Statewide Services & Programs

> Statewide Digital Resources

Consulting, Training, and Support

Georgia Public Library Service provides a broad range of consulting services and technical assistance to libraries, such as resource sharing, outreach support, digitization, marketing, and long-term facilities planning.

GPLS offers continuing education and training courses for Georgia’s library professionals, from integrating technology into library services to techniques for attracting more teen readers.

Services also include professional consulting to library boards of trustees, assistance with recruitment and hiring of library administrators, and leadership in advocacy and governmental relations.

Archival Services & Digital Initiatives

Archival Services and Digital Initiatives facilitates the addition of items to the Digital Library of Georgia allowing free, online access to primary sources on local history.

We offer a highly collaborative model for digitizing primary source collections related to local history and genealogy including collection assessment, project planning, digital imaging, staff training, promotion, and support for grant and other funding opportunities.

Facilities Planning & Construction

GPLS helps communities build new libraries or revitalize existing structures and serves as an advisor between them and state funding agencies. We assist with the planning and funding of construction, remodeling, energy conservation, emergency preparedness, accessibility, space planning, and budgeting.

Georgia Library Public Information Network for Electronic Services (PINES)

PINES is the public library automation and lending network for more than 300 public libraries and service outlets in 145 counties. PINES serves patrons in all 159 Georgia counties, creating a statewide borderless library that provides equal access to information for all residents.

Georgians who hold PINES library cards have access to a shared collection of more than 11 million materials that can be delivered to their home libraries free of charge.

Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (GLS)

Library Finance & Grant Administration

Georgia Public Library Service administers more than $45 million in state and federal grant funds to public library systems and GLS and for the support of other statewide activities.

Grants support salaries and travel for professional librarians, the purchase of books and materials, the maintenance and operation of facilities and the purchase and development of technology systems for library staff and users.

Marketing & Communications

GPLS helps raise awareness and share the impact of Georgia’s public libraries to build engagement and support across the state. We also provide tools and expertise to help libraries strengthen their local marketing and communications efforts.

We publish Library News magazine featuring stories of success from libraries across the state. Our annual Georgia Public Library Awards honor the outstanding service and achievements of Georgia’s public libraries, librarians, and advocates.

Statistics & Service Data

Georgia Public Library Service collects statistics and analyzes financial, demographic, staffing, and service data from public libraries in Georgia to highlight the value of programs and services available through more than 400 public library facilities across the state.

Strategic Partnerships

Georgia Public Library Service partnership programs are available through all public libraries in Georgia, providing residents with educational and recreational opportunities to spend time together while saving money.

By working with more than 30 outside organizations, like other government agencies, nonprofits, and businesses, Georgia public library partnership programs offer free access to activities exploring art, literature, history, culture, science, and nature.

Tech Support & Computer Networking

In addition to email and Web hosting, GPLS also assists libraries with technical support for network, equipment, and software technology and provides a range of training programs.

GPLS also provides consulting services to assist libraries in the evaluation and selection of telecommunications vendors for the procurement of broadband services and helps to identify and negotiate with local vendors and provide technical support and E-rate application assistance.

GPLS funds the non-E-rated portion of ongoing broadband costs to each library system, ensuring that citizens in all Georgia communities have access to online services and wireless Internet connectivity at their local library.

Youth Services & Family Literacy

GPLS coordinates the annual statewide Summer Reading Program to encourage children and families to read during school vacations; this program is critical to prevent summer learning loss. Libraries host literacy-based activities, and children receive rewards for achieving reading goals. About 1.3 million children and young adults attend at least one of the programs designed for and offered to them by Georgia’s public libraries throughout the year.

GPLS also provides assistance to library staff who focus their efforts on the adult community, including programming, reference, and other services to promote lifelong learning.