneurs and have a variety of maker equipment including 3D printers, virtual reality glasses, Legos, paint sets, soldering irons, and even sewing machines. Meanwhile, MANGO Languages [mango link] includes dozens of on-demand language courses. Whether studying for class or a hobby, Mango Languages’ easy-to-follow tutorials are your key to learning a new language. Learn French, Spanish, German or any of the more than 70 languages at your own pace.

librarian with children using a tablet device

Libraries are places for lifelong learning for all ages

Get Skills and Get Hired

man smiling and holding papers and laptop

Georgia's public libraries have resources to help you prepare for your next job.

If you’re looking for a job or want to level up your skills, your library has you covered.

Every Georgia public library has fast internet, computers, and printers so you can create your resume, tweak your cover letter, and apply for jobs online. Take things a step further and check out LearningExpress Library. This interactive online platform features practice tests, tutorials, and ebooks for job search and workplace skills improvement, career certification and licensing exam preparation, college and graduate school admissions exams, GED exam preparation, and basic skills improvement in reading, writing, and math for all ages. You can even practice for your Citizenship Exam.

In addition, many libraries offer job search assistance programs, including workshops and one-on-one consultations with career counselors.

EBSCO Learning Express Job and Career Accelerator lets you explore occupations, search jobs and internships, create a resume and cover letter, master interview techniques, and more.

Entrepreneurs, Entrepreneurial Mindset Training is for you. This self-paced training will help you learn how to identify, evaluate and transform your business ideas into a sustainable success. Also, contact your local library to see if there are any upcoming training or networking opportunities scheduled.

So ALL may read

Georgia’s public libraries are for everyone.

Georgia Library Service (GLS) for the Blind and Print Disabled ensures those who are blind, visually impaired, or have difficulty using physical books have access to a wide range of services and resources through public libraries to ensure that they can continue to enjoy reading. These services include access to audios, large print, Braille, and e-books, as well as assistive technology such as screen readers, magnifiers, and other adaptive equipment. In addition, many libraries have staff who are trained in working with individuals with disabilities who can provide assistance in finding and accessing these resources.

“GLS does more than give people some information or some books to read. It allows people to still have a connection to the community and the world around them.”

Garrick Scott, GLS patron

Still Your Familiar Library

While Georgia’s public libraries offer many resources and services people may not be aware of, they are still the place for traditional services that people have come to love about libraries: physical books, eBooks, audiobooks, streaming video services, tech training classes, book clubs, and special events and performances.

From students to job seekers to individuals just looking for something to do, Georgia’s public libraries have something for everyone.

With a free library card, you have access to a world of resources and services that can help you learn, grow, and connect with your community. Get to know your local library during National Library Week and learn MORE about all the amazing services and resources they have to offer.

Learn about the many benefits of a Georgia public library card.

smiling african american girl holding books