Celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month 2025 with the theme "One Card, Endless Possibilities."
A library card is more than just a piece of plastic—it's your key to a world of opportunity. This September, celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month 2025 by unlocking a treasure trove of resources, all for free. From borrowing your next great read and streaming movies to accessing powerful research databases and learning new skills, one card truly offers endless possibilities
I’m sure many of you remember seeing the library during its transition period, with the walls completely removed as the old damaged siding was replaced That gave everyone a great view of the famous library staircase! When we were planning the renovation, concerns about preserving the staircase drew the most comments by a long stretch. ResidentswhogrewupusingtheGainesvilleLibraryseemedespecially attachedtothislibrarycenterpiece.
Thanks to funding from our local SPLOST as well as a matching state grant secured by our legislative delegation, we were able to keep the staircaseintactwhilemakingmanyotherimprovementsandadditions. Almost10,000squarefeetofspacewasaddedtothebuilding,andour local history collection was given dedicated and more secure space. For the first time, we were able to offer study rooms and a dedicated children’sprogrammingspace.Thechildren’sareawasalsoexpanded andmovedawayfromthemainlibraryentrance.Alargemeetingroom was added for both library programming and community group use And happily, our parking problems were solved just a couple of years laterthankstothenewNorthParkingDeck
This year, I was honored to celebrate my 10th year as Hall County Library Director. In that time, we have built two new libraries (Spout Springs and North Hall) and renovated both Gainesville and Blackshear Place.Ifeelveryfortunatetoworkinacommunitythatlovesandsupportsitslibraries.Thankyouforyour supportofourlibrarysystemandforrecognizingtheimportantrolelibrariesplayinourcommunities.Next up:wearebuildingawonderfullibraryinEastHall,sostaytunedforupdates!
5 YEARS OF OUR GAINESVILLE LIBRARY
THE FOUNDATION OF OUR STORY
Before the first page of our new chapter was written, a familiar sight stood on this corner. The Gainesville Library, with its timeless brick facade, was a cornerstone of our community for decades, holding countless stories and memories within its walls. This photo captures the building just as it was, a testament to a rich past and the foundation for the incredible future that was about to unfold It’s a moment frozen in time, right before the start of a remarkable journey of renewal
To build a better future, we first had to deconstruct the past. This photo takes you behind the scenes, showing the "bones" of the building stripped bare during the renovation. It was a time of immense change, where walls were removed and spaces were opened up, making way for the modern, accessible library we know today. This stage of the project was about more than just construction; it was about preparing a beloved landmark for its next great act, carefully preserving its spirit while completely reimagining its purpose.
SPIRALING INTO A NEW ERA
Some things are simply too special to change. The iconic spiral staircase is a beloved staple of the Gainesville Library, and we knew from the start that it had to be a part of our future. This image shows the staircase in all its glory, connecting the library's past to its vibrant present. It’s a symbol of continuity, an elegant reminder that while our building may have changed, its heart and soul remain the same. The spiral staircase continues to be a central part of our library's story, a path that invites readers to climb to new heights of knowledge and imagination.
Digital Learning Hub LibraryResourcesfor
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LOTE4KIDS
Useengagingformatslikevideos,tutorials,and
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
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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!!
SEPTEMBER 2025
PROGRAMS & EVENTS: ADULT SPOTLIGHT
*requires registration
*Alzheimer’s and Hope: Finding Strength Together
Murrayville Library, Thursday, September 4th, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
*Learn to Sew with Ana Whitfield North Hall Tech Center, Monday, September 8th, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
*Sitting Up With The Dead Gainesville Library, Friday, September 12th, 2 p.m. - 10 p.m.
*Book Exchange Party Blackshear Place, Monday, September 22nd, 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Click on the titles underlined to learn more information!
*Mugs & Thugs Cold Case Club Gainesville Library, Monday, September 8th, 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Fall Fest in the Storybook Forest! Spout Springs Library
Monday, Sept. 22, 6:30-7:30 pm
Fall STEM Fest!
North Hall Tech Center
Tuesday, Sept. 23, 3:30-4:30 pm
K-POP Hunters Night
Gainesville Library
Thursday, Sept. 25, 6:00-7:00 pm
Bad Art Night Spout Springs Library Thursday, Sept. 25, 6:00-7:00 pm
Click on the underlined titles for more information!
Movie Night and Oreo Taste Testing
Murrayville Library
Monday, Sept. 29, 5:00-6:00 pm
Back To School
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
Lisa M
Kathy Educated by Tara Westover
Demi
Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas
Michael
In Defense of a Liberal Education by Fareed Zakaria
Brian
The Magicians by Lev Grossman
Katherine
Arcana Academy by Elise Kova
Marissa
Girls With Bright Futures by Tracy Dobmeier
George
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chobsky
Back To School
Point B
by Drew Magary
Lisa E Amy
Night School by Lee Child
SEPTEMBER 2025
Back To School
Janine YA
Matilda by Roald Dahl
Linda Rose JUV
A Study In Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro
Leticia EASY
The Pigeon Has to Go to School by Mo Willems
Lucy EASY
School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex
Ashley EASY
Miss Nelson is Missing by Harry Allard
Cheryl EASY
New Kid by Jerry Craft
The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Rauf
Katie JUV
Troy JUV
Diary of a Minecraft ZombieBack to Scare School by Zack Zombie
Navigating the Stacks and Unveiling Library Wonders
in the gallery in the gallery
Rooted in our heritage, we are a collective of latine artists who use our diverse voices to explore and celebrate our shared experiences. Through varying mediums, our artwork weaves together the vibrant threads of culture, history, and identity