What does PINES offer library users?
- Access to more than 11 million books and other materials that can be checked out from and returned to any participating library free of charge. Search the online catalog.
- Free delivery of books from throughout the state to your home library.
- Service through 300 branch libraries and affiliated service outlets in 146 counties (51 of the 60 regional library systems) in Georgia. See list of participating libraries or find your nearest library.
- Ability to renew your books and place holds online.
- An easy-to-use Kids’ Catalog that is exclusively for youth materials.
PINES network
Georgia Libraries – FY23
A Borderless Library
PINES creates a statewide “borderless library” that provides equal access to information for all Georgians.
Georgians with a PINES library card have access to materials beyond their local shelves and enjoy the benefits of a shared collection of 11 million books and other materials that can be delivered to their home library free of charge.
If you are a resident of Georgia, you are eligible to receive a free PINES library card. Visit a participating PINES facility for additional information.
PINES runs on the Evergreen automation system, an open-source system originally developed in-house by Georgia Public Library Service and now in use worldwide by more than 1,500 libraries. PINES is managed by GPLS staff and is provided at no cost to Georgia library systems.
By utilizing economies of scale and eliminating the need for individual automation system contracts, PINES has enabled local libraries state-wide to reduce software expenditures by approximately $10 million a year.
PINES resource links for libraries
How does the PINES team assist library staff?
The PINES team assists the employees of all 51 PINES member library systems with PINES-related issues and training on the Evergreen software. We provide documentation on policies and procedures, in-person and online training opportunities, and technical assistance through the Help Desk. Library staff members may also subscribe to the PINES list-serv to join the PINES community and stay up to date on program developments.
How does PINES support public schools?
Georgia Public Library Service developed the student PLAY card (PINES Library Access for Youth) to give more youth access to their local public library and the tools they need to build literacy skills. While it’s a statewide initiative, individual libraries and school systems forge local agreements for how to implement the PLAY card in their community. As of the start of 2024, fifty-three school systems across Georgia have launched PLAY cards, granting more than 500,000 students free access to millions of PINES library resources.