Have you been using your library card to its full potential? Our Georgia public libraries have more to offer than just books, story times, and summer reading programs. There are many more resources and benefits than there used to be. The public library is not just a place for children and families to discover the joy of reading anymore! You can get help with homework, learn through hands-on STEAM activities, learn new jobs and computer skills, and get free/discounted admission to great attractions around Georgia!
How do you get access to all of the awesome benefits offered to you by your local library? The first step is to upgrade your current library card or register for your free PINES (Public Information Network for Electronic Services) card. Georgians with a PINES library card have access to materials beyond their local shelves and enjoy the benefits of a shared collection of 11 million books and other materials that can be delivered to their home library free of charge. It is free to all Georgia residents and you can apply here to unlock even more library card benefits.
Here are some of the top benefits of your Georgia library card.
GALILEO (Georgia’s virtual library)
Through GALILEO, you have access to:
- Take a class with the Learning Express courses
- Explore your communities history and culture or your own family tree with access to census collections, vital records, and other genealogy documents.
- Learn a new language with Mango Languages, with over 72 foreign language courses.
- Start a business with the self-paced Entrepreneurial Mindset Training that will help you learn how to identify, evaluate and transform your business ideas into sustainable success.
- Access to books, eBooks, movies, music, and tons more!
Makerspace
A makerspace is a collaborative work space for making, learning, exploring, and sharing that uses no-tech to high-tech tools. Makerspaces are designed to be a collaborative environment that encourages participants to share expertise, solve problems and learn new skills. These spaces are open to kids, adults, and entrepreneurs and have a variety of maker equipment including 3D printers, virtual reality glasses, Legos, paint sets, soldering irons, and even sewing machines. Not all locations offer makerspace services, so contact your library for more information and to see what’s available.
Family Passes and Partnerships
Did you know that your library card grants you free access to museums and discounts on local attractions? These are just a few in the area:
- Alliance Theatre–The Alliance Theatre Georgia Libraries Community Pass allows up to four (4) free admissions to performances at the Alliance on the Hertz and Coca-Cola Stages.
- The Breman Museum–The Breman Museum Family Pass is available for circulation and is good for up to four (4) free admissions, but please note there are temporary rules and admission policies in place.
- Center for Puppetry Arts– The Passport to Puppetry admits four (4) people to the World of Puppetry Museum OR a patron can receive a 25% discount on an All-Inclusive Ticket.
- Chattahoochee Nature Center– When the pass is checked out and taken to the CNC, the Family Pass is good for four (4) free admissions to the Center.
- Georgia Aquarium– Educational Loaner Kit and Admission Discount Program
- Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites- The ParkPass consists of a hanging tag that allows free parking at all of Georgia’s state parks and historic sites as well as the Historic Site Family Pass that allows two (2) free admissions into any of Georgia’s historic sites. Download our free Georgia State Park Printable before you head out on your next adventure!
- Atlanta Hawks– Hawks “Check it Out” Reading Challenge. This program is available to children and young adults, in grades K-12. Participants must check out and read five (5) books. Participants then visit hawks.com/checkitoutreading, fill out the form, and with the purchase of an adult ticket they receive a free youth ticket to one (1) select Hawks game.
- Zoo Atlanta– Using the DVD pass loan program, Check out the DVD from your library, take it home, watch it, and when you return it to your library on time and in good condition, you will receive a pass receipt which, as a one-time use, admits up to three (3) people to Zoo Atlanta.
- Atlanta History Center –
The Library Pass is a library Loan program. When checked out and taken to the Center, the Pass is good for six (6) free admissions to the museum. The Pass is presented at the museum for the free admissions OR patrons can pre-purchase tickets online with the Center’s website using the code on the back of the pass itself. The pass MUST be presented along with the online purchased tickets to gain free admissions.
(To view all partnerships, program details, and the terms and conditions, please go here for more specific details before you visit any of these locations.)
Did you know about these awesome Georgia library card benefits? Now that summer is winding down, if you haven’t been already, it is time to take full advantage of your library card!
