Youth Services
The Georgia Public Library Service coordinates the annual statewide Summer Reading Program that encourages children and families to read for fun during school vacations. Family literacy activities are highlighted and parents are encouraged to participate in the program with their children. Reading logs, game boards, bookmarks, posters and stickers are designed to help promote the program in each of the 372 library facilities in Georgia.
Youth Services provides assistance in all areas of library service, with particular expertise in children's and teen services, planning, training and family literacy. Four Quadrant meetings are held each spring for the purpose of sharing ideas for the Summer Reading Program with another four held during the fall for elections to the Quadrant Council and training on a wide range of topics. Other areas of focus are funding opportunities and help with grants, the national Prime Time Family Reading Time Program, maintaining a performers’ directory, and a professional collection.
SUMMER Reading Program
- Collaborative Summer Reading Program
- Compiled Summer Reading Themes
- 2012 Highsmith/Upstart Incentives
PRIME TIME Family Reading Time - a family literacy program
PRIME TIME, a unique six-week humanities-based program of reading, discussion, and storytelling at public libraries and other venues, emphasizes the importance of families reading together to discuss significant cultural and ethical themes.
Created in 1991 by the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, this statewide family literacy program with national affiliates creates a precondition for all future learning by empowering parents/guardians to help their children enjoy reading and improve their reading abilities. Since the early days of the PRIME TIME National Expansion, Georgia has held 38 PRIME TIME programs in over two dozen communities across the state. In 2011, Georgia has active sites in Atlanta, Chamblee, Norcross, Elberton, Sylvester, Quitman, Tifton, and Fitzgerald.
To become a PRIME TIME site, please contact the Director of Youth Services at eblack@georgialibraries.org for more information.
PRIME TIME Final Report links | Spring, 2012
The PDF and Word documents are guides for the linked Survey Monkey reports.
- Georgia Scholar and Storyteller Final Report
- Georgia Program Coordinator Final Report
- Georgia Preschool Coordinator Final Report
- Georgia Community Organizer Final Report
Clifford's Tour de Georgia 2011
15 libraries; 869 miles and 1,518 Smiles Children's Book Week May 2011
Past Conferences
Share-a-rama 2011
Teen Services
Teen services are gaining in popularity across the nation. There is a recognized need for providing services for teens after school and during the off school months. Georgia Public Library Service supports services for teens through the provision of a separate teen reading program held during the off school months, an annual teen conference covering an array of topics of interest to people serving teens, and a teen website during the annual Summer Reading Program (see above).
Youth Services Listserv
The Georgia Public Library Service Youth ServicesListserv (CHLIB-l) is open to people working in Georgia's public libraries. If you are working with children or young adults, this is the best method to keep current, learn about meetings and grants, and receive help with issues concerning children's services.
Questions or comments about Youth Services should be directed to:
Elaine Black
Director of Youth Services
1800 Century Place, Suite 150
Atlanta, GA 30345
eblack@georgialibraries.org
Ph: 404.235.7127
