What’s New @ AFPLS

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System is partnering with Zoo Atlanta to promote family entertainment by allowing library patrons free entry to the zoo!! Beginning Tuesday, September 23 each branch of AFPLS will have one (1) pass that can be checked out for one week (7 days) and will allow free entry to Zoo Atlanta. These passes cannot be placed on hold and cannot be renewed. This is a great opportunity for library patrons like you to experience Zoo Atlanta! I can’t wait to see the baby Panda. Drop by your local branch starting September 23 or attend the official kick-off event at Central Library the same day at 10 a.m.

AFPLS is working in conjunction with Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites to allow library card users to check out a free “ParkPass” that allows one to access or park for free at any State of Georgia State Park or Historical Site. This is a particular treat for families and many of the parks and sites are located in the Atlanta-area. Each branch of AFPLS will have one pass that is available to be checked out for 7 days. To read more about this great program, click here. You can access a list and map of Georgia State Parks and sites by clicking here. You can also check out the family-friendly website Get Outdoors Georgia for a list of family-orientated events at the parks state-wide. Enjoy your summer close to home and for free!

Summer Reading officially starts this Sunday on June 1, with most branches launching their Summer Reading programs on Monday, June 2. Starting June 1 at most branches you can stop in, sign your kids up for summer reading and start checking out-or putting on hold-books on their reading lists.

Many branches of AFPLS will have summer reading programs for both children and teens. You can read about the summer reading program here. The theme for children is Catch the Reading Bug while the theme for teenagers is Metamorphosis @ your library.

To help get you started, here are the Fulton County School System reading lists for Pre-K through Second; Third through Fifth; Middle School; High School. Also, you can check the individual schools websites to see any extra books that might have been assigned.

Click here to go to the AFPLS catalog to see what books are available at your local library and click here to see which programs are available for your children and teens!

Enjoy your summer and have fun reading!

USA Today published an article yesterday about an interview with Laura and Jenna Bush who are on a nine-city tour promoting their new children’s book, Read All About It!. The first lady, a former school librarian and teacher, and her daughter co-wrote the book to encourage reading and imagination in young children. The central character, Tyrone, is an up-to-no-good second grader who thinks going to the library is uncool. Now, we all know that’s not true! The book is set to be published sometime this month, so be on the lookout for copies in your local branch.

Jenna Bush is already the author of one book, Ana’s Story, about a young mother in Panama living with HIV. You can check the catalog here for copies of that title.

Those of you with small children might find this interesting. The Southern Order of Storytellers is holding their Winter StoryFest in Atlanta from January 25 - 26, 2008. The event includes workshops for children and storytellers as well as performances from many local storytellers. This is an excellent opportunity to learn a few tricks of the trade to help with storytime for your children.

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System has many fine storytellers in the shape of our Children’s Librarians. AFPLS also has a large collection of stories in many different formats including picture books, children’s books on CD and casette and read-alongs as well as books for parents to help improve their storytelling skills. You can check our catalog here to see what is available at your local branch and click here to see what storytimes are available near you.

On Tuesday December 18,  at 2:00 pm on the first floor of the Central Library, The Global Access Department is hosting a short, family-friendly Kwanzaa play with performers under the direction of Dr. Dashanaba King.  

On Thursday December 20, at 2:00 pm, the Global Access Department will hold a second Kwanzaa event–a seminar highlighting the history and meaning of Kwanzaa with Dr. Webster Wallace.  Dr. Wallace will speak at Central Library in the 4th floor meeting room.

Both Dr. King and Dr. Wallace have delighted Central audiences  before with their presentations.  We look forward to seeing them again.  Each event is free and open to the public.

The East Atlant Branch is providing free tutoring on all subjects. The tutoring is available on Mondays and Fridays from 2:30 pm - 5:30 pm. This is an excellent chance to help your kids get ahead in school and to do it for free! For more information, please contact the East Atlanta Branch at 404-730-5438.

East Atlanta Branch Library
400 Flat Shoals Ave
Atlanta, GA 30316

Fall has officially begun and the school year is already in full swing. For many students and parents this means one thing: struggling with daily homework assignments. If you are one of the many who fall into this category, you are in luck…and the best part is, it’s absolutely free! 

Atlanta Public Schools and Public Broadcasting Atlanta have teamed up to staff a live homework hotline, Monday - Thursday afternoons and evenings from 3-9 pm. If you are a student or parent who could use some assisstance, you are no more than a phone call or mouse click away.  Just call 678-553-3029 or visit the website for My Homework Hotline. The website will give you a list of things to have handy, such as your textbook and the specific assignment, and will ask you to designate a subject for your questions. You will then be contacted by a hotline staffer by email.

Thanks to the WABE and PBA30 E-Newsletter for the tip. For more educational resources and homework help, search the library’s catalog for books like the Homework Helpers series.

I finished Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Sunday morning at 5 am after recieving my book at 4 pm on Saturday via Owl post. It was very satisfying and I went through most of a box of tissues in just the last few chapters! I have a few minor complaints, mostly to do with confusing explanations and something else I can’t discuss without giving anything away (note: it involves the last 5 pages!). However, I greatly enjoyed the book, and though it is quite sad, I felt it was a fitting ending to the Harry Potter story. Well worth the wait. If you haven’t gotten your hands on a copy yet, you can check here to put a copy of the book or audio book on hold. Enjoy!

That’s right, the day you’ve been waiting for is finally here.  Tomorrow, June 1, Summer Reading officially starts.  Now, you can register for the summer reading program, pick up flyers on library events, get copies of reading lists, and have fun reading!

 The Children’s program is for ages 0-12, up to grade 5.  The Teen program is for ages 12-18, grades 6 and up.

Contact your local library to see what events they have for their summer reading kickoff, or go here.