MISSION STATEMENT

The Georgia Public Library Service: Empowering libraries to improve the lives of Georgians.

OVERALL VISION

Achieving excellence in library service for all Georgians.

SERVICES & PROGRAMS

Georgia Library Public Information Network for Electronic Services (PINES)

PINES is the public library automation and lending network for 285 public libraries and affiliated service outlets in 143 counties. PINES serves patrons in all 159 Georgia counties, creating a statewide “borderless library” that provides equal access to information for all Georgians. Georgians with a PINES library card have access to materials beyond what is available on their local shelves and enjoy the benefits of a
shared collection of more than 10.4 million books, tapes, CDs and videos that can be delivered to their home library free of charge.

Georgia Library Learning Online (GALILEO)

Georgia Public Library Service ensures that all Georgia public libraries and their patrons have access to GALILEO. GALILEO is the state’s virtual library, providing online access to thousands of periodicals, scholarly journals, books, encyclopedias, business directories and government publications. Citizens can access GALILEO at any public library facility. Library users can also access many of GALILEO’s
resources at home through remote password access.

Georgia Libraries for Accessible Statewide Services (GLASS)

GLASS is the statewide network of talking book centers that provide library services for the blind and others whose physical abilities require the use of books and magazines in audio format or in Braille. GLASS loans specially recorded books in audio formats, specialized playback machines and Braille materials. GLASS serves Georgia residents through a network of regional libraries and outreach centers and a
central administrative and distribution center. Library users who are not able to visit one of the libraries in person may obtain talking books and other materials through the mail free of charge.

Professional Consulting, Training and Facilities Support

Georgia Public Library Service supports Georgia’s libraries by providing a broad range of consulting services and technical assistance, such as resource sharing, outreach support and long-term facilities planning. The agency also offers a diverse menu of training and continuing education courses for Georgia’s library professionals, from grantwriting to integrating technology into library services, to techniques
for attracting more teen readers.

Grant Administration

Georgia Public Library Service administers state and federal grant funds totaling approximately $38.2 million to Georgia’s public library systems and GLASS and for the support of statewide activities. Grants support salaries and travel for Georgia’s professional librarians, the purchase of books and materials, the maintenance and operation of services and the purchase and development of technology systems for staff and library users.

Youth Services and Family Literacy

Georgia Public Library Service coordinates the annual statewide Vacation Reading Program that encourages children and families to read for fun during school vacations by hosting literacy-based activities such as magic shows, arts and crafts and wildlife visits. Children also receive rewards for achieving reading goals. Annually, more than 440,000 children and families participate in the Vacation Reading Program, checking out more than 2.6 million books and attending more than 9,600 programs.

Computer Networking & Technical Support

Georgia Public Library Service administers a statewide network of high-speed Internet connections to public libraries in the state, ensuring that citizens living in any community in Georgia have access to the Internet. In addition to e-mail and Web hosting for Georgia public libraries, the Georgia Public Library Service also assists public libraries with technical support for network, equipment and software technology issues.