In addition to the decrease in hoopla checkouts, we recently launched the Palace Project, which allows for unlimited checkouts on eBooks and audiobooks.  Please consider downloading the Palace Project app and finding your favorite titles!   We also have the Libby service, which provides downloadable content with higher limits (you can borrow up to 15 titles at a time and keep 15 titles on hold at the same time).  Our Freegal service also provides free music downloads for library cardholders, as well as Access Video on Demand, which provides access to free movies, documentaries, and more.  You can find all of these services and more at www.fulcolibrary.org/digitallibrary.  

F.O.C.U.S. stands for "Fulton: One County United In Service." The F.O.C.U.S Awards honor employees that have worked tirelessly to improve the lives of our citizens and their own colleagues every day on the job and the ceremony was an opportunity to hear the stories that resulted in them being honored with a F.O.C.U.S. Award.

All F.O.C.U.S. Award honorees are nominated by another employee and evaluated by a panel of previous F.O.C.U.S. Award winners.

Jovita Fenwick, Helping Hands Award

The Fulton County Government 2nd Quarter Award for “Helping Hands” goes to the team of Jovita Fenwick, a Social Services Program Manager for Fulton County Library System.

As the Social Services Program Manager, Ms. Fenwick conducts walk-in sessions at different library branches to serve as a connection point to assist patrons, clients, and the unhoused with finding help and support. Ms. Fenwick joined the Library System in 2023 with a helping heart and attitude, ready to take on any task that came her way.

The library has a huge, unhoused population, which did not deter her; instead, it fueled her to put programs in place to help. Her programs cover all 34 libraries, from the north to the south. She exemplifies a positive I can do attitude.

Nominated by: Zenobia Claxton

Jalisa Jordan, Above and Beyond Award

The Fulton County Government 2nd Quarter Award for “Above and Beyond” goes to Jalisa Jordan, a Social Services Coordinator for the Fulton County Library System.

Ms. Jordan conducts client intakes and assessments and makes proper referrals to community partners to assist clients with overcoming barriers. She also attends community meetings to stay aware of the current changes in the community. 

Ms. Jordan assists clients with finding employment opportunities, obtaining identification, enrollment with state benefits, conducting library tours for community agencies, and informing the library staff about the services provided by the Social Services team.

Nominated by: Jovita Fenwick

With technology and reading becoming more intertwined, we are proud to make our collection accessible to all through The Palace Project. The Palace mobile app is set to become your digital library, offering a world of treasures at your fingertips.

Key Features of The Palace Project:

• A Universe of Books: Dive into a vast collection of ebooks and audiobooks, ranging from classic novels to the latest bestsellers. Whether you’re into romance, mystery, science fiction or nonfiction, we have something for everyone.
• Audiobook Immersion: Listen to favorites, old and new, through professionally narrated audiobooks.
• Seamless Access: Borrow and read books on your preferred device, be it a smartphone or tablet. The Palace Project ensures you never leave your library behind.
• Personalized Reading Experience: Read comfortably day or night with adjustable fonts, reading modes and bookmarks.
• Offline Reading: Download ebooks and audiobooks to enjoy even when you’re not connected to the internet.

The Fulton County Library System has always been dedicated to fostering a love for reading and learning. With The Palace Project, we make it easier than ever for you to explore new worlds, learn and connect.

The Palace Project is available for download on both iOS and Android devices. Patrons can access the app with their [Library Name] library card [and pin, if required by your library], which allows for a seamless borrowing and reading experience.

We invite all Fulton County residents to join us on this reading journey. For more information and to download The Palace Project, please visit www.fulcolibrary.org. 

About Fulton County Library System

Fulton County Libraries have been the cornerstone of Fulton County for over 100 years, serving as a hub for knowledge, culture, and lifelong learning. With The Palace Project, we continue to evolve and meet the changing needs of our patrons while preserving the essence of what makes libraries a treasured part of our community.

About The Palace Project

The Palace Project’s vision is to strengthen the public library’s vital role as the digital center of the community with unique programs and software solutions. The Palace Project is a project of Lyrasis, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization whose mission is to support enduring access to the world’s shared academic, scientific and cultural heritage through leadership in open technologies, content services, digital solutions and collaboration with archives, libraries, museums and knowledge communities worldwide. Lyrasis organizational and staff values are communication, respect, collaboration, impact and service.

Located at the western end of the Sweet Auburn historic district, the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History (AARL) opened its doors in May 1994 in Atlanta. As a special library within the Fulton County Library System (FCLS), which was formerly known as the Atlanta Fulton Public Library System (AFPLS), AARL is the first public library in the Southeast to provide specialized reference and archival collections focused on the study and research of African American culture and history, as well as the history of other peoples of African descent.

In honor of this remarkable anniversary, the Fulton County Library System, in collaboration with the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation, commissioned an exclusive library card designed by acclaimed artist Charly Palmer. This unique card serves as a tribute to both the library’s rich history and to Annie McPheeters, a pioneering figure in advocating for libraries in Black communities throughout the region. McPheeters, hailed as a trailblazer, founded the Auburn Avenue Research Library's collection in 1934 as the Negro History Collection, which was later renamed the Samuel W. Williams Collection of Black America. This limited-edition card honors her legacy and the library's enduring commitment to preserving and celebrating African American heritage. Learn more about the Auburn Avenue Research Library History. 

Charly Palmer, an award-winning and highly regarded visual artist with over 40 years of experience, embraces the moniker of “a dreamer.” He is well known for his vibrant and evocative artwork. His deep connection to the Auburn Avenue Research Library is evident, as he attended its grand opening and has previously showcased his artwork there. Therefore, Palmer felt a profound sense of excitement and honor in being invited to contribute to this special project.

During the revealing ceremony, Palmer expressed his excitement about being asked to create the iconic artwork for the card. Upon being commissioned, Palmer immediately sought to immerse himself in research.

“I asked for references—photographs of Annie McPheeters, historical images of the library, and anything that could ignite my imagination,” 

His meticulous research inspired him to create a visually compelling collage that intertwines important historical elements with recognizable landmarks of Atlanta.

 Palmer engaged with attendees by sharing details about his design process, which began with quick sketches known as “thumbnails.” These sketches allowed him to explore and refine his ideas. After presenting an initial design featuring women from the 1920s, he discovered a poignant photograph of Black children holding state signs. This image resonated deeply with him and prompted a creative shift in his work. He reimagined the design, incorporating powerful words such as “courage,” “strength,” and “intelligence” to highlight the exceptional qualities of the children depicted.

Palmer beautifully articulated his connection to the project, stating,

“When there’s a printed item, whether 

it’s a card or a book, I live forever. I’m now a part of this library, a part of its history.”

In recognition of his contributions, the original artwork will be permanently displayed at the Auburn Avenue Research Library, allowing visitors to appreciate the creative journey behind the special edition card.

Victor E. Simmons Jr., the AARL Branch Manager, spoke to attendees about his appreciation and excitement in presenting the new card to the public. The Special Edition Library card will be available for a limited time, with only 500 cards created for distribution. Both new and returning cardholders will have the opportunity to obtain one of these cards while supplies last. Each card features a signature from artist Charly Palmer, making it a unique and special piece of memorabilia.

The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of the card, and attendees were pleasantly surprised to receive free copies of Mario Anthony Reyes's newly written work, which features cover art created by Charly Palmer himself. Both the author and Charly Palmer distributed and signed copies of the book.

For those interested, a signed version of the library card is currently available at the Auburn Avenue Research Library located at 101 Auburn Avenue in downtown Atlanta. However, supplies are limited, and they will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, making this a unique opportunity for library patrons to own a piece of history and offer a unique collector's item for the community.

In addition, voters who are assigned to these polling locations for Election Day voting may go there on Tuesday, November 5. These locations will be closed for library services on these days.

This decision will ensure that adequate parking is available for voters and will minimize congestion inside the facilities at peak times. 

Library patrons will be able to visit any other branch that is not used for voting on these days. Digital library services are always available for patrons.

The 18 affected libraries include:

1. Adams Park Library

2. Alpharetta Library

3. Buckhead Library

4. East Roswell Library

5. Evelyn G. Lowery Library at Cascade

6. Gladys Dennard Library at South Fulton

7. Joan P. Garner Library at Ponce de Leon

8. Louise Whatley Library at Southeast

9. Metropolitan Library

10. Milton Library

11. Northeast Spruill Oaks Library

12. Northside Library

13. Northwest Library at Scotts Crossing

14. Palmetto Library

15. Dr. Robert E. Fulton Library at Ocee

16. Roswell Library

17. Sandy Springs Library

18. Wolf Creek Library

For a list of library locations open on these days, visit www.fulcolibrary.org Voters can verify their Election Day polling place at www.mvp.sos.ga.gov 

The program will take place at the Roswell Library memorial bench at 1 pm (outdoors), followed by refreshments inside the library.   Members of the community are invited to attend. 

"The Measure" delves into the lives of eight individuals who receive a mysterious box containing a single string that reveals the length of their lifespan. This thought-provoking book explores the profound impact this knowledge has on the characters' lives and relationships, as well as their choices to embrace or reject this newfound insight. Erlick skillfully delves into humanity's fascination with longevity and the pursuit of a fulfilling existence.

The primary objective of the One Book, One Read initiative is to foster a love for reading among as many residents of Fulton County as possible. By encouraging the community to read, discuss, and engage with the same book, this program aims to promote conversations, build stronger communities, and enhance literacy, all while having a great time with friends, family, and neighbors. 

"We're so excited to dive into "The Measure" for this year's One Book, One Read program.  We hope this book will encourage meaningful conversations among our library patrons and in our county-wide book clubs about the measure of one's life and what it takes to live a satisfying life with the time we have," shared Gayle Holloman, Executive Director, Fulton County Library System.

To further enhance this exciting literary experience, the Library System, with the generous support of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library Foundation, will be hosting a special visit with author Nikki Erlick. Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 10, when the Central Library will welcome Erlick for an engaging discussion about "The Measure." Attendees will have the opportunity to ask the author questions and participate in a book signing immediately following the talk. Stay tuned for more details on this not-to-be-missed event!

In addition to the author visit, book club discussions will be held at various library branches throughout Fulton County. These discussions will provide an excellent opportunity for readers to delve deeper into the themes and characters of "The Measure" while connecting with fellow book enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for a book club discussion near you!

FulcoLibrary is excited to bring the community together through the power of literature. The One Book, One Read program promises to be an enriching experience that will ignite imaginations, spark meaningful conversations, and create lasting connections. Join us as we embark on this literary journey and discover the wonders of "The Measure" by Nikki Erlick.

For more information about the One Book, One Read program, and upcoming events, please visit fulcolibrary.org or contact your local library branch.

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