Adult
The sections below list the various services we provide for Library users. Scroll down to see what's available! You might also want to visit the Events & Classes page, and there's information on new books located on the Info Gathering page.
Our books - Card Catalog PINES
Elbert County Public Library is a part of the statewide PINES circulation system which allows Elbert County users to request books from other libraries throughout Georgia. You may browse the online card catalog by clicking on the PINES button at the top of our home page. From there, you may also use your library card number and PIN to place books on hold or renew them from home.
E-Books
Elbert County Library now provides free best-selling e-books and downloadable audio books through membership in the Georgia Download Destination consortium. There's an icon on the website front page, or you may click on the link in the previous sentence. This service is powered by OverDrive, a leading provider of electronic materials.  To check out, you must have an active Elbert County Library PINES card and a personalized password.  If you do not have this information, please call the Library at 706-283-5375 or come by to complete a card application.Â
E-books may be downloaded to most electronic devices -- PC's and Mac machines, as well as tablets and e-books (I-Pads, Kindle, Nook, etc.), plus select mobile devices. There's a compatibility list on the website. You will also find information on getting started as well as instructions about downloading the free software necessary to download e-books or audio books.Â
Many audio book titles can be burned to CD after being downloaded to the OverDrive Media Console.Â
Users may search for materials using title, creator (author), format or genre. Items are then placed in a cart for checkout. If an item is not currently available, it may also be placed on hold, and you will be informed via e-mail when it is ready. Users specify the checkout period.
When the lending period ends, the title expires automatically. There are no late fees, and you don't have to return the material to the Library.
Computers
There are more than 20 computers available for patron use in the Library's Power Up Lab. These computers provide Internet access as well as Microsoft Office Suite of programs (Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint). Users may also access the Galileo online library of databases, including free use of the Ancestry.com database. You must have an active current PINES library card in good standing and present that card before being logged on to the computers.
Wireless service is also available throughout the Library, with a special wireless center providing electric access for those who need to plug in their laptops. In addition, four computers are located in the Career/Small Business Center. These computers are equiped with special resume-writing software and selected online job hunting and business links.
In the Children's area there are several computers equipped with age-appropriate games. Because there is no Internet access on these computers, a library card is not required.
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Computer Coaching
Individuals who need help with basic computer skills or who want to learn new skills may schedule a free 1-hour private computer coaching session with Library staff. The sessions may provide instruction on computer use, mouse and keyboard tutorials, Microsoft Office programs, e-mail, social networking, and digitization of documents.Â
Staff also assists patrons with online testing and recertification programs assigned by their employers. Additional coaching sessions may be scheduled as time permits.Â
Genealogy
An extensive collection of family history materials, plus reference books on local history are available for those seeking information about ancestors and the history of northeast Georgia. There is census information, military records, family genealogy charts, maps of the area, and documentation of historic events relating to Elbert County.
A knowledgeable volunteer is also available to help with specific family searches and information needs. Requests for her services can be made with a quick phone call to the Library (706-283-5375) or by e-mailing a librarian at the addresses noted in the Ask a Librarian section of the Info Gathering page. You may download the latest version of our family history resource by clicking the link below.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| Family History Index .xls | 143 KB |
The Library has archives of local newspapers, including the Elberton Star, going back to the late 19th century. Much of this information is available on microfilm as well as in bound editions. In addition, there are a number of online databases available through the Galileo family of electronic databases. Ancestry.com (a fee-based service) and Heritage Quest databases are available free of charge within the Library, and there are now two computers available specifically for use with genealogy research.Â
Occasional genealogy classes are taught at the Library. When scheduled, these will be noted on the Events & Classes page of this website.
Programs for Adults
Upcoming adult programs are highlighted on the Home Page whenever they are scheduled and may also be listed as part of the Events & Classes page.Â
Small Business/Career Center
The Career/Small Business Center provides electronic and print resources to help job seekers and small business people. Whether you are looking for a job or need help growing your business, the center offers an up-to-date collection of books, and the four designated computers provide special resume-writing software and selected online job hunting and business links.
Helping the Library
Donations are an important source of funding for the Library and are tax-deductible. Many Library supporters make donations as part of the annual Holiday Giving Program. Others prefer to honor friends and family members by making a gift to the Library for birthdays, anniversaries, and special occasions. Unless directed for a specific item or program, donations to the Library are generally used to supplement local funds for materials and programs.
The Library also collects UPC's from Cambell's soup and many other products as part of the Labels for Education program. The product codes are redeemed for art supplies and used in the children's activities. For a complete list of this year's products, go to www.labelsforeducation/How-to-Earn.
The Friends of the Elbert County Public Library is a library-affiliated organization that supports the work and mission of the Elbert County Public Library through fundraising, volunteerism, and library advocacy. The Friends stage and man the semi-annual book sales, assist with Summer Reading, and promote the Library in the community. Benefits of being a "Friend" include first pick of book sale items and the satisfaction of knowing you are doing something worthwhile to help in the community.
The Friends are on Facebook and can be "friended" by searching for Friends of the Elbert County Public Library. (The Library also has a separate Facebook page -- just look for us by searching for Elbert County Library and select the one with our picture on the page.)
The Friends offer several different levels of annual membership:Â Individual -- $15; Family (up to 4 per household) -- $30; Corporate -- $100, and Lifetime -- $300.00Â Checks should be made payable to:Â Friends of the Elbert County Public Library, P. O. Box 721, Elberton, GAÂ 30635.
A dedicated group of volunteers regularly assists Library staff with office tasks, shelving books, and presenting programs at area daycare centers. If you are interested in becoming a shelf elf or pre-school story teller, give us a call, and we will gladly get you trained and ready to wwork. In addition, there are often one-time volunteer opportunities with Summer Reading, book sales, and other special activities.
Children
Besides the children's programs described below, the Library also has a lively, well-used Children's Area. There are computers for playing games, coloring activities, puzzles, and of course lots of books with comfortable seating for both kids and adults.
What's Here
Under construction
Programs for Kids
During the school year, the Library staff takes to the road, bringing monthly story time programs to every Kindergarten, PreK, and Head Start class in Elbert County, as well as to most of the local daycare centers. Occasional holiday-related programs may be held at the Library during school holidays.   These will be noted on the Home Page of this website.
In the summer, there are weekly story time programs on Friday mornings, and Monday afternoon Investigation Station classes for children in grades 3 and up. The latter program emphasizes activities that can be found in books and includes games, crafts, art projects, science experiments and other fun stuff.
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Child Safety Policy
- Parents and guardians are responsible for the behavior of their children at all times. The Library and its Staff cannot be responsible for unattended children.
- Children under the age of 8 must have a responsible adult with them at all times.
- Children ages 8-11 must have a responsible adult in the building.
- Parents will be notified, and children may be asked to leave the Library if behavior is not appropriate.
- Unattended children under age 12 will be asked to contact their parents and must be picked up within 30 minutes.Â
Approved by the Library Board of Directors on this date:Â October 20, 2005
  Revised June 10, 2011
Bookmobile
The Elbert County Public Library Bookmobile makes scheduled weekly visits to area daycares, nursing homes, senior living centers, and to individuals who are unable to visit the Library on their own. For more information about using the Bookmobile services, please call the Library at  706-283-5375.
About Us
Check back soon -- this section is also under construction.