Library Insider - Fall Edition 2026

FALL EDITION

LIBRARY INSIDER Official Newsletter of the Hall County Library System

East Hall East Hall grand opening! grand opening!

On Saturday, August 22, we celebrated the official grand opening of the East Hall Library! Community members, local leaders, and families gathered at the East Hall Community Center campus to mark the debut of our new 9,300-square-foot facility.

Grand Opening Highlights: Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony: Official remarks from local officials and library leadership kicked off the day, celebrating the years of community support behind the project.

Facility Tours & Tech Demos: Guests explored the bright new space, got hands-on demonstrations in the Makerspace and podcast studio, and checked out items from the new Library of Things.

Family Activities: Kids and teens enjoyed interactive storytimes, crafts, and games in their new dedicated wings, while visitors signed up for brand-new library cards.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to welcome East Hall Library to the neighborhood—stop by today to explore the space for yourself!

HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER

This Issue: East Hall Library PAGE 01 - 03 The Friends of the Library PAGE 04

Adult Events PAGE 05 - 11

Children & Teen Events PAGE 11 - 22

PAGE 01

EAST HALL

Storytime with Elephant & Piggie!

Our 6th location offically opened on August 22nd at 3911 P Davison Road! We are so excited to welcome the East Hall Community to this new and amazing space!

We held a special Elephant and Piggie Storytime at our Grand Opening Cerermony

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on the wrap-around porch.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at our main entrance and our porch entrance.

Expanded Features & Services: Creative Tech & Media: Beyond traditional books, visitors gain hands-on access to advanced equipment in our Makerspace and top-tier recording gear in the public podcast studio.

Tailored Environments: Bright, interactive zones keep kids engaged and give teens space to collaborate, while private study pods offer quiet areas for remote work and research.

Community Synergy: Co-located at the East Hall Community Center (3911 P Davison Rd), the library makes it seamless to pair a workout or community program with a quick trip to pick up your next read.

Local Outdoor Living: Take advantage of Gainesville's mild weather on our spacious wraparound porch—perfect for settling into a favorite novel or connecting with neighbors.

HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER

PAGE 02

Community & Celebration

A Hub for Innovation & Learning

The East Hall Library represents a new chapter for our community, uniting modern technology, expansive literary collections, and vibrant public spaces under one roof.

Located alongside the East Hall Community Center at 3911 P Davison Rd in Gainesville, this 9,300-square-foot facility is designed to serve as a welcoming third place for neighbors to gather, create, learn, and grow.

Ready to Plan

Your visit? come see us!

770 532 3311 ext. 161 www.hallcountylibrary.org

HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER

PAGE 03

THE T HE F F RI RIE E NDS N D S OF O F THE T H E HAL HALL L COUNTY C OUNTY L L II B B RARY RARY S S YS Y S TE TEM M As a vital partner to the library, the Friends of the Library is a volunteer organization comprised of passionate individuals dedicated to supporting and enhancing library services, believing in their transformative power for all.

By joining the Friends of the Library, you become part of a community that makes a real difference. You can gain valuable experience in areas like event planning, fundraising, and community outreach while advocating for increased library funding to ensure access to information for everyone. Volunteer with us, attend exciting events, and support a cause you believe in. The Friends of the Library is where book lovers connect and make a difference.

Making a Making a Difference Difference How the Friends actively made a difference for the Hall County community in past years.

Invested in our Library Staff: We provide scholarships to staff members pursuing professional development, ensuring a skilled and knowledgeable team for our community.

Supported Early Literacy: We help over 3,000 children avoid the summer reading slide through engaging summer reading programs.

Advocated for Libraries: We lobbied for state grant funds for the future East Hall Library Branch and for technology upgrades in all branches, ensuring everyone has access to upto-date resources.

Enhanced Library Facilities: We funded the purchase of special furniture for the Blackshear Place Branch Library construction project, creating a welcoming space for all.

HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER

JOIN TODAY

PAGE 04

GAINESVILLE GAINESVILLE Special Needs Social Hour: Select Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

NE GA Writers: Select Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Mah-jongg: Every Thursday, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. *Dungeons & Dragons: Select Thursdays, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. *Greeting Card Workshop: Select Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Georgia Cross Stitchers: Select Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Scrap and Yap: Select Saturdays, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Enchanted Edges: Monday, September 14, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Health Class- New Dietary Guidelines!

Tuesday, September 15, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

The Heirloom Kitchen: Capturing and Sharing Family Recipes: Tuesday, September 22, 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. *Travel Solo After 50: Saturday, September 26, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. *Pumpkins and Sunflowers! Paint Workshop: Saturday, October 3, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. *Char”BOO”terie Class: Monday, October 5, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

*: Registration Required: Space is limited. Please register on the calendar at hallcountylibrary.org

HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER

PAGE 05

Adult Halloween Craft Week: All Day Event, October 12-17 *History and Heritage on the Comal: Monday, October 12, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

SNSH - Sensory Spooktacular: Wednesday, October 14, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. *Scrap and Yap: Friday, October 17, 2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Building Savings and Wealth: Monday, October 19, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Intro to Family Search: Tuesday, October 20, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. *Halloween Themed Book Bag: Monday, October 26, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

*: Registration Required: Space is limited. Please register on the calendar at hallcountylibrary.org

HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER

PAGE 06

BLACKSHEAR PLACE BLACKSHEAR PLACE Speed Puzzle Tournament: Select Mondays, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Monday Book Club: Select Mondays, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Gentle Yoga: Select Fridays, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Pressed Flower Candle Take ‘N Make Craft: Tuesday, September 1, All Day Event Button & Magnet Making: Wednesday, September 9, 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

1,000 Piece Puzzle Challenge: Monday, September 14, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. *Sunflower Painting Class: Saturday, September 19, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Halloween Ceramic Take ‘N Make Craft: Thursday, October 1, All Day Event Horror Movie Trivia: Tuesday, October 13, 5:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.

Appalachian Ghost Stories: Thursday, October 29, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

*: Registration Required: Space is limited. Please register on the calendar at hallcountylibrary.org

HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER

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SPOUT SPRINGS SPOUT SPRINGS Adult Craft Club: Select Mondays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Club: Select Mondays, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Movement for Life: Select Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Jazzercise: Select Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Stitching at the Springs: Select Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Senior Citizen Happy Hour Bingo: Select Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Historically Speaking Book Club: Select Thursdays, 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Thursday Book Club: Select Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Mah-Jongg: Select Thursdays, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Writing Group: Select Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Special Needs Social Hour: Wednesday, September 2, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. *Renfaire-Flower Crown Workshop: Saturday, September 12, 10:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Renfaire-Fairy Walking Sticks: Saturday, September 12, 10:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Renfaire-Adult Storytelling!

Saturday, September 12, 12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m. *Renfaire-Chain Mail Workshop: Saturday, September 12, 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

*: Registration Required: Space is limited. Please register on the calendar at hallcountylibrary.org

HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER

PAGE 08

NORTH HALL NORTH HALL Mah-Jongg:

Select Mondays, 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Fiber Friends: Select Thursdays, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Coffee and Conversations Book Club: Select Mondays, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Paper Quilling for Beginners: Select Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Zine Press: Select Fridays, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Raising Backyard Chickens: Thursday, September 10, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Sourdough Class: Monday, September 28, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Cottagecore Mushroom Wall Art: Monday, October 5, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

North Hall Walk and Talk: Tuesday, October 13, 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

*: Registration Required: Space is limited. Please register on the calendar at hallcountylibrary.org

HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER

PAGE

EAST HALL EAST HALL Walk. Listen. Repeat:

Select Wednesday’s, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Romance Book Club: Select Monday’s, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Cozy Craft Club: Monday, September 14, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Bad art Night: Monday. October 12, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Spooky Drop-in Craft: Thursday, October 29, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

*: Registration Required: Space is limited. Please register on the calendar at hallcountylibrary.org

HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER

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MURRAYVILLE MURRAYVILLE Puzzle Week: Select Weeks, All Day Event Coloring Therapy for Adults: Select Weeks, All Day Event Music Concert at Murrayville Library: Select Tuesdays, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. *Classic Literature Book Club: Select Wednesdays, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Dungeons & Dragons Club: Select Thursdays, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Chess Club: Select Fridays, 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

War Stories Book Club: Select Fridays, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Owl Painting Craft: Monday, October 12, 10:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

*: Registration Required: Space is limited. Please register on the calendar at hallcountylibrary.org

HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER

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Kick off our fantastic fall storytime session with an Pocket Full of Fun Storytime featuring a costume character appearance by

U D R R O O Y C Tuesday, September 1, 10:15 Blackshear Place Library Wednesday, September 2, 10:15 Murrayville Library Thursday, September 3, 11:00 Gainesville Library Friday, September 4, 10:15 Spout Springs Library Saturday, September 5, 11:00 East Hall Library

HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER

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WEEKLY STORYTIMES FALL SESSION SEPT 5 - NOV 21 GAINESVILLE LIBRARY

BLACKSHEAR PLACE LIBRARY

Baby Steps

Tiny Discoveries Storytime

Ages 0-18 months Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10:15 AM

Ages 0-36 months | Tuesdays 10:15 AM

Toddler Storytime

Ages 18 months-5 years Wednesdays 10:15 AM

Ages 18-36 months Tuesdays & Wednesdays 11:00 AM

Little Sprouts Storytime

Ages 3-5 | Thursdays 11:00 AM

Saturday Storytime

All Ages | Saturdays 11:00 AM

Let's Play Storytime

Pajama Storytime

All Ages | Select Thursdays 6:30 PM Sept 24, Oct 22, Nov 12

MURRAYVILLE LIBRARY Growing Readers Storytime

EAST HALL LIBRARY Tuesday Tales Storytime All Ages | Tuesdays 11:00 AM

Ages 18 months-5 years Wednesdays 10:15 AM

Baby Steps

Ages 0-18 months | Fridays 10:15 AM

Saturday Storytime

All Ages | Select Saturdays 10:15 AM Sept 12, Oct 10, Nov 14

SPOUT SPRINGS LIBRARY Baby Steps

Ages 0-18 months | Tuesdays 10:15 AM

Toddler Storytime

Ages 18-36 months | Tuesdays 11:00 AM

NORTH HALL TECH CENTER Rise and Shine Storytime All Ages | Mondays 11:00 AM

Pajama Storytime

Preschool Storytime

Ages 3 and up | Fridays 10:15 AM

All Ages | Select Thursdays 6:30 PM Sept 3, Oct 1, Nov 5

Saturday Storytime

Saturday Storytime

All Ages | Select Saturdays 11:00 AM Sept 12, Oct 10, Nov 14

HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER

All Ages | Select Saturdays 2:30 PM Sept 26, Oct 24

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BLACKSHEAR PLACE Little Brushes & Big Ideas: Select Mondays, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

The Young Artists Studio: Select Mondays, 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Tiny Discoveries Storytime: Select Tuesdays, 10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Play Time: Select Wednesdays, 10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Let’s Play Storytime: Select Wednesdsays, 10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Drop in Crafts: Select Thursdays, 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Pajama Storytime: Select Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Pocketful of Fun Storytime with Corduroy the Bear: Tuesday, September 1, 10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Capybara Appreciation Day!: Tuesday, September 8, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Lions, Tigers and Bears..oh my! STEAM: Thursday, September 17, 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Pumpkin Decorating Contest: Thursday, October 1-17, All Day Event *Captured Ghosts Workshop: Wednesday, October 14, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

HallowSTEAM: Thursday, October 15, 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

A Not-So-Spooky Storytime: Tuesday, October 27, 10:15 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Spooky Glow Party: Thursday, October 29, 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

*: Registration Required: Space is limited. Please register on the calendar at hallcountylibrary.org

HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER

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GAINESVILLE Art in the Afternoon: Select Mondays, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Baby Play: Select Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 10:15 a.m. -11:30 a.m.

Baby Steps: Select Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Toddler Storytime: Select Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Homeschool Crafternoon: Select Wednesdays, 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Homeschool Libratory: Select Wednesdays, 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Little Sprouts Storytime: Select Thursdays, 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Lego Club: Select Fridays, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Saturday Storytime: Select Saturdays, 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Pocketful of Fun Storytime with Corduroy the Bear: Thursday, September 3, 11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

A Not-So-Spooky Storytime: Thursday, October 29 & Saturday, October 31, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER

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Read Rover: Select Wednesdays, 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Growing Readers Storytime: Select Wednesdays, 10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Baby Playdate: Select Fridays, 10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Baby Steps: Select Fridays, 10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Saturday Storytime: Select Saturdays, 10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Pocketful of Fun Storytime with Corduroy the Bear!: Wednesday, September 2, 10:15 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Make-Your-Own Playdough STEM: Monday, September 28, 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Pumpkin STEM: Monday, October 19, 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Halloween Crafts: Monday, October 26, 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.

A Not-So-Spooky Storytime: Wednesday, October 28, 10:15 a.m. - 11 a.m.

HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER

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NORTH HALL TECH

Baby Play Date: Select Mondays, 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Rise ‘n Shine Storytime: Select Mondays, 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

LEGO Club: Thursdays, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Pajama Storytime: Select Thursdays, 6:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Saturday Storytime: Select Saturdays, 2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Light and Color Stem: Tuesday, September 15, 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Pirate Library Takeover!: Tuesday, September 29, 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Think Tank: Homeschool Group: Monday, October 1, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m.

Halloween Jamboree!: Wednesday, October 14, 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Make a Pet Rock Monster!: Tuesday, October 20, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

A Not-So-Spooky Storytime: Monday, October 26, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER

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EAST HALL Tuesday Tales: Tuesday’s, 11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Homeschool STEM: Select Thursday’s, 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Elementary Craft: Select Thursday’s, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Corduroy Bear Storytime: Saturday, September 5, 11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Elachee Nocturnal Animals: Wednesday, October 14, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER

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SPOUT SPRINGS Lego Club

Preschool Storytime

Select Mondays,

Select Fridays,

4:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.

10:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Elementary Homeschool

Pocketful of Fun Storytime with

Hangout

Corduroy the Bear!

Select Mondays,

Friday, September 4,

11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

10:15 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Baby Playdate

All Ages Costume Drive: Donations Begin

Select Tuesdays,

August 1 - October 11,

10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

All Day Event

Toddler Storytime

Big Games Day, All Ages Welcome

Select Tuesdays,

Saturday, September 26, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.

Pumpkin Decorating Contest Begins

Drop-In Craft for Children

Thursday, October 1-12, All Day Event

Select Wednesdays,

Fall Fest! All Ages Welcome

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Wednesday, October 14,

Lego Play

4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Select Thursdays,

All Ages Costume Drive

4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Thursday, October 15, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Minecraft Club Select Thursdays, 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.

HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER

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Teen Events Events Blackshear Place

Teen Hour Diamond Art: Thursday, September 10, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Y.A.C. Select Thursday’s 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Teen Hour Button Making: Tuesday, October 13, 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Spout Springs Homecoming Pop-up: September 1st - 9th Anime Club: Select Tuesday’s, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Y.A.C. Select Monday’s, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER

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Teen Events Events Gainesville

Art in the Afternoon: Select Monday’s, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Ghost Hunting for Teens: Saturday, October 24, 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Murrayville Harry Potter Trivia: Monday, September 14, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Y.A.C. Select Monday’s, 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Observe the Moon Night: Saturday, September 19, 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Rock Painting: Monday, October 12, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

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Teen Events Events North Hall

Y.A.C. Select Thursday’s, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Video Game Club: Saturday, September 26, 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Halloween Jamboree: Wednesday, October 14, 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Indie Web Revival: Monday, October 26, 5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.

East Hall Video Game Night: Select Thursday’s, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Y.A.C. Select Thursday’s 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Let’s Cook: Select Tuesday’s, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER

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