It's Not Too Late to Get a Public Library Card

While we're all sheltering at home, 

many Atlanta-area public libraries are offering temporary library cards for access to downloadable ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, databases and more.  

I think Paideia Library's online services are pretty cool, but we can't offer everything.  Confession -- I am a patron of three (yes, 3) Georgia public library systems in addition to Paideia's!  We are a preK-12 school with a particular mission.  The public library's mission is broader, with a much bigger audience, so they have bigger digital collections with more resources for grownups, as well as great stuff for the prek-12 crowd.

So if you've been wondering what else might be out there while we're all staying at home, check out your local Public Library.   Atlanta's two biggest public library systems, DeKalb County (DCPL) and Atlanta-Fulton County (AFPL) library systems, make it pretty easy for their residents to apply for a temporary card.  Others (Cobb and Gwinnett, and several other county systems) offer some sort of e-library services to their residents too.

Below are links to the best information I can find so far; you may have to dig a little bit, or do an IM chat with the librarian on duty, but they're all working on it.

The temporary library cards will be good until the physical library branches open up again. After that you'll need to go in person to turn it into a permanent card.

Try it -- I bet once you have tasted the cool things a public library can offer you, FOR FREE, you'll never want to be without a library card again!

Atlanta-Fulton County Library

DeKalb County Public Library

Cobb County replied to me today -- they are doing temporary cards for adults (18 & older) only.  If you're not 18 yet, get a parent to apply and use that card (it's ok).   Parents may submit temporary card requests or any questions with the online chat or email form at http://www.cobbcat.org/contact-us/.  

The Henry County Library System is issuing temporary digital cards to Henry County residents (good for 60 days, access to our digital collections). Email getacard@henrylibraries.org with your request.

Click here for links to Cobb, Forsyth, Gwinnett 
and Cherokee County (Sequoyah Regional) libraries.

If you don't see your county system listed, look in the list of Georgia-wide PINES network libraries to see if it's a member of that group.  Online applications appear to be available.  

And of course, if you're a Paideia student or parent, email me if you have any questions or need some troubleshooting assistance.