ATLANTA – The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) and Georgia’s public libraries are ready to help students stay the course this school year. This Saturday at 18 public libraries across Georgia, families are invited to enjoy the “Start Right” Back-to-School Celebration—a day of learning, activities and community spirit that also will raise awareness of what DHS and public libraries offer to their communities.
 
“Our vision is to build stronger families for a stronger Georgia,” said DHS Commissioner Robyn A. Crittenden. “Education is vital to developing tomorrow’s leaders, and we are proud to partner with the Georgia Public Library Service in this event, recognizing the tremendous contribution libraries make in the lives of children and adults alike. It is also a great opportunity for families to learn more about the services DHS provides. These services help improve safety and self-sufficiency for families so they are better able to create an environment in which their children can succeed.”
 
Representatives from DHS will be on hand at participating public library locations to interact with those they serve in an informal, personal environment. They will answer questions on topics such as aging and disability resources, in-home services, child support services, SNAP/Food Stamps, Medicaid, energy assistance or employment assistance services.
 
“We are all focused on educating and improving our communities, and this event will help raise awareness of services both organizations provide that can enhance people’s lives,” said State Librarian Julie Walker.
 
“And since September is also National Library Card Signup Month, we encourage everyone to sign up for a free card at the event. It’s always exciting for children and adults to receive their first library card and to see the many powerful ways it can help them learn and grow.”
 
Public library cards are free to Georgia residents.
 
Organizations such as the United Way, Boys and Girls Club, Second Wind Dreams, YMCA and others also will be represented at some of the libraries. Attendees can look forward to playing games, listening to stories and learning more about the opportunities available in their communities.
 
“Start Right” will be at the following participating libraries:
 
10 a.m.-1 p.m.:

  •  Elbert County Public Library

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.:

  • Ocee Branch of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
  • Augusta Public Library, headquarters of the Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System
  • Catoosa County Library
  • Charles D. Switzer Public Library, central location of the Cobb County Public Library System
  • Central Library of the Dougherty County Public Library
  • Griffin-Spalding County Library, headquarters of the Flint River Regional Library
  • Cumming Library, headquarters of the Forsyth County Public Library
  • Columbia County Library, central branch of the Greater Clarks Hill Regional Library
  • Hall County Library in Gainesville
  • Nola Brantley Memorial Library, part of the Houston County Public Library
  • Lee County Public Library
  • Murrell Memorial Library, central branch of the Ocmulgee Regional Library System
  • Waycross-Ware County Public Library, headquarters of the Okefenokee Regional Library System
  • Winder Public Library, a branch of the Piedmont Regional Library System
  • Jasper County Library, a member library of the Uncle Remus Regional Library System

1-4 p.m.:

  •  New Dallas Public Library in the West Georgia Regional Library system 

The Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) delivers a wide range of human services designed to promote self-sufficiency, safety and well-being for all Georgians through its divisions of Child Support Services (DCSS), Aging Services (DAS) and Family and Children Services (DFCS).
 
The Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS) empowers libraries to improve the lives of all Georgians by encouraging reading, literacy and education through the continuing support and improvement of our public libraries. GPLS is a unit of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. Visit georgialibraries.org to learn more.