Library Insider - December 2025

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WINTERREADING WINTERREADING

For Kindergarten - High School Students!

December 1 - January 9

Create a bookmark that represents your love of reading or what the library means to you.

Pickup your entry form at any Hall County Library Branch or CLICK HERE to download and print at home.

Winners will be announced on social media the first week of February 2026 to celebrate Take Your Child to the Library Week! The winning bookmark from each age group will be printed and distributed at all branches of the Hall County Library System

CRAFT & HOBBY

Unleash your creativity with Craft & Hobby, a premier digital resource offering thousands of how-to videos, project ideas, and expert instruction across a wide range of crafts and hobbies. Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced maker, you'll find everything you need to start, finish, and perfect your next project!

DISCOVER WHAT INSPIRES YOU

What You'll Find:

Thousands of Video Tutorials: Watch and learn with clear, step-by-step video instruction. Diverse Categories: Explore projects for knitting, painting, woodworking, jewelry making, quilting, and much more.

Downloadable Resources: Access printable patterns, guides, and templates. Expert Instruction: Learn new techniques from experienced crafters and hobbyists.

ACCESS CRAFT & HOBBY

Digital Learning Hub LibraryResourcesfor LifelongLearning

Accesslearningresourcesfromanywhere,at anytime.

Learnatyourownpaceandonyourown schedule.

TUTOR.COM

Tutorcom connects you with a network of highly qualified and vetted expert tutors across a vast array of subjects. Whether you're a K-12 student grappling with algebra, a college student perfecting an essay, or an adult learner preparing for a new career, Tutor.com offers live, one-on-one help whenever you need it.

LOTE4KIDS

Expand your child's world with LOTE4Kids, a digital library now offering over 1,000 picture books in more than 65 languages. This popular app allows kids to learn and explore new cultures through the magic of storytelling, with stories read in both English and their native language.

FINANCIALFIT

Financial Fit from EBSCO is a comprehensive platform that empowers you with essential money management skills. Whether you're a young adult learning to budget or an adult planning for retirement, Financial Fit offers interactive modules to help you understand credit, manage debt, and make smart financial decisions.

AUDIO & EBOOKS AUDIO&EBOOKS

Yournextgreatread,available24/7

ThePalaceProjectappisaone-stop-shopfor ebooksandaudiobooks.Perfectforallreaders,it offersabroadrangeoftitlesfrombestsellersand classicstocontentin29languages.Useyour librarycardandPINtoaccessastreamlined interfacewhereyou'llalwaysfindsomethinggreat toreadorlistento.

Libbyisanaward-winningappthatgivesyoufree accesstothelibrary'svastcollectionofebooks, audiobooks,andmagazines.Withjustyourlibrary card,youcanbrowse,borrow,andreadorlistento titlesonyoursmartphone,tablet,ore-reader.

Libbyisperfectforfindingyournextpopular bestseller,catchinguponamagazine subscription,orenjoyingagreataudiobookon yourcommute.

eREAD KIDS SERVICE UPDATE

Beginning Dec 3, the eRead Kids ebook and audiobook collection will move from the Boundless app to The Palace Project app. Starting Nov. 18, patrons will no longer be able to check out eRead Kids items in the Boundless app but will retain access to existing checkouts All checkouts will take place through The Palace Project app beginning Dec 3 Item holds will not transfer to the new platform.

We apologize for the inconvenience. Learn more and download The Palace Project app at georgialibraries org/ereadkids

PALACE
LIBBY

HAPPENINGS

Spout Springs

Dec 15th, 11:00 a.m.

Homeschool Hangout

North Hall Tech

Dec 1st, 1:00 p.m.

Think Tank

Murrayville

Dec 9th, 4:00 p.m.

Classic Literature Club - Adult

Reading: A Tale of Two Cities

Dec 12th, 4:00 p.m. ,

War Stories - Adult

Reading: The Girl in the Blue Beret

Blackshear Place

Dec 29th, 6:00 p.m.

Monday Book Club - Adult

Reading: Small Things Like These

BOOK CLUBS

FOR EVERYONE FOR EVERYONE

Spout Springs

Dec 4th, 2:30 p.m.

Historically Speaking - Adult

Reading: The Worst Hard Time

Dec 11th, 10:30 a.m.

Thursday Book Club - Adult

Reading: Mad Honey

Dec 22nd, 6:30 p.m.

Sci-fi/Fantasy Book Club - Adult

Reading: A Wizard of Earthsea

ADULT PROGRAMS

December, 2025

Something for Everyone

We have programs and events catered to adults at all 5 of our library locations on a weekly basis! Check our calendar HERE for a full list of events.

Our vibrant adult programming offers a wide range of opportunities for everyone to explore their interests and connect with others Unleash your creativity by joining a crafting or painting workshop, or connect with fellow readers in one of our many book clubs If you enjoy working with your hands, our fiber arts groups provide a welcoming space to knit, crochet, and share ideas Beyond the arts, we offer numerous informative learning opportunities, including technology workshops and engaging presentations on a variety of topics We invite you to check our schedule and dive into a new hobby or passion with us!!

DECEMBER 2025

PROGRAMS & EVENTS: ADULT SPOTLIGHT

*requires registration

*Fun Ways to Gift Wrap! Gainesville Library, Monday, December 1, 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

*Winter Proofing Your Home

North Hall Tech Center, Friday, December 5, 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.

*Christmas Gnomes Diamond

Art Workshop

Blackshear Place, Monday, December 8, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

*Book Vase Craft

Gainesville Library, Monday, December 15 , 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Click on the titles underlined to learn moreinformation! Clickon the titles underlined to learn moreinformation!

*Paint Like Henri Matisse!

Spout Springs Library, Wednesday, December 17 , 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

*Cozy Book Christmas Trees! Gainesville Library, Thursday, December 4, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

*Christmas Crochet! Intermediate Level

Gainesville Library, Monday, December 8, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

*Tour the Local and Genealogy Resources

Gainesville Library, Tuesday, December 9, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

*Celebrating Jane Austen

Spout Springs Library, Tuesday, December 16, 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Red Cross Blood Drive

Spout Springs Library, Thursday, December 18, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

YOUTH SERVICES YOUTH SERVICES

Hall County Library has programs for all ages of children, from babies to teens, at each of the five library branches!

FUN ALL MONTH!

We offer a wide range of youth programs from storytimes, bookclubs, crafts, trivia, STEM... and more!

UPCOMING EVENTS

CLICK HERE to visit the calendar for a full listing of all our programs or call (770) 532-3311 for more information!

HOLIDAY HULLABALOO

December 18

December 19

December 22 December 24

am 11:00 am

DECEMBER 2025

PROGRAMS & EVENTS: YOUTH SPOTLIGHT

Teen Mini Canvas Painting

Murrayville Library

Monday, December 8, 5:00-6:00 pm

North Pole Stuffie Sleepover

Blackshear Place Library

Thursday, December 18, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Elf’s Workshop:

Ornament Stations

North Hall Tech Center

Tuesday, December 23, 3:30-4:30 pm

Silent Library for Teens

Gainesville Library

Monday, December 29, 6:00-7:00 pm

Winter Read-In Pajama Party

Gainesville Library

Tuesday, December 30, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL

All meetings at 6:30 pm

12/1: Murrayville

12/11: Gainesville

12/18: Blackshear Place and North Hall

Homemade Holiday: Gift Making Event Spout Springs Library

Tuesday, December 16, 4:30-5:30 pm

Winter Wonderland Spout Springs Library

Monday, December 22, 6:00-7:00 pm

Elachee Nature Center Presents Astronomy! Gainesville Library Monday, December 29, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Click on the underlined titles for more information!

Ugly Sweater Party Spout Springs Library

Monday, December 29, 6:00-7:00 pm Big Games! Blackshear Place Library

Tuesday, December 30,

Elementary: 12:00-1:00 pm Teens: 2:00-3:00 pm

DECEMBER 2025

Tis the Season

Ashley
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Michael
Christmas Joys by Country Living
Ronda
Five Golden Wings by Donna Andrews
Cathy
Visions of Sugar Plums by Janet Evanovich
Gabriele George
Christmas at Highclere by Fiona
The Elf on the Shelf Cookbook by Chanda Bell
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
Sarah B
Julie
Wishin’ and Hopin’ by Wally Lamb

DECEMBER 2025

Tis the Season
Leah
Spectacular Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Alexandra
The Twelve Topsy-Turvy, Very Messy Days of Christmas by James Patterson
Veronica
Un dia de diciembre by Josie Silver
Lisa M
The Ultimate Minnesota Cookie Book by Lee Svitak Dean
Cheryl
Christmas Scarf Murder by Carlene O’Connor
Janine
The Magical Christmas Cookbook by Murdoch Books
Jennifer
The Pioneer Woman Cooks a Year of Holidays by Ree Drummond
Sandra
Decking the Halls by Janet Melrose

DECEMBER 2025

Tis the Season
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Demi EASY
Julie EASY
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson
Lucy EASY
Tamales For Christmas by Stephen Briseno
Christmas at Hogwarts by J.K. Rowling
Emily EASY
Katie EASY
How Does Santa Go Down The Chimney? by Mac Barnett
Lisa E EASY
Olive, the other Reindeer by Vivian Walsh

In The Gallery: December 2025

Ginger Licata is an artist who works exclusively in oils. She prefers to paint either "still life" or "landscape". Most still life paintings are set up in her studio using fresh flowers in one of her many vases, and arranged in a classic style. These arrangements are influenced by centuries of traditional still life oil paintings. Her favorite "old master" is Frans Mortelmans. She also loves to load up her paints and easel, and find a beautiful location outside to paint. Hopefully, these paintings will open you up to a whole new appreciation for fine art.

Ginger’s art will be at the Gainesville library gallery for viewing the entire month of December.

Bibliophile Bulletin Bibliophile Bulletin

Navigating the Stacks and Unveiling Library Wonders

New Digital Resource!

We are thrilled to announce the addition of NewsBank to the Hall County Library System's digital resources! This powerful, all-in-one resource gives you access to a wealth of credible, vetted news sources and genealogical records, available 24/7 from anywhere with your library card. Whether you're researching local events, exploring family history, or catching up on state and national news, NewsBank has you covered.

What's Inside NewsBank?

Americas News - 2025 Edition: Stay informed on local and national topics—from business and health to political and social issues—with content from a wide variety of trusted U.S. news sources.

Local and State News Collections: Explore the history and stay current with collections from key Georgia and local papers:

Atlanta Journal-Constitution Historical and Current Collection (1883–Current)

Augusta Chronicle Collection (1994–Current)

Macon Telegraph Collection (1994–Current)

The Gainesville Times (Archived issues from 2018–2023)

Dahlonega Nugget (Current and Archived Full-Text Articles)

Dawson News & Advertiser (Current and Archived Full-Text Articles)

White County News (Current and Archived Full-Text Articles)

USA TODAY Collection (1987–Current): Search current and archived national issues, including full newspaper pages.

HeritageHub: A premier collection of U.S. obituaries and death notices from 1704 to today, perfect for indepth genealogical research. Easily identify relatives with deep coverage from all 50 states and original obituary images.

Start your research or catch up on the news today! Access NewsBank remotely 24/7 with your Hall County Library card.

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