MONDAY,MAY4TH|5:30PM
May the fourth be with you! Whether you’re a scruffylooking nerf herder or a high-ranking Jedi Master, it’s time to jump to lightspeed and join us for an evening of galactic proportions. We’re celebrating Star Wars Day the best way we know how: with a high-stakes (but totally friendly) round of Star Wars Bingo!
This program is for ALL ages. Registration required HERE
Last year, the library was gifted a stunning collection of vintage postcards that provide a window into Gainesville’s soul capturing our streets and sanctuaries before and after the lifealtering 1936 tornado While we have enjoyed sharing these digital archives with you, the story of how they came to us was always a bit of a mystery. Thanks to some diligent research by Ron Stowe, we now have the rest of the story
The collection was discovered almost by accident in an abandoned mini-storage unit that likely belonged to Ray Lathem Jr. (son of the original collector), who passed away in 2025. After the unit’s contents were sold at auction, the postcards were rescued and brought to our library, where they were digitized for the public to enjoy
The man behind the curation was Ray Washington Lathem Sr. (1907–1983). A Hall County native and a longtime insurance agent, Lathem lived at the corner of Brenau Avenue and Sycamore Street (now E.E. Butler Parkway). His collection serves as a meticulous visual record of Gainesville’s evolution during the early 20th century
If you look closely at the bottom left corner of many cards in the collection, you’ll see the name Robertson & Law This wasn’t just a brand; it was a partnership between Dr. P.E.B. Robertson and John DeLacy Law, formed in 1906. Located at the corner of Washington and Bradford Street, their pharmacy was the "social hub" of its day DeLacy Law was an avid photographer who used the pharmacy’s resources to print postcards of: Local scenery and streetscapes
A Modern Landmark with a Vintage Soul
The pharmacy eventually became the Imperial Pharmacy, which stood as a landmark until 1971. Today, that building (home to Occasions Florist) features the iconic, large Coca-Cola mural
While it looks like a relic from 1910, it was actually painted in 1998! The mural was commissioned by Ed Summer, who had to get personal permission from Hall County native and then-Coca-Cola CEO Doug Ivester to use the protected logo.
Explore the Collection Online You can view the full Ray W Lathem Post Card Collection through the Digital Library of Georgia:
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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.
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
Get ready to turn the page on history! As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, our library is thrilled to announce the Georgia Reads for America250 program This statewide initiative is designed to connect readers of all ages with the stories, people, and events that have shaped our nation over thelasttwoandahalfcenturies
TheprogramofficiallykicksoffonMarch3and runs through the end of the year Here is everythingyouneedtoknowtogetinvolved:
HowtoCompletetheGeorgiaReadsforAmerica250 Challenge
ThechallengerunsfromMarch3throughDecember31, 2026 Followthesestepstojointhecelebrationandearn yourprizes:
Step1:JoinYourAgeGroupSignupontheBeanstackapp orvisitthelibrarytogetstarted Therearefourcategories toensureeveryonecanparticipate:
Children:PreschoolthroughElementary MiddleSchool
HighSchool
Adult
Step2:ChooseYourBookReadatleastonebookfromthe officialAmerica250Booklistforyouragegroup This curatedlistof31titlesfeaturesstoriesthatexplore250 yearsofAmericanhistory
Note:Manyhighschooltitlesarealsoavailableinouradult collection,makingthemgreatsharedreadsforfamilies! Step3:CompletetheActivitiesTofinishthechallenge,you mustcompleteoneactivityfromeachofthesixactivity categorieslistedinBeanstack.Theseactivitiesare designedtohelpyouengagewithourcommunityand nationalheritage
Step4:CollectYourRewardsOnceyou’veloggedyourbook andactivities,stopbyanybranchtopickupyourfinisher’s kit: Anofficialcertificateofcompletion Acommemorativesticker Apatrioticsiliconebracelet.
EarlyBirdBonus:Thefirst10childrentofinishateach branchwillreceivealimited-editionGeorgiaReadstshirt(YouthLarge)!
Step5:EntertheGrandPrizeRaffleEverypersonwho completestheprogrambyDecember31willbe automaticallyenteredtowinanAmerica250GiftBasket WewilldrawonewinnerperagegroupinearlyJanuary 2027
Moreinformationcanbefoundonourwebsiteunder ReadingChallenges!
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 program schedule offers something for everyone! Dive into crafting, painting, book clubs, fiber arts, and informative learning opportunities. We also host exciting partner events, thrilling Dungeons & Dragons sessions, and so much more!
Click on the titles underlined to learn more information!
*requires registration
Friends of the Library Book Sale
Gainesville Library, Saturday & Sunday, May 2, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. May 3, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
*Flower Paintings on Pre-Drawn
Canvas
Blackshear Place Library, Monday, May 4, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
North Hall Zine Press
North Hall Tech Center, Friday, May 8, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Coffee and Coffee Conversation Book Club
North Hall Tech Center, Tuesday, May 12, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
*Watercolor Class
North Hall Tech Center, Thursday May 21, 6:00 pm. - 7:30 p.m.
*Cosmic Bingo
Gainesville Library, Monday, May 4, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Palace Promenade Audio Walking Club at the Y! 2455 YMCA Drive, Wednesday, May 6 & 20, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
A Stroll Down Memory Lane
Gainesville Library, Tuesday, May 12, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Senior Citizen Happy Hour Bingo
Spout Springs Library, Wednesday, May 20, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Beginners Genealogy
Murrayville Library, Tuesday May 26, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
May2026
SummerReading iscoming!
Sign up starting May 20!
ThissummerUneartha StoryattheHallCounty LibrarywithourSummer ReadingProgramfor babiesthroughadults!
We’llhaveawesome programsand performers,reading challenges,prizesand more!
UseBeanstacktolog andtrackyourreading progress!
HallCountyLibraryhas programsforallagesof children,frombabiesto teens,ateachofthefive librarybranches!
CLICKHERE tovisitthe calendarforafulllisting ofallourprogramsor call(770)532-3311for moreinformation!
Storytime is on a break!
Stay in the library habit with one of our
Mondays North Hall Tech 11:00 for babies & toddlers 0 months-3 years
Weeklystorytimes resumeJune8th!
Tuesdays
Gainesville 10:15
Spout Springs 10:30
Wednesdays Gainesville 10:15
Blackshear Place 10:15
Thursdays Murrayville 10:15
*requires registration
North Hall Zine Press
North Hall Tech Center
Fridays, 2:00-3:30 pm
Cosmic Bingo*
Gainesville Library
Monday, May 4, 5:30-7:00 pm
Lego Play
Spout Springs Library
Thursday, May 7, 4:00-6:00 pm
Stamp Painting
Murrayville Library
Monday, May 11, 3:00-4:00 pm
Teeny Tiny Art Show
Spout Springs Library
Canvas Pickup ends May 1st
Canvases are due back May 15th
Clickonthe underlinedtitles formore information!
Young Jedi Academy* Blackshear Place Library
Monday, May 4, 3:30-4:30 pm
Star Wars Drop-In Craft Blackshear Place Library
Thursday, May 7, 3:00-7:00 pm
Georgia Cross Stitchers
Gainesville Library
Saturday, May 9, 10:00 am - 4:30 pm
Read Rover Storytime
Murrayville Library
Wednesday, May 13, 3:30-4:30 pm
Indie Web Revival
North Hall Tech Center
Monday, May 25, 5:00-7:00 pm
We thank the following We thank the following
Gainesville High School Art Students for sharing
Gainesville High School Art Students for sharing their paintings: their paintings:
Calli Carlisle Calli Carlisle
Matilda Diaz Matilda Diaz
Sandra Bautista Gomez
Sandra Bautista Gomez
Emma Hogan Emma Hogan
Alishba Khan Alishba Khan A Alexandra Torres Martinez lexandra Torres Martinez
Zinnia Valenzuela
Zinnia Valenzuela
Yamile Riestra Velazquez
Yamile Riestra Velazquez
Zaletta Zubieta Zaletta Zubieta