Official Newsletter of the Hall County Library System
BOOKSALE
Gainesville Library | 127 Main St. NW MARCH 29 & 30 Saturday 10:00-5:00 Sunday 1:00-4:00 HalfPrice!
Support the Friends of the Hall County Library System by shopping at and donating to the annual Used Book Sale!
Donate books in good condition by dropping them off at any HCLS branch. Your contribution will help the Friends in providing support for programs like the annual Summer Reading Program!
To volunteer at the book sale, email jwise@hallcountylibrary.org For more information about the Friends of the Library and how to join CLICK HERE!
Newsletter Team: Mckenzie Baldwin, Amy Ritch, Rachel Buckley, Katie Guthrie
H A L L C O U N T Y L I B R A R Y S Y S T E M
Project Shooting Stars
Introducing Project 'Shooting Stars,' a unique initiative that shines a light on the literary passions of our community leaders! Every quarter, discover a captivating collection of books hand-selected by a featured 'Shooting Star.' This quarter, delve into the reading world of Killian Edwards, the esteemed Chair of the Library Board and a vibrant member of the Hall County community. Explore her beloved book selections, now available for checkout. Want to become a 'Shooting Star' yourself? Share your literary favorites with the community by filling out this form for a chance to have your curated collection featured at the library.
HALL COUNTY LIBRARY SHOOTING STAR
Killian Edwards
I've always been a word nerd; I love to read them and to write them! When I discovered to my great delight that you can have a job writing, proofreading and making sure the commas are in the right place, I studied communications and journalism. I've worked in communications for nearly 30 years, and I like to focus on stories about people whenever possible because they bring facts to life and make them real. Along with many types of fiction (historical, British mystery, beach reads, you name it!), I read a lot of non-fiction because I love learning about a wide range of topics (Anne of Cleves was the best of the six wives of Henry VIII, hands down.) and enjoy well-written, engaging tales (Read "The Boys in the Boat." The movie was really good, but you know what they say...).
I chose the books on this list because I like quirky characters, those who might be a little (or a lot) different from the people around them and those who face challenges they aren't quite sure they can meet. These books also often play with words and language, which I greatly enjoy, and they evoke feelings and settings wonderfully.
BOOK BOOKClub Kits Club Kits
ing new book club kits available for checkout at the Hall County Library System!
ADULT
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Mamas Boy by Dustin Lance Black
I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
When We Rise by Cleve Jones
The Little Old Lady Behaving Badly by Catharina IngelmanSundberg
YOUTH
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
The Voyage to Magical North by Claire Fayers
The Emperor's Riddle by Kat Zhang
El Deafo by Cece Bell
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin
The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Kits can be found in the PINES catalog by searching “book club kit” and follow the same procedures as normal check out items.
Kits can NOT be placed on hold
THE FRIENDS OF THE HALL COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM
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 Difference
How the Friends actively made a difference for the Hall County community in past years.
Invested in our Library Staff: We provided scholarships to four staff members pursuing professional development, ensuring a skilled and knowledgeable team for our community. Supported Early Literacy: We helped 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.
GAINESVILLE ADULT PROGRAMS SPRING 2025
Special Needs Social Hour:
Select Wednesdays, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
NE GA Writers:
Select Wednesdays, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Mah Jong:
Select Thursdays, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Dungeons and Dragons:
Select Thursdays, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
*Fear, Mystery, and Gloom:
Select Fridays,, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
*Greeting Card Workshop:
Select Saturdays, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Introduction to Microsoft Excel: Friday, February 7, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
*Galentine's Charcuterie:
Monday, February 10, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Looking up the History of Your House:
Tuesday, February 11, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Excel II: Intro to Functions and Formulas: Friday, February 14, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Cruising Alaska:
Saturday, February 22, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Heart Healthy!:
Monday, February 24, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Beginning to Climb Your Family Tree?: Tuesday, March 11, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
*Sitting up With the Dead: Friday, March 14, 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Cruising the Mediterranean: Saturday, March 15, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Going Green! Healthy Eating Series: Monday, March 17, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Adult Spring Jigsaw Puzzle: Select Days in April, All Day Event
How to Fill Out a Family Tree Chart Template: Tuesday, April 8, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Traveling to Universal: Monday, April 14, 6:30 pm - 7:45 pm
Friends of the Hall Co Library Spring Meeting: Tuesday, April 15, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
*Poetry and Music Open Mic: Saturday, April 19, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
How To Not Get Scammed!: Monday, April 21, 10:30 am - 11:30 am
*: Registration Required: Space is limited. Please register on the calendar at hallcountylibrary.org
BLACKSHEAR PLACE ADULT PROGRAMS
Monday Book Club:
Select Mondays, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Speed Puzzle Tournament:
Select Mondays, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Music Bingo:
Select Mondays, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Tech Tuesday:
Select Tuesdays, 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Art Club:
Select Wednesdays, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Valentine’s Dreamcatcher ‘N Take Make Craft:
Saturday, February 1, All Day Event
Meowentine's Cat Cafe:
Thursday, February 13, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Ceramic Owl Succulent Pot Take 'N Make Craft: Saturday, March 1, All Day Event
*: Registration Required: Space is limited. Please register on the calendar at hallcountylibrary.org
SPOUT SPRINGS ADULT PROGRAMS
Adult Craft Club:
Select Mondays, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Movement for Life:
Select Tuesdays, 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Hoopla & Libby Assistance:
Select Wednesdays, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Stitching at the Springs:
Select Wednesdays, 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Senior Citizen Happy Hour Bingo:
Select Wednesdays, 10:30 am 11:30 am
*One on One Senior Tech Help:
Select Wednesdays, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Adults with Disabilities:
Select Wednesdays, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Thursday Book Club:
Select Thursdays, 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Mah Jong:
Select Thursdays, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Historically Speaking Book Club:
Select Thursdays, 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Red Cross Blood Drive:
Thursday, February 6, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
*Painting with Vicki:
Tuesday, March 18, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Creative Crescendo:
Wednesday, March 26, 10:00 am - 2:00pm
*: Registration Required: Space is limited. Please register on the calendar at hallcountylibrary.org
NORTH HALL ADULT PROGRAMS
*Senior Social Hour:
Select Mondays, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
The Artist's Way Book Study:
Select Mondays, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
*Ukulele Joy:
Select Tuesdays, 11:30 - 12:30 pm
*Chair Yoga:
Select Wednesdays, 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Fiber Friends - "We'll Keep You in Stitches":
Select Thursdays, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
1-on-1 Technology Help - Learn to Love Your Devices!:
Select Fridays, 10:00 am -12:00 pm and 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
*Stitch, Please!:
Select Saturdays, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
*Radon Safety Class:
Monday, February 3, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
*Technology Ask Me Anything!:
Tuesday, February 4, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
*Flower Arranging Class: Thursday, February 6, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
*Watercolor Class:
Monday, February 17, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Mardi Gras Fascinator: Make N' Take:
Tuesday, February 25, All Day Event
*Inspirational Bracelet: Tuesday, March 11, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
*DIY Book Tote Bag: Tuesday, April 8, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
MURRAYVILLE ADULT PROGRAMS
*AARP Tax-Aide Program:
Select Mondays, 10:00 am - 3:30 pm
Dungeons and Dragons Club: Select Thursdays, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
*: Registration Required: Space is limited. Please register on the calendar at hallcountylibrary.org
SCHEDULE WEEKLYSTORYTIME
JANUARY 6 - APRIL 26
GainesvilleLibrary
BabySteps
Ages0-18months|Tuesdays10:15AM
ToddlerStorytime
Ages18-36months|Tuesdays11:00AM
LittleSproutsStorytime
Ages3-5|Thursdays11:00AM
SaturdayStorytime
AllAges|Saturdays11:00AM
CuentosyCantos enespañol|ciertossábados3:00PM Jan18,Feb22,Mar22,Apr26
SensoryStorytime forthosewithspecialneeds|10:15AM MondayFeb17&FridayApr11
MurrayvilleLibrary
GrowingReadersStorytime
Ages18months-5years
Wednesdays10:15AM
BabySteps
Ages0-18months|Fridays10:15AM
SaturdayStorytime
AllAges|SelectSaturdays10:15AM Jan11,Feb8,Mar8,Apr12
BlackshearPlaceLibrary
StretchwithMeStorytime
AllAges|Tuesdays10:15AM
Let'sPlayStorytime
Ages18months-5years Wednesdays10:15AM
NorthHallTechCenter
RiseandShineStorytime
AllAges|Mondays11:00AM
PajamaStorytime
AllAges|SelectThursdays6:30pM Jan16,Feb20,Mar20,Apr17
SaturdayStorytime
AllAges|SelectSaturdays2:30PM Jan25,Feb22,Mar22,Apr26
SpoutSpringsLibrary
BabySteps
Ages0-18months|Tuesdays10:15AM
ToddlerStorytime
Ages18-36months|Tuesdays11:00AM
PreschoolStorytime
Ages3andup|Fridays10:15AM
SaturdayStorytime
AllAges|SelectSaturdays11:00AM Jan11,Feb8,Mar8,Apr12
Blackshear Place Children’s Programs
Valentine Drop-In Craft
Thursday, February 6, 3:00-7:00 pm
Robot STEAM
Monday, February 17, 12:00-1:00 pm
Graphic Novel Trivia
Tuesday, February 18, 12:00-1:00 pm
Sensory STEAM for Toddlers
Monday, Feb 10, March 10, & April 14
12:00-1:00 pm
Lego Play
Monday, Feb. 17, March 17, & April 21
3:30-4:30 pm
STEAM - Build It
Thursday, February 20, 3:30-4:30 pm
Leprechaun Drop-In Craft
Thursday, March 6, 3:00-7:00 pm
Minute to Win It Style Family Game Night
Thursday, March 6, 6:00-7:00 pm
Elephant STEAM
Thursday, March 20, 3:30-4:30 pm
Snow White Elementary STEAM
Friday, March 21, 12:30-1:30 pm
Spring Drop-In Craft
Thursday, April 3, 3:00-7:00 pm
Minecraft Crafts
Monday, April 7, 12:00-1:00 pm
Artsy April
Thursday, April 10, 12:00-1:00 pm
STEAM - Games
Thursday, April 17, 3:30-4:30 pm
Gainesville Children’s Programs
Take Your Child to the Library Week
Celebration with Clifford the Big Red Dog
Saturday, February 1, 11:00-11:45 am
Homeschool Crafternoon
Wednesday, Feb 5, March 5, & April 16
1:30-2:30 pm
Drop-In Valentines Crafts for Kids
Friday, February 14, 10:00 am - 4:30 pm
Dog Man Party
Tuesday, February 18, 1:30-3:00 pm
Homeschool Libratory
Wednesday, Feb. 19, March 26, & April 30
1:30-2:30 pm
Drop-In St. Patrick’s Crafts
Monday, March 17, 10:00 am -4:30 pm
Curiosity Club
Friday, March 21, 1:30-3:00 pm
Minecraft Party
Tuesday, April 8, 1:30-3:00 pm
Elementary Bananarama!
Wednesday, April 9, 1:30-2:30 pm
Puppetstock!
Thursday, April 10, 11:00-11:30 am
Murrayville Children’s Programs
Lego Club
Monday, Feb. 3, March 3, & April 7
5:00-6:00 pm
Elementary Card Making Extravaganza
Monday, February 10, 4:00-5:00 pm
Read Rover
Wednesday, Feb. 12, March 12, & April 9
3:30-4:30 pm
St. Patrick’s Day Crafts
Monday, March 17, 5:00-6:00 pm
Fingerpainting
Friday, April 11, 2:00-3:00 pm
North Hall Children’s Programs
Family Fun Night
Mondays, 5:00-7:00 pm
LEGO Club
Thursdays, 4:00-7:00 pm
Think Tank: Homeschool Group
Monday, Feb. 3, March 3, & April 7
1:00-2:00 pm
Pre-K, Kindergarten Craft: DIY Love Bug
Wednesday, February 5, 10:00-10:30 am
Grab ‘ n Go Axolotl Craft
Thursday, February 6 & Friday, February 7
Valentine Conversation Heart Science Activity
Thursday, February 6, 2:00-3:00 pm
DIY Valentine’s Day Cards
Tuesday, February 11, 3:00-4:00 pm
Art Event: Love Critter Puppet
Thursday, February 13, 4:00-5:00 pm
Read Rover
Tuesday, February 18, March 18, & April 15
3:30-4:30 pm
Shamrock Suncatchers
Tuesday, March 4, 3:00-3:30 pm
Leprechaun Mask
Wednesday, March 5, 10:00-10:30 am
St. Patty’s Day Fluffy Slime
Wednesday, March 12, 3:00-4:00 pm
Grab ‘ n Go Mushroom Craft
Thursday, March 13 & Friday, March 14
Art Craft: Leprechaun Lookers
Thursday, March 13, 3:00-4:00 pm
Toilet Paper Roll Frog Craft Tuesday, April 8, 3:00-4:00 pm
Grab ‘ n Go Chicken Craft
Thursday, April 10 & Friday, April 11
Leaf Butterfly Painting
Thursday, April 10, 12:30-1:00 pm
Hungry Caterpillar Painting Wednesday, April 16, 10:00-10:30 am
STEM: Earth Day DIY Watering Can Wednesday, April 23, 3:00-4:00 pm
Spout Springs Children’s Programs
Elementary Lego Club
Monday, Feb 10, March 10, & April 14
4:00-5:00 pm
Valentine’s Day Party!
Friday, February 14, 2:00-4:00 pm
Elementary Homeschool Hangout
Monday, Feb. 17, March 17, & April 21
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Little Learners
Select Wednesdays, 10:30-11:30 am
Feb 19: Letters
March 19: Art
April 16: Music
Minecraft Club
Thursday, Feb. 20, March 20, & April 17
5:00-6:00 pm
Lego Play
Thursday, March 6 & April 3
4:00-6:00 pm
Puzzle Competition for Kids & Adults*
Monday, April 7, 6:00-7:00 pm
Kid’s Silent Book Club
Wednesday, April 9, 12:00-2:00 pm Spout Springs Talent Show!*
Friday, April 11, 2:30-4:30 pm
Thursday, March 6, 6:00-7:00 pm Spring Fling
A PLACE FOR TEENS A PLACE FOR TEENS
The Hall County Library has tons of teen programs, from book clubs to gaming to crafts.
Check out our awesome programs for middle and high schoolers around the county.
VOLUNTEER AT THE LIBRARY
Youth Advisory Council (YAC) members help propose, organize, market, and execute teen & youth programs with the Hall County Library System all year long! You will earn volunteer credit for the time spent at all meetings and other activities! For students 14-18 years old.
SUMMER YAC
Apply for a Summer YAC position March 15-April 15. Click HERE for more information!
BLACKSHEAR PLACE & GAINESVILLE EVENTS
for Middle & High School Students
BLACKSHEAR PLACE
YAC: Youth Advisory Council
Thursday, Feb. 20, March 20, & April 17
6:30-7:30 pm
GAINESVILLE
Teen Writer’s Workshop
Monday, Feb. 10, March 10, & A
6:00-7:00 pm
CreativiTEENS
Wednesday, Feb. 12, March 12, & 4:30-5:30 pm
YAC: Youth Advisory Council
Thursday, Feb. 20, March 20, & 6:30-7:30 pm
Manga, Movies, & More Monday
Monday, Feb 24, March 31, & A
6:00-7:00 pm
MURRAYVILLE & NORTH HALL EVENTS
for Middle & High School Students
MURRAYVILLE
Teen Slime Making Party
Monday, February 17, 5:00-6:00 pm
YAC: Youth Advisory Council
Monday, Feb. 24, March 24 & April 28
6:00 - 7:00 pm
Teen Game Night
Monday, March 10, 4:00-5:00 pm
Bad Art Day
Monday, April 7, 3:00-4:00 pm
NORTH HALL
Teen Open Mic Night
Thursday, Feb 6, March 6, & April 3
6:30-7:30 pm
DIY Valentine’s Day Cards
Tuesday, February 11, 4:00-5:00 pm
Conversation Heart Catapaults
Wednesday, February 12, 3:30-4:00 pm
Art Event: Love Critter Puppet
Thursday, February 13, 4:00-5:00 pm
Sew Cool!
Saturday Feb 15, March 15, & April 19
2:30-4:30 pm
YAC: Youth Advisory Council
Thursday, Feb. 20, March 20, & April 17 4:30-5:30 pm
Wreck this Journal Book Club
Saturday, Feb. 22, March 22, & April 26 3:30-4:30 pm
St. Patty’s Day Fluffy Slime
Wednesday, March 12, 3:00-4:00 pm
Mario Kart Tournament
Wednesday, March 19 & April 9 4:00-5:00 pm
Toilet Paper Roll Frog Craft
Tuesday, April 8, 3:00-4:00 pm
SPOUT SPRINGS EVENTS
for Middle & High School Students
Prom Pop-Up
Thursday, February 6, 5:00-7:00 pm
Anime Club
Tuesday, Feb 11, March 11, & April 8
4:00-5:00 pm
Prom Prep: Craft Your Promposal
Wednesday, Feb 12 & Thursday, Feb 13
4:00-5:00 pm
Not a Book Club
Select Thursdays, 6:00-7:00 pm
Feb. 13: Romance
March 13: Graphic Novels
April 10: Cookbooks
Teen Coloring and Crafts
Monday, February 17, 12:00-2:00 pm
Make Your Own Charm Jewelry!
Wednesday, February 19, 4:00-5:00 pm
Minecraft Club
Thursday, Feb. 20, March 20, & April 17
6:00-7:00 pm
YAC: Youth Advisory Council
Monday, Feb 24, March 24, & April 28
6:30-7:30 pm
Prom Prep: How to Take the Perfect Prom Photo*
Thursday, February 27, 6:00-7:00 pm
The Comic Crew
Select Thursdays, 6:00-7:00 pm
Feb 27: Show Your Stuff!
March 27: Collaborative Comics April 24: April Foolishness Spout Springs Talent Show Friday, April 11, 2:30-4:30 pm
*: Registration Required: Space is limited. Please y.org
