Library Insider - July 2026

New Digital Catalogs!

Great news for our digital readers! We are thrilled to announce that the Hall County Library System and eRead Kids are now fully accessible online via the brand-new Palace Web Catalog.

Previously, you could only access the massive collection of Palace Project ebooks and audiobooks through a mobile app. Starting today, you can browse our entire digital catalog, borrow materials, place holds, and read directly within your favorite web browser on your laptop, desktop, or Chromebook!

One Place for All Your Favorite Books

Just like the Palace app, the new web catalog brings multiple digital platforms together into one easy-to-use website.

How to Get Started in 5 Simple Steps:

Click one of the URLs to visit your chosen catalog.

Click “Sign In” in the top right corner.

Enter your Library Card

Barcode and PIN/Password, then click “Login.”

Browse or search for your next great read.

Click “Borrow this book” to check it out (or “Reserve this book” to place a hold) and then click “Read Online” to start reading instantly!

Tip: Want to see everything you currently have checked out or on hold? Just click on the “My Books” tab at the top of the page.

Read Your Way

Prefer reading on the go? Don't worry! Anything you borrow on the website will automatically sync to your mobile device. You can switch over to the Palace app on your phone or tablet anytime and pick up right where you left off Happy reading, Hall County! If you have any questions or need help finding your library PIN, stop by any of our branches or give us a call we are always happy to help.

Digital Learning Hub

TUTOR.COM

Tutorcom connects you with a network of highly qualified and vetted expert tutors across a vast array of subjects. Whether you're a K-12 student grappling with algebra, a college student perfecting an essay, or an adult learner preparing for a new career, Tutor.com offers live, one-on-one help whenever you need it.

LOTE4KIDS

Expand your child's world with LOTE4Kids, a digital library now offering over 1,000 picture books in more than 65 languages. This popular app allows kids to learn and explore new cultures through the magic of storytelling, with stories read in both English and their native language.

FINANCIALFIT

Financial Fit from EBSCO is a comprehensive platform that empowers you with essential money management skills. Whether you're a young adult learning to budget or an adult planning for retirement, Financial Fit offers interactive modules to help you understand credit, manage debt, and make smart financial decisions.

AUDIO&EBOOKS AUDIO & EBOOKS

ThePalaceProjectappisaone-stop-shopfor ebooksandaudiobooks.Perfectforallreaders,it offersabroadrangeoftitlesfrombestsellersand classicstocontentin29languages.Useyour librarycardandPINtoaccessastreamlined interfacewhereyou'llalwaysfindsomethinggreat toreadorlistento.

Libbyisanaward-winningappthatgivesyoufree accesstothelibrary'svastcollectionofebooks, audiobooks,andmagazines.Withjustyourlibrary card,youcanbrowse,borrow,andreadorlistento titlesonyoursmartphone,tablet,ore-reader. Libbyisperfectforfindingyournextpopular bestseller,catchinguponamagazine subscription,orenjoyingagreataudiobookon yourcommute.

Looking for a way to keep your kids engaged, entertained, and learning? Look no further than eREAD Kids, our library’s premier digital collection designed just for children from Pre-K through 4th grade!

With eREAD Kids, your child gets instant access to a massive online library featuring over 45,000 electronic resources Whether you are at home, on a road trip, or waiting at the doctor's office, great books are always at your fingertips.

eREAD Kids!

GEORGIA READS FOR AMERICA250

Celebrating250Years:TheGeorgia ReadsforAmerica250Challenge

Get ready to turn the page on history! As we approach the 250th anniversary of the United States, our library is thrilled to announce the Georgia Reads for America250 program This statewide initiative is designed to connect readers of all ages with the stories, people, and events that have shaped our nation over thelasttwoandahalfcenturies

TheprogramofficiallykicksoffonMarch3and runs through the end of the year Here is everythingyouneedtoknowtogetinvolved:

HowtoCompletetheGeorgiaReadsforAmerica250 Challenge

ThechallengerunsfromMarch3throughDecember31, 2026 Followthesestepstojointhecelebrationandearn yourprizes:

Step1:JoinYourAgeGroupSignupontheBeanstackapp orvisitthelibrarytogetstarted Therearefourcategories toensureeveryonecanparticipate:

Children:PreschoolthroughElementary MiddleSchool

HighSchool

Adult

Step2:ChooseYourBookReadatleastonebookfromthe officialAmerica250Booklistforyouragegroup This curatedlistof31titlesfeaturesstoriesthatexplore250 yearsofAmericanhistory

Note:Manyhighschooltitlesarealsoavailableinouradult collection,makingthemgreatsharedreadsforfamilies! Step3:CompletetheActivitiesTofinishthechallenge,you mustcompleteoneactivityfromeachofthesixactivity categorieslistedinBeanstack.Theseactivitiesare designedtohelpyouengagewithourcommunityand nationalheritage

Step4:CollectYourRewardsOnceyou’veloggedyourbook andactivities,stopbyanybranchtopickupyourfinisher’s kit: Anofficialcertificateofcompletion Acommemorativesticker Apatrioticsiliconebracelet.

EarlyBirdBonus:Thefirst10childrentofinishateach branchwillreceivealimited-editionGeorgiaReadstshirt(YouthLarge)!

Step5:EntertheGrandPrizeRaffleEverypersonwho completestheprogrambyDecember31willbe automaticallyenteredtowinanAmerica250GiftBasket WewilldrawonewinnerperagegroupinearlyJanuary 2027

Moreinformationcanbefoundonourwebsiteunder ReadingChallenges!

GALORE!

ADULT PROGRAMS PROGRAMS GALORE!

We have programs and events catered to adults at all 5 of our library locations on a weekly basis!

Check our calendar HERE for a full list of events.

Our vibrant program schedule offers something for everyone! Dive into crafting, painting, book clubs, fiber arts, and informative learning opportunities. We also host exciting partner events, thrilling Dungeons & Dragons sessions, and so much more!

PROGRAMS & EVENTS: ADULT SPOTLIGHT

*requires registration

*America 250: America in Brushstokes

Spout Springs Library, Wednesday, July 1, 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

*America Flag Painting Workshop

Gainesville Library, Thursday, July 2, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Americana Tile Art

North Hall Tech Center, Tuesday, July 7, 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Click on the titles underlined to learn more information!

*Patriotic Painting Class Blackshear Place,Thursday, July 2, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

*Don’t Be a Dinosaur! Speed Dating

Gainesville Library, Monday, July 6, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Author Talk with Sharon Gloger Friedman Blackshear Place, Wednesday, July 8, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

*Book Bedazzle Bring and Bling!

Gainesville Library, Thursday, July 9, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

*Paint by Number Workshop

Blackshear Place, Monday, July 13, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

*Acrylics in the Morning with Vicki Paulus

Spout Springs Library, Tuesday July 14, 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

*Social Security Seminar

Gainesville Library, Monday, July 27, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

July July in Youth Services

Hall County Library has programs ranging from storytime to STEM to arts & crafts for all ages of children, from babies to teens, at each of the five library branches!

Summer Reading is for Everyone!

hrough Adults! ad Books | Earn Prizes y 21-Aug 2

CLICK HERE to visit the calendar for a full listing of all our programs!

SUMMER PERFORMANCES

Experience performers of epic proportions!

Mondays

10:30 a.m. Spout Springs

1:30 p.m. Gainesville

6:00 p.m. Gainesville

MON JULY 13 & TUES JULY 14

MON JULY 20 & TUES JULY 21

Adventur Tuesdays

10:30 a.m. Murrayville

1:30 p.m. Blackshear Pla 4:30 p.m. North Hall Tech C

Dinosaurs

Meet birds, reptiles and maybe even a few mammals in this entertaining and educational program that explores the dino-relatives living among us!

Big Idea

Step back 65 million years and experience the most realistic, interactive dinosaur encounter available!

Big Idea Dinosaur Adventures brings the prehistoric world directly to you with animatronic dinosaurs, handson paleontology activities, and educational adventures that will leave kids (and adults!) absolutely mesmerized.

T Space is limited!

Free tickets will be given 30 minutes before each performance!

SensoryStorytime &AdaptiveToyPlayDate

Gainesville Library

Saturday July 25 | 1:30 p.m.

This sensory-focused storytime is designed for children with sensory needs. We'll participate in stories, songs, and activities in a calm and nurturing environment. Plan to stay for a play date with selections from our Adaptive Toy Collection. All are welcome. No registration required.

ELEMENTARYARTWORKSHOP: PREHISTORICWATERCOLOR

Elementary-aged kids will create their own watercolor art in this guided art program.

Summer 2026

Storytime Schedule! June 8 -

Let'sPlayStoryt

Ages18months-5ye

Wednesdays10:15

July 25

Ages0-18months|Tuesdays10:15AM

Ages0-18months|Frid

JULY 2026

PROGRAMS & EVENTS: YOUTH SPOTLIGHT

*requires registration

Fourth of July and America250 Storytime

Multiple Locations, Multiple dates, and times!

Summer Reading Performance

Wildlife Wonders

Multiple Locations, Multiple dates, and times!

Free Summer Lunch For Children

Gainesville Library, Thursdays, 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Summer Reading Performance

Big Idea Dinosaur Adventures

Multiple Locations, Multiple dates, and times! T

Back to School Storytime

Multiple Locations, Multiple dates, and times!

Wrap It Up! The Art of Mummification

Blackshear Place, Monday, July 6, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Family Retro Games Day

Spout Springs Library, Friday, July 10, 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

STEAM: Insects in Amber North Hall Tech Center, Wednesday, July 1, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

*Elementary Art Workshop: Prehistoric Watercolor

All locations, Tuesday, July 7, 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Minion Party

Murrayville Library, Monday, July 27, 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Navigating the Stacks and Unveiling Library Wonders

In The Gallery

The Georgia Art League

The Georgia Art League is a group of diverse artists of varying interests creating art in different media. Our members have created works in fiber art, wood sculpture, pastel drawing, collage, photography and, of course, painting. We all come together from different backgrounds for the sole purpose of creating and exhibiting our art for enjoyment.