Image of PINES network logo

Georgia Library PINES (Public Information Network for Electronic Services) is the public library automation and lending network for 300 libraries and affiliated service outlets in 52 library systems covering 146 counties in Georgia.

Contact:
Elizabeth McKinney
PINES Program Director

Phone: 404-235-7141

Email: emckinney@georgialibraries.org

What does PINES have to offer library users?

  • Access to more than 11 million books and other materials that can be checked out from and returned to any participating library free of charge. Search the online catalog.
  • Free delivery of books from throughout the state to your home library.
  • Service through 300 branch libraries and affiliated service outlets in 146 counties (52 of the 61 regional library systems) in Georgia. See list of participating libraries or find your nearest library.
  • Ability to renew your books and place holds online.
  • An easy-to-use Kids’ Catalog that exclusively for youth materials.

A Borderless Library

PINES creates a statewide “borderless library” that provides equal access to information for all Georgians.

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.

If you are a resident of Georgia, you are eligible to receive a free PINES library card. Visit a participating PINES facility for additional information.

PINES runs on the Evergreen automation system, an open-source system originally developed in-house by Georgia Public Library Service and now in use worldwide by more than 1,500 libraries. PINES is managed by GPLS staff and is provided at no cost to Georgia library systems.

By utilizing economies of scale and eliminating the need for individual automation system contracts, PINES has enabled local libraries state-wide to reduce software expenditures by approximately $10 million a year.

How does the PINES team assist library staff?

The PINES team assists the employees of all 52 PINES member library systems with PINES-related issues and training on the Evergreen software. We provide documentation on policies and procedures, in-person and online training opportunities, and technical assistance through the Help Desk. Library staff members may also subscribe to the PINES list-servs to join the always-helpful PINES community and keep up to date on issues that other PINES member libraries are facing.