JANUARY 2026
LIBRARY INSIDER Official Newsletter of the Hall County Library System
This Issue: NewsBank PAGE 01
Reliable, Credible information at your fingertips
Top Books of 2025 PAGE 02 East Hall Update
We are thrilled to announce that Hall County Library System patrons now have access to NewsBank, a premier online resource for local, national, and international news. This powerful database allows you to search a vast collection of reliable news sources, including newspapers, newswires, and blogs, all from the comfort of your home or on the go. Best of all, access is completely free with your Hall County library card! To get started, simply visit our website, navigate to the NewsBank portal, and log in using your library card number and PIN. Whether you are looking to stay up to date on the latest political developments or exploring educational features like this insightful article explaining the Winter Solstice, NewsBank provides the important articles you need to stay informed.
Newsletter Team: Mckenzie Baldwin, Amy Ritch, Rachel Buckley, Katie Guthrie
HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER
PAGE 03 Digital Resources PAGE 04 - 05 Homeschool Events & Book Clubs PAGE
06
Adult Programs PAGE
07 - 09
Youth Programs PAGE 10 - 13 Staff Book Picks PAGE 14 - 16 Bibliophile Bulletin PAGE 17 - 18
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The Best Books
of 2025
We asked and you answered, here were your top book picks of 2025!
Broken country by Clarke Leslie Hall
The Girl who fell beneath the sea by axie oh
what we can know by ian mcewan
the seven husbands of evelyn hugo by taylor jenkins reid
the favortes by layne fargo
the poppy war by r.f. kuang
the last letter by rebecca yarros
the possession of alba diaz by iabel canas
HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER
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East Hall Library
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE: East Hall Library Extension Progress is well underway at the site of our new East Hall Library extension! We are excited to share the latest updates from the construction field as we build this new space for our community
On December 3, 2025, third-party testing was conducted during the placement of 20 cubic yards of concrete for the southwest library extension walls. We are pleased to report that the concrete observed met project specifications for temperature, slump, and air content. Specialized molds were used to cast these new walls in place, ensuring a solid foundation for the library's growth. Our engineering and construction teams are working diligently to ensure every detail meets the highest standards. We look forward to seeing the walls of your new library extension continue to rise!
HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER
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Digital Learning Hub Library Resources for Lifelong Learning
TUTOR.COM Tutor.com 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
Digital learning
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.
Access learning resources from anywhere, at any time. Learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. Enjoy free access to premium content with your library card. Use engaging formats like videos, tutorials, and interactive lessons.
HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER
FINANCIAL FIT 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.
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AUDIO & EBOOKS Your next great read, available 24/7
PALACE The Palace Project app is a one-stop-shop for ebooks and audiobooks. Perfect for all readers, it offers a broad range of titles from bestsellers and classics to content in 29 languages. Use your library card and PIN to access a streamlined interface where you'll always find something great to read or listen to.
LIBBY Libby is an award-winning app that gives you free access to the library's vast collection of ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines. With just your library card, you can browse, borrow, and read or listen to titles on your smartphone, tablet, or e-reader. Libby is perfect for finding your next popular bestseller, catching up on a magazine subscription, or enjoying a great audiobook on your commute.
HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER
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
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HOMESCHOOL
HAPPENINGS Gainesville Jan 14, 1:30 p.m. Homeschool Crafternoon Jan 28, 1:30 p.m. Homeschool Libratory
North Hall Tech Jan 5, 1:00 p.m. Think Tank
BOOK CLUBS FOR EVERYONE FOR EVERYONE
Murrayville Jan 13, 4:00 p.m. Classic Literature Club - Adult Reading: Frankenstein Jan 9, 4:00 p.m. War Stories - Adult Reading: Finding Bomb Boogie
Blackshear Place Jan 6, 6:00 p.m. Monday Book Club - Adult Reading: The Warm Hands of Ghosts
HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER
Spout Springs Jan 8, 2:30 p.m. Historically Speaking - Adult Reading: Midnight on the Potomac Jan 8, 10:30 a.m. Thursday Book Club - Adult Reading: The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife Jan 26, 6:30 p.m. Sci-fi/Fantasy Book Club - Adult Reading: A Psalm for the Wild-Built and A Prayer for the Crown-Shy
Gainesville Jan 23, 1:00 p.m. America 250 - Adult Check link for book list Jan 26, 6:00 p.m. Manga Mondays - Teen
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ADULT PROGRAMS January, 2026
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.
HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER
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!!
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JANUARY 2026
PROGRAMS & EVENTS: ADULT SPOTLIGHT *requires registration *New Year Vision Boards Blackshear Place Library, Friday, January 2, 2 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
*Walk and Tone to the Max Gainesville Library, Saturday, January 3, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
*Paint by Number: Famous Landmarks Blackshear Place Library, Monday, January 5, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
*New Year Vision Boards Gainesville Library, Monday, January 5, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
*Financial Foundations: Your Blueprint to Thrive Gainesville Library, Friday, January 9, 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
*Soap Making Class Spout Springs Library, Friday, January 9, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
*Cooks and Books at Pinsperation! Gainesville Library, Monday, January 12, 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
*Book Exchange Gainesville Library, Saturday, January 17, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
*Painting with Vicki Spout Springs Library, Tuesday, January 20, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER
*Paper Vases Gainesville Library, Thursday, January 22, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
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JANUARY 2026
PROGRAMS & EVENTS: ADULT SPOTLIGHT *requires registration *America 250: Semiquincentennial Book Club Gainesville Library, Friday, January 23, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
*Mugs and Thugs True Crime Club Gainesville Library, Monday, January 26, 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
*Health and Weight Gainesville Library, Tuesday, January 27, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
The Legend of Bigfoot Murrayville Library, Thursday, January 29, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
*Expressive Arts Therapy North Hall Tech Center, Friday, January 30, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER
*History of Waffle House Gainesville Library, Friday, January 30, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
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Youth Services Youth
Welcome 2026! Hall County Library has programs for all ages of children, from babies to teens, at each of the five library branches!
Start the year off Right! 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!
HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER
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T I M Y R E O S T C S H Y E L D K U E E LE WINTER/SPRING SESSION W JANUARY 5 - APRIL 25 Gainesville Library
Blackshear Place Library
Baby Steps
Stretch with Me 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
Let's Play Storytime
Pajama Storytime Up to 6 years | Select Thursdays 6:30 PM Feb 26, Mar 26, Apr 9
Saturday Storytime All Ages | Saturdays 11:00 AM
North Hall Tech Center
Murrayville Library
Rise and Shine Storytime
Growing Readers Storytime
Pajama Storytime
Ages 18 months-5 years Thursdays 10:15 AM
Baby Steps Ages 0-18 months | Fridays 10:15 AM
All Ages | Mondays 11:00 AM All Ages | Select Thursdays 6:30 PM Jan 8, Feb 5, Mar 5, Apr 2
Saturday Storytime All Ages | Select Saturdays 2:30 PM Jan 24, Feb 28, Mar 28, Apr 25
Saturday Storytime All Ages | Select Saturdays 10:15 AM Jan 10, Feb 14, Mar 14, Apr 11
Spout Springs Library Baby Steps Ages 0-18 months | Tuesdays 10:15 AM
Toddler Storytime Ages 18-36 months | Tuesdays 11:00 AM
Preschool Storytime Ages 3 and up | Fridays 10:15 AM
Saturday Storytime All Ages | Select Saturdays 11:00 AM Jan 10, Feb 14, Mar 14, Apr 11
HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER
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Keep reading this winter with a fun Olympic-themed reading challenge! Log your reading and complete literacy activities on Beanstack to earn virtual badges and great prizes!
Click HERE to sign up!
Winter Reading Challenge 2026! December 19 - February 7
Read 400 minutes and complete at least one activity to earn a free book, a voucher for a bundtlet from Nothing Bundt Cakes and a gold medal!
For 0 - 18 years! A special thanks to our program sponsors
Be a gold medal reader this winter!
Enter the Hall County Library System's
Design-A-Bookmark Contest 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.
HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER
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Y.A.C. YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL
All meetings at 6:30 pm
JANUARY 2026
PROGRAMS & EVENTS: YOUTH SPOTLIGHT
01/05: Murrayville 01/15: Gainesville Blackshear Place and North Hall 01/26: Spout Springs
*requires registration
Super CRAFT Bros Resc hed uled Gainesville Library to Mar Friday, January 2, 1:30-3:30 ch 1 pm 7!
Slime Party Murrayville Library Friday, January 2, 3:30-4:30 pm
Mini Con Spout Springs Library Monday, January 5, 3:00-7:00 pm
Toddler Time - Sensory Bins Blackshear Place Library Monday, January 12, 12:00-1:00 pm
Art in the Afternoon Gainesville Library Monday, January 12, 4:00-5:00 pm
Teen D&D at the Library Spout Springs Library Monday, January 12, 6:00-7:00 pm
Big Games Day Spout Springs Library Thursday, January 22, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Harry Potter Party North Hall Tech Center Thursday, January 22, 4:30-5:30 pm
Click on the underlined titles for more information!
Teen National Puzzle Day Blackshear Place Library Thursday, January 29, 6:00-7:00 pm
HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER
A Journey Through Space* Murrayville Library Saturday, January 31, 11:00 am - 12:10 pm,
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JANUARY 2026
STAFF BOOK PICKS Year of the Horse
Lisa M
Janine DVD
Sarah B
Kathy E
Horse by Geraldine Brooks
The Man From Snowy River
The Girl In The Tower by Katherine Arden
The Horsewoman by James Patterson
Cathy P
Demi
Gabriele
Meier
The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Evans
Behooved by M. Stevenson
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER
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JANUARY 2026
STAFF BOOK PICKS Year of the Horse Kay
Sandra
Cheryl
Ronda
Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand
The Ride of Her Life by Elizabeth Letts
American Pharoah by Joe Drape
The Eighty-Dollar Champion by Elizabeth Letts
Michael
Winning The Wild West by Page Stegner
HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER
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JANUARY 2026
STAFF BOOK PICKS Year of the Horse Katie YA
Brian JUV
Demi JUV
Emily JUV
Bea and the New Deal Horse by L. M. Elliott
The Black Stallion by Walter Farley
The Grimmelings by Rachael King
The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis
Katherine JUV
Lisa E EASY
Linda Rose EASY
Katie EASY
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
Sergeant Reckless by Patricia McCormick
If I Was a Horse by Sophie Blackall
My Daddy Is A Cowboy by Stephanie Seales
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In The Gallery January 2026 My name is Lawanda Bailey I have been doing craft's for over 7 years or more. I really enjoy doing crafts; my crafts have touched a lot of people’s hearts. Many of my crafts I have given as gifts. It’s very relaxing. I never dreamed of doing crafts, or selling them, or giving them as a gift, but I truly enjoy it. I truly feel in my heart, it was God’s plan from me to create crafts and see the smile and joy it brings on people’s faces and in their hearts. Hopefully my diamond paintings will bring each one of you joy and insight on beauty.
HALL COUNTY LIBRARY INSIDER
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Bibliophile Bulletin Navigating the Stacks and Unveiling Library Wonders
Have you checked out GALILEO, Georgia's virtual library? It offers many useful tools for lifelong learners, from language learning to job skills to genealogy resources. GALILEO is an online library portal to subscription-only information that isn’t available through free search engines or internet directories. All you need is your GA library card number and PIN. Learn more at georgialibraries.org/use-galileo
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