Minerva Hamilton Hoyt adored California's Mojave Desert, but in the 1920s, it faced thoughtless destruction. Determined to save it, she showcased its beauty through exhibits, then pursued a monumental goal: a national park. Minerva tirelessly campaigned, winning over President Roosevelt and many others. Her relentless efforts culminated in the establishment of Joshua Tree National Park, preserving countless plants and animals. Now, millions annually visit and cherish the desert, thanks to Minerva's vision.
In a reimagining of the Robin Hood legend, Jane Crow, abandoned by her mother, joins Robin Hood's band as a spy. Robin recognizes her quiet potential, tasking her to infiltrate the King's Houses and report on nobles, including the new Sheriff of Nottingham. As Jane delves deeper into Robin's world, she's increasingly drawn to the charismatic leader. However, as his schemes grow more violent, Jane questions his true motives, suspecting his good deeds hide a darker ambition for his own legacy. She fears she might be just another pawn. When caught spying, Jane faces a perilous choice, forcing her to determine her own role in the dangerous game between nobles and thieves.
Dr. Eric Topol, a leading medical researcher, offers an evidence-based tour of the longevity revolution. Dispelling "snake oil," he reveals how preventing chronic diseases—obesity, heart disease, cancer, neurodegeneration—is radically transforming "old age." Breakthrough treatments stem from new tools, genomic insights, and AI, allowing us to engineer cells, build proteins, and find life-extending drugs. Many are available now or soon will be, rapidly improving. Topol, a participant in their development, guides readers through "The New Age of Healthspan," detailing advances in treating age-related diseases and an expanded "Lifestyle+" definition. He then tackles "Chronic Killers" and explores future implications, including potential aging reversal.
Unlock learning at home! Our new Little Learner Kits are ready for checkout. These kits include themed educational materials, an interactive toy, and literacy guides, to support your little one in reaching key developmental milestones.
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Georgia Public Library Service.
Fridays @ 10am and Saturday, August 23, 2025 @ 10:30am
Start your weekend with stories, songs, and fun! This story time is perfect for preschoolers through early elementary-aged children and includes engaging read-alouds, music, and interactive activities. Families are welcome—drop in and join the fun!
National Honey Bee Day
Saturday, August 16, 2025 from 10:00am – 1:00pm
Buzz on over to the library for a sweet celebration of National Honey Bee Day! Local beekeepers will be on hand to share fascinating facts about honey bees, demonstrate their tools and equipment, and talk about the art of beekeeping. Learn how bees make honey, why pollination matters, and what you can do to help these important pollinators. Fun and educational for all ages—don’t miss it!
Saturday Family Board Game Day
Saturday, August 30, 2025 from 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Bring the whole family to the library for some screen-free fun! A variety of board games will be available for all ages to enjoy. Drop in anytime between 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM to play your favorites or try something new. It’s a great way to spend quality time together and make new friends!
Get Your Library Card This September!
Ready to unlock a world of possibilities? A library card offers more than just books. Join engaging programs like book clubs, movie nights, crafting classes, and more. Access technology, Wi-Fi, and career resources to support your goals, no matter your age or what you're trying to achieve. It's one card with endless possibilities. Sign up for your library card this September and discover all the amazing things your library has to offer! Visit your local Library to get a card or apply online at gapines.org/eg/opac/register.
Please share this exciting information with your family, friends, neighbors, and anyone else who would benefit from a library card!
We are sad to share that former Sparta-Hancock County Library Trustee Suzanne "Suzy" Currey passed away in July 2025. Suzy was a great supporter and advocate for the library and we will miss her greatly!
Starbase Robins STEAM Program Students June 2025
This summer the Sparta-Hancock County Library hosted a two-day STEAM program led by STARBASE Robins, exploring light, color perception, engineering design, and coding through color. Students discovered how white light splits into colors, how humans perceive color in different lighting, and how color plays a role in computer science. Hands-on activities included building functional, colorful designs and experimenting with light in dark and bright settings. It was an engaging program that blended science, creativity, and technology in fun and meaningful ways.
Teen Library Scavenger Hunt June 2025
July's Out of The Box Passport to Adventure Mobile Interactive Museum
In July, patrons traveled the world without leaving town at the Out of The Box Passport to Adventure Mobile Museum! The museum brought a stunning collection of artwork from diverse cultures and countries right to the Library. Visitors explored vibrant paintings, intricate sculptures, and unique crafts that told stories from around the globe, experiencing the beauty and creativity of different traditions all in one exhibit.
Did you know that with your Georgia public library card, you can check out a pass for free admission to the Mimms Museum of Technology and Art? From the race to space to supercomputing to the power you hold in your hands, explore the past while imagining the future of technology!
The Library Pass is good for four (4) admissions to the museum. The Pass is for general admission only and is not valid for special events or exhibits. The pass has a circulation period of seven (7) days. The pass may be renewed once. Holds are not allowed.
This initiative raises awareness for radon safety across the state. The program promotes public health by providing electronic radon monitors for checkout at all Georgia public libraries.
Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking and is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. It occurs naturally when uranium breaks down to form radon. Uranium is often found in high concentrations in granite rocky soils, as are common in northern Georgia counties. As radon is released into the soil, it can enter buildings through the foundation and well water, eventually building to dangerous levels.
By checking out a monitor with their library card, patrons can easily evaluate the radon levels in their living spaces, and determine if they are in danger. Radon can affect any home, regardless of construction or age. If found, radon can be fixed by installing a radon mitigation system.
Each radon kit comes with directions for use. Radon testing within a home takes two weeks. The kit has a circulation period of fourteen (14) days with two (2) renewals.
The PINES student PLAY card gives all Hancock County students a special library card using their student number with no late fees. These PLAY cards are funded by a generous grant from Georgia Public Library Service. Find more info at www.azalealibraries.org/play-card.
