Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation

On Monday, Georgia state senators passed Senate Bill 74, a bill that could open up librarians to misdemeanor charges for allowing minors to access explicit or “harmful” materials, even digitally, unless they can demonstrate they made a good faith attempt to identify and remove access to inappropriate materials. Learn more about SB 74 - and some of the potential impact on Georgia's libraries - in this article by WABE. https://lnkd.in/eXb58Gy2

This week, our Executive Director, Erin Dreiling, had the honor of volunteering at the Georgia State Capitol with the Georgia Library Association (GLA). Each year, GLA distributes special art prints to elected officials as a thank you for their continued support of Georgia's libraries. Learn more about the Georgia Library Association ??https://lnkd.in/eV3KZ_NC #SupportLibraries #GLA #GeorgiaLibraries #CommunityImpact

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation welcomes Beverly Rice, M.Ed to our Board of Directors. Learn more about Beverly on our blog! ??https://tr.ee/H1i-gbpuD3 “Serving on the Board of Directors for the Atlanta-Fulton County Library Foundation brings me extreme Joy. I learned to read at the age of 4. My children started reading at the age of 4. And now, I have grandchildren who have been reading since they were 4 years old. How did it all begin? It was the weekly visits to the library that became a tradition in our home. Knowing that “reading includes comprehensive education,” has orchestrated my life in a way that has motivated me to instill the rewards gained by library visits and reading to everyone I meet.” – Beverly Rice

February is Love Your Library Month! ? In 2024, Fulton County Library System branches were visited in person 2,447,672 million times, underscoring the enduring importance of libraries in providing access to information, resources, and programs! Show your library some love this month and all year long by visiting, borrowing, and sharing information about your local library. #LoveYourLibrary #LibraryLove

“I am so honored to serve with the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation, and I look forward to finding ways to pay our local libraries the tribute they deserve. At no other place in the city can you observe a child getting lost in their imagination during story time, while young adults study, and truly any resident is welcome to feed their curiosity amongst the many platforms our world has to offer. ” – Jessica Gellerstedt The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation welcomes Jessica Gellerstedt to our Board of Directors. Learn more about Jessica on our blog: https://tr.ee/ampaURVLyg

“Libraries play an important role in communities for individuals and groups. It is a place for quiet time to read, get information and explore. It is also a place where groups gather for book clubs, community events, and cultural events. Libraries are community hubs where everyone is welcome! As an avid reader and book lover, I am both excited and honored to serve on the Board of Directors of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation.” -Blythe Keeler Robinson The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation welcomes Blythe Keeler Robinson to our Board of Directors. Learn more about Blythe on our blog: https://tr.ee/CAGh4hLV53

“As a former teacher and school board member, I have a deep love of reading and lifelong learning. Libraries have the potential to be a gathering place that can help unite communities, shared spaces that bridge divides. They are cultural and intellectual centers. And they have the ability to connect us, whether someone sitting right beside us– or on the other side of the world.” – Matt Westmoreland The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation welcomes Matt Westmoreland to our Board of Directors. Learn more about Matt on our blog: https://tr.ee/lXxxSt-mEM

The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation is excited to announce several exciting changes to its board of directors in 2025! In January 2025, current board members Jeff Steely and Michelle Taylor Willis assume leadership positions as chair and vice-chair. We also welcome five new board members representing a broad range of experience and backgrounds: Jacqueline Edwards, Jessica Gellerstedt, Beverly Rice, M.Ed, Blythe Keeler Robinson, and Matt Westmoreland. We also celebrate the contributions of Kayron Bearden, Nina Radakovich, Elizabeth Morgan Spiegel, and Kenneth Zeff, Ed.D. as their tenures come to an end. Can't wait for what's ahead in 2025 and beyond! Read the full press release on the blog: https://tr.ee/qhc_-qFXrt

Libraries are more vital than ever! In 2024, Georgia libraries saw a 19% increase in children’s program attendance, including 200,000 more participants, and a 91% increase in demand for laptops and Launchpads. Wow! Check out the Georgia Public Library Service's 2024 Year in Review for more!

If you love what your library does for you and your community year-round, support it now with a year-end gift! Contributions from individuals like YOU support innovation and community programs above and beyond what public funding can provide through the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation. Every gift matters! Learn more and give your tax-deductible donation at: https://afplf.org/donate/