2025 Year in Review
Georgia Public Library Service empowers libraries to improve the lives of all Georgians.
This Year in Review highlights some of our most impactful work in childhood literacy, technology, and library construction, all of which were made possible by the financial support of the State of Georgia and the Institute for Museum and Library Services.
Libraries are foundational to our communities.
From helping children become strong readers, supporting academic success, and connecting job seekers to new opportunities, Georgia’s public libraries, staffed by talented, dedicated individuals, are the heart of their communities.
Libraries provide essential technology and internet access, while teaching patrons skills to better and safely navigate an increasingly digital world.
By building or updating their facilities, libraries across the state are better equipped to meet the unique needs of those they serve.
Statewide resources provided through Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) also ensure all patrons can access the same high-quality library services, no matter where they live.
And these resources are in demand. Over the past five years, there has been a substantial increase in the circulation of electronic resources like ebooks, audiobooks, and videos.
This year, cardholders checked out nearly 5.4 million audiobooks, a 214% increase since 2019. Convenient to listen to while on the road or anywhere, audiobooks – both downloadable and physical – also benefit youth with reading disabilities and those who are blind or print disabled.
The statewide PINES network now transfers more than 3.3 million books and materials annually to fulfill patron requests across 300 member libraries.
Cardholders also can access news freely through The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, learn a language through Mango Languages, or discover their family history through Ancestry Library Edition.
“Libraries are foundational to our communities, providing value to Georgians that far outweighs their costs.”
Libraries are worth the investment. Georgia public libraries provide $1 billion in economic impact and services annually, according to a study by the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government and funded by GPLS.
“Libraries provide tremendous value in return from the investment of public dollars and private donations,” said Julie Walker, vice chancellor for Libraries & Archives and state librarian.
The value of Georgia’s 410 libraries is clear.
“Whatever Georgians need, they can find it at the library,” said Walker. “Libraries are strong partners in everything our state does, from strengthening early literacy to building a strong economy.”
Libraries are partners in strengthening childhood literacy.
Georgia’s families know that public libraries are the place to go for great books and programming for their children.
During the crucial window between birth and five, public libraries provide families with vital early language and literacy experiences, such as 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, which is now available in almost all public libraries statewide.
This year, Georgia Public Library Service created PINES Kids characters to help young readers discover books and explore all that libraries have to offer. Kids can find them at 300 PINES network libraries and complete challenges, make crafts, and earn prizes.
“PINES characters have become an integral part of how kids interact with the library, drawing them in and making the entire browsing experience feel like an adventure,” said one staff member at Hall County Library.
This group of colorful characters is also included on the updated PINES Kids catalog, where kids can search book topics like dinosaurs, princesses, award winners, and more fun categories, and then place holds on items from the statewide PINES collection.
The PINES Library Access for Youth (PLAY) student library card has grown to include 59 of Georgia’s 180 public school systems, with eight additional districts or schools in the process of joining.
The card gives youth access to their local public library, providing an essential role in education and fines-free access to books. Teachers use PLAY to bridge the gap when their schools do not have certain materials for a standard or curriculum.
PLAY cards are used most frequently during the statewide Summer Reading Program, helping to keep students reading and learning when they aren’t in school.
In 2025, participants in the annual Summer Reading Program grew to 99,000 children, with more than 1.2 million books read, helping to strengthen achievement and foster a love of reading.
“Summer Reading Program activities were fun, educational, and encouraged kids to keep reading during the break,” noted one family.
“Library staff were welcoming and made the experience enjoyable for families. It was a great way to build community while supporting literacy and learning.”
At the state level, libraries continue to play an important role by partnering with the Sandra Dunagan Deal Center for Early Language and Literacy for Prime Time Reading grants, Georgia City Solutions for the Mayor’s Reading Club, and the Georgia Council on Literacy for Georgia Reads Day.
From storytime to STEM activities, Georgia’s libraries are a place for all ages and abilities to play, learn, and grow.
Libraries provide fundamental and accessible technology to all.
Patrons have access to the latest technology at public libraries, as well as workshops to learn skills to better and safely navigate an increasingly digital world.
Free high-speed Wi-Fi at all public libraries plays a pivotal role in providing internet access in rural and underserved areas that lack basic connectivity.
With the support and guidance of GPLS, libraries have improved their broadband networks, and helped secure $3.7 million in savings for internet services through the federal E-Rate program in 2025.
By helping libraries identify the best local internet contracts, broadband speeds statewide have now increased to an average of 763 megabytes per second, allowing patrons to search for jobs, stay connected with friends and family, and use digital library resources.
The demand for technology that can be checked out continues to rise. Cardholders can also borrow laptops, Launchpad learning tablets, and other devices for work, school, or entertainment. This year, Chromebook checkouts increased by 8% and Launchpad learning tablet checkouts increased by 9%.
Libraries also offer programming to assist patrons in how to navigate essential online skills like paying bills, making appointments, emailing loved ones, or avoiding scams.
“I didn’t know how easy it was for people to steal your identity,” said one Cobb County Public Library patron. “I could be talking on the phone, and somebody could be listening to our conversation through open Wi-Fi.”
“I really appreciated the classes that taught me the basics of cybersecurity and internet safety.”
Georgia’s public libraries are crucial resources for individuals and families, offering pathways to opportunity and promoting digital literacy by expanding access to technology.
Libraries create spaces to meet community needs.
With support from GPLS and state funding, 18 public library facilities were planned, designed, or built in 2025. This year, three renovated libraries reopened after undergoing improvements to better serve their communities. Two of those were the South Columbus and Cedartown libraries.
In South Columbus, the community lacked places for residents to gather. The library more than doubled the size of the original branch to add spaces for meetings, collaborative work, and programming. Now the library is a convenient third place for many people, including students. The building’s proximity to local schools offers a safe, engaging space to spend time after school doing homework or receiving tutoring.
The library used to be overlooked as an option for storytime, but now welcomes young families from nearby communities for enriching programming. The dedicated children’s space features a built-in play area for kids and computer workstations for parents and caregivers, helping them manage essential tasks while their little ones explore in a safe, engaging environment.
Additionally, the library’s expanded computer lab plays a pivotal role bridging the digital divide in a community where poverty limits home internet access for many.
In northwest Georgia, the Cedartown Library renovation maximized space in a facility that couldn’t be expanded. Built in the early 1970s, the library lacked functional spaces and storage and had outdated plumbing and electrical infrastructure.
The library improved accessibility and built study rooms that are now in high demand. Community members now enjoy uniquely designed spaces, including window seating, reading nooks, rocking chairs, and even a castle in the children’s area that also features computers on one level and additional space with comfortable seating on another. Community members regularly express their appreciation of the reimagined spaces.
In FY2025, more than 28 libraries across the state received financial assistance for structural repairs like roofing or HVAC, or technology upgrades like faster Wi-Fi or computers.
GPLS partners with libraries to propose projects for funding annually to the Georgia Legislature and supports projects by offering expertise in construction, remodeling, energy conservation, emergency preparedness, and accessibility. This enables libraries to provide services and resources that foster lifelong learning.
Libraries are improving lives and transforming communities.
More Georgians used public libraries in FY2025.
Source: Georgia Public Library Service statistics Fiscal Year 2025 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. Data subject to Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) review during Spring 2026 Public Libraries Survey.
