“Georgia Public Library Service strategically leverages federal LSTA funding to ensure all Georgians have access to the same high-quality library programming and services, no matter where they live. By distributing federal dollars on a statewide scale, this funding offers far greater value than could be achieved by libraries working independently. GPLS uses LSTA funds for foundational services including strengthening childhood literacy, increasing access to information, and innovating technology access.”

— Angela Stanley, Vice Chancellor of Public Libraries and State Librarian

Project Examples

PINES Statewide Lending Network

PINES (Public Information Network for Electronic Services) is Georgia’s statewide lending network that connects 300 libraries in all 159 counties, giving cardholders free access to a shared collection of 11 million items beyond what is available at their home library. This service is especially important in Georgia’s rural communities. Additionally, through the PINES Library Access for Youth (PLAY) student library card, public libraries partner with public school districts across Georgia to offer more than 550,000 students fines-free access to books and online resources to help them succeed in school.

Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled

Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (GLS) provides reading materials in accessible formats to help all ages and abilities. Fostering a community through engaging, creative programming for blind and print-disabled individuals is also a core pillar of GLS' mission. It offers a wide variety of in-person and virtual library programs, including book clubs, summer reading programs, assistive technology workshops, social events, and more. The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) at the Library of Congress selected GLS as the 2026 Network Library of the Year, recognizing its outstanding service to readers with visual, physical, or print disabilities.

Technology in Libraries

Public libraries across Georgia play an essential role in providing internet access, especially in rural and underserved areas that lack basic connectivity, so people can use public Wi-Fi to complete work, continue distance learning, or stay connected with family and friends. Public libraries also update and expand technology access to provide patrons with the tools they need to navigate today's increasingly digital world, offering public access computers, laptops for checkout, and digital literacy workshops.

Review recent Grants to States projects from this state library in the State Program Report database.

Search the Awarded Grants Database for additional details about awards in this state or view the State Details Dashboard.

Five-Year Plan Highlights

Goal 1: Serve as trusted advisers to the library community.   

• Projects include: 
  • Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (GLS) awareness of accessible services  
  • Statewide broadband network  
  • Technology support for libraries  
  • Early literacy programming  
  • Prime Time Family Reading Time®  
  • Summer Reading Program  

Goal 2: Develop a supportive community for Georgia’s public libraries.   

• Projects include: 
  • Statewide communications and communications support  
  • Georgia’s public library research and statistics program  
  • Professional collection, State Library  
  • IT help desk  
  • Technology Boot Camp  

Goal 3: Ensure equal access to information and technology.   

• Projects include: 
  • Public access computing  
  • Internal and external productivity support for library staff, including cloud-hosted services  
  • Information security  
  • Georgia Library Technology Center (information clearinghouse for IT administrators)  
  • Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (GLS)-Atlanta Library  
  • GLS outreach  
  • Public Information Network for Electronic Services (PINES) development, including catalog enhancements, and fines-free solutions  
  • PINES courier service   
  • PINES student accounts  
  • PINES growth and expansion  
  • Group purchases for Georgia public library cataloging staff  
  • OCLC Group Services (cataloging and interlibrary loan services)  
  • Georgia Online Database (GOLD), the resource sharing network for Georgia’s libraries  
  • Archival Services and Digital Initiatives  
  • GALILEO digital library of Georgia  
  • Georgia Peach Book Award for Teen Readers  
  • Statewide children’s digital book collection  
  • Strategic Partnerships Program  

Goal 4: Foster a culture of learning statewide.   

• Projects include: 
  • Technology loaner kits  
  • Technology education for libraries  
  • Technology presentations, staff days, and workshops  
  • Leadership Institute - PINNACLE Program  
  • Youth Services professional development  
  • PINES Learning Center (online training resources)  
  • Community Engagement Academy  
  • GLS Accessibility Conference  
  • Flexible web conferencing services for staff and patron training  
  • The Georgia Learning Center (training content for library staff)  
  • Virtual Southeast Collaborative Conference  
  • Regional Paraprofessional Day Conference  
  • Georgia Public Libraries Catalogers’ Conference  

IMLS Data Collection

State Library Administrative Agency Survey
The State Library Administrative Agency Survey (SLAA) provides descriptive data about state library agencies for all fifty states and the District of Columbia. To interact with the latest data, please visit the SLAA Survey Comparison Tool. 

Public Libraries Survey
The Public Libraries Survey (PLS) provides national descriptive data on the status of public libraries in the United States and its territories. Explore state profiles representing more than 9,000 public library systems and over 17,000 public library outlets.

Impact Videos