Friends of the Library

The Friends of the Library are non-profit, volunteer-led groups dedicated to supporting our county libraries. As a 501(c)(3) organization, the Friends provide vital supplemental funding and advocacy that tax dollars alone cannot cover.

What do the Friends do?

By joining the Friends, you help provide the "extras" that make our libraries special. Your membership and donations fund:

  • Engaging Programs: Guest author visits, holiday events, and workshops for children and teens.

  • Summer Reading: Ensuring our annual Summer Reading Program remains free and exciting for all ages.

  • Growth & Support: Fundraising for new books, modern equipment, and staff recognition.

  • Book Sales: Managing local book sales to keep used books in the hands of the community.

Why join the Friends?

When you become a Friend, you join a passionate community of readers and advocates who value the library as the heart of the county. Whether you want to volunteer your time at a book sale or simply support the library through your annual dues, the Friends look forward to meeting you!

Georgia Gateway Kiosks

Georgia Gateway Kiosks are now available at ALL Azalea Libraries! These easy-to-use kiosks let you apply for, renew, and manage your benefits for programs like SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, PeachCare for Kids®, TANF, and CAPS. Visit your local Library to get connected to the support you need—right in your community.

Learn more: georgialibraries.org/kiosks

Meeting Rooms

AZRLS provides meeting spaces for community groups, non-profits, and individuals to gather, study, and collaborate. Rooms are available for reservation at the following locations:

  • Greene County Library (Greene)

  • Jasper County Library (Monticello)

  • Morgan County Library (Madison)

  • W.H. Stanton Memorial Library (Social Circle)

  • O'Kelly Memorial Library (Loganville) — Coming soon to our brand-new facility!

How to Reserve: To request a space, please review our policies and complete the Meeting Room Application. Completed forms should be submitted to the manager of the branch where you wish to meet.

Please note: Reservations are subject to availability and must align with the library system's meeting room policy.

Outreach

Let’s work together, We're your community library! We’re more than just a place for books. Find us at local events, from farmers' markets to festivals, and even in your neighborhood. We also partner with schools for STEAM events, literacy nights, and more! If you would like to request a library presence at your next event, a training session for your staff, or to discuss a new partnership, please fill out the form below. A member of our outreach team will contact you within 3-5 business days.

  • Hancock County Open House

    Manager Kathy Ransom at Hancock County Open House, August 2023

  • Monroe Area High School Media Center Specialist and Media Aides excited about the hoopla app, April 2023

  • Abigail, Manager at Monroe-Walton County at the Monroe Farmers Market, Spring 2023

  • Tara from Greene County Library at the Greene County School District 2nd Annual Parent Expo, March 2023

  • Unicorn Day in Downtown Monroe, GA, April 2023

  • PINES PLAY Card presentation at Carver Middle School, April 2023

  • Morgan County High School Students at the Career Expo, April 2023

  • Walnut Grove Manager, Dana, at the Community Impact Day at the Walton County Boys & Girls Club, May 2023

  • Abigail, Manager of the Monroe-Walton County Library, at the Athens Tech (Walton Campus) Spring Fling, March 2023

  • Azalea Managers, Rick, Dana, Amy, Kathy, and Lonya at the Georgia State Capital

The Science of Reading

The Science of Reading Every child can become a fluent reader, and the "Science of Reading" shows us how. This evidence-based approach—backed by decades of research in neuroscience and linguistics—focuses on the explicit teaching of phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension. Through our partnership with the Sandra Dunagan Deal Center for Early Language and Literacy, we provide families with the tools they need to build "reading brains" and foster a lifelong joy of books.

Explore the Georgia Literacy Resource Library