This year's American Library Association (ALA) summer reading theme is Color Our World! We have chosen books that feature colorful characters, colorful settings and/or colorful authors. This is a diverse set of authors that seek to make the world a brighter and more colorful place through their writing. Additionally, we have a wide variety of Summer Reading Programs available to browse below. Track your summer reading books on Beanstack ! Click here!

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Programs

Here are some of the summer reading programs available at Central Library. For more complete list of programs, click here, opens a new window!

• Summer Scavenger Hunt - June 5th -Learn more here!, opens a new window
• Summer Reading Kickoff - June 7th - Learn more here!, opens a new window
• Color Spin-Art Painting - June 7th - Learn more here!
• Rock Painting - June 7th - Learn more here!, opens a new window
• Summer Chess League - 2nd & 4th Mondays in June and July - Learn more here!, opens a new window
• Comic Strip - June 7th -Learn more here!, opens a new window
• Caribbean Film Festival - June 21st - Learn more here!, opens a new window
• Cross Stitch Workshop - June 30th - Learn more here!, opens a new window
• Rock Painting - July 17th - Learn more here!, opens a new window
• Decoupage Shadowbox - July 24th - Learn more here
  

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Central Library Program Committee contributors: 

Anissa Alexandar- Librarian
Aaron Brown- Librarian II 
Dana Marseille-Librarian 
Laura Stellrecht-Librarian 
Vikki Walters-Principal Librarian

There are often celebrations and events throughout Atlanta in celebration of Juneteenth. One event is Juneteenth Atlanta, which has a parade and music festival. More information is available here: https://www.juneteenthatl.com/.  In the meantime, check out these books about the history of Juneteenth. 

Sources 

[1] https://www.history.com/articles/what-is-juneteenth

[2] https://www.civilwarmonitor.com/article/juneteenth/

[3] https://www.biography.com/activists/a44213763/opal-lee-juneteenth-activist

List created by AARLProgram

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May is National Preservation Month! This monthly observance was first recognized in the 1970s by the National Trust. Today, it is celebrated by local, state, and federal history groups throughout the country.

In Atlanta, we are lucky to have access to numerous historical sites all over the metro area. With your library card, you can check out Attraction Passes for museums like the Atlanta History Center, the Macon Museum, Bremen Museum, the State Parks pass, and others here: Partnership Passes: State Parks, Museums and so much more! 

Additionally, if you have a history question, are researching your family genealogy, or looking for historic records you can reach out to the Special Collections Department at the Central Library or to the Auburn Avenue Research Library for assistance. 

This Preservation Month, try out a new library resource like those described above or check out a book from the book list below to brush up on your Atlanta knowledge! 

List created by FCLSCENTRALGENERALCOLLECTIONS

May is National Preservation Month! Try out a title below to learn more about Atlanta's unique history.

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Sources: 

1. https://savingplaces.org/stories/history-of-preservation-month
2. https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalregister/preservation-month.htm
3. https://savingplaces.org/stories/preservation-month-2025
4. https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/may/national-preservation-month-may

      -  Laura Stellrecht, Librarian 

Mental Health Awareness Month has been celebrated in May each year since its establishment in 1949. Its purpose is "to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness" according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). For more resources and information about Mental Health Awareness Month or mental health support, see the resources below:

• Fulton County Library System's Social Services Department: https://www.fulcolibrary.org/social-services/, opens a new window.
• The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD): https://dbhdd.georgia.gov/, opens a new window
• SAMHSA: https://www.samhsa.gov/, opens a new window.

To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, Central Library's Youth Services Department has assembled a book display suitable for ages 5-17. It includes fiction and nonfiction titles that cover various topics such as anxiety and depression, personality and neurodevelopmental disorders, eating disorders, coping mechanisms, and more. Check out the booklist below for our display collection.

Books on display are available for checkout on the 4th floor at Central Library.

-Blog, Display, and booklist created by Nechelle Roberts, Library Associate

List created by FCLSCENTRALYOUTH

This booklist includes kid- and teen-friendly fiction and nonfiction recommendations for anxiety, depression, other mental health disorders, coping mechanisms, and more.

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Flip the Script on Aging: May 2025

Administration of Community Living (ACL) is the leading organization for the celebration of Older Americans Month every May. The 2025 is “Flip the Script on Aging” is the on changing the national perception of aging and how we interact with the older members of our communities. This theme is reflected in our booklist. We ask that if you are an older American, we challenge you to reach out and join a community of individuals. Groups like Silver Sneakers, AARP and Red Hat Society are great ways of connecting with individuals of similar age over common interests. These groups showcase the aging is just another part of life and focus on positive life experiences. Be sure to explore all of the fun events and books available below.

Fulton County OAM Event Calendar

Older Americans Month 2025

Fulton County Library OAM Events

There are several events geared towards our senior patrons. 

Fitness

Celebrate Older Americans Month: Motivational Fitness 'n Fun for Adults and Seniors | Events | Fulton County Library System

Senior Adult Story Hour (SASH) | Events | Fulton County Library System

Computer Literacy

Beginner Computer Classes for Seniors | Events | Fulton County Library System

Seniors Stay Safe Online | Events | Fulton County Library System

Book Clubs

Noon Day Book Club! Senior edition! | Events | Fulton County Library System

Celebration

Celebrate Older Americans Month: SEB Senior Bingo | Events | Fulton County Library System

List created by FCLSCENTRALGENERALCOLLECTIONS

From the ACL website: "The 2025 theme, Flip the Script on Aging, focuses on transforming how society perceives, talks about, and approaches aging. It encourages individuals and communities to challenge stereotypes and dispel misconceptions. This year, join us in honoring older adults’ contributions, exploring the many opportunities for staying active and engaged as we age, and highlighting the opportunities for purpose, exploration, and connection that come with aging."

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Please feel free to check out the list below for books about various war veterans and their heroic acts in remembrance of this special day.

-- Dana Marseille, Librarian

List created by FCLSCENTRALGENERALCOLLECTIONS

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May is National Bicycle Month—a perfect time to dust off your bike, pump up those tires, and celebrate the joy and freedom that comes with two wheels and a little pedaling power. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist, a casual cruiser, or someone considering getting back in the saddle, Bicycle Month is for everyone.

Why Celebrate Biking?

Bicycling isn’t just fun it’s also a powerful tool for improving personal health and building stronger connected communities.

How to Get Involved

Whether you're riding solo or joining a group, there are lots of ways to participate this month:

• Log your miles: Participate in local or national challenges and track your rides.
• Support bike-friendly initiatives: Advocate for bike lanes, better infrastructure, and safer streets.
• Try something new: Experiment with bike commuting, mountain biking, or even bikepacking.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Ride

• Always wear a helmet.
• Make sure your bike is tuned up and tires are inflated.
• Use lights and reflectors, especially if riding at dawn, dusk, or night.
• Obey traffic rules and ride predictably.

This May let’s make biking more than just a hobby—let’s make it a movement. Whether you're commuting to work, riding to the farmer’s market, or enjoying a weekend trail ride, every pedal stroke brings us closer to healthier lives and more livable cities. Below are a just a few events that are happening in honor of National Bicycle Month.

The Atlanta Cycling Festival

May 17th - 24^th

2025 Festival — Atlanta Cycling Festival

GA Rides

May 1^st -31^st

Current Challenge : GA Rides 2025

The Beltline Knox Cycling Westride Ride

May 17^th, 8:00 am- 3:00 pm

Events Calendar – Georgia Bikes

-- Display and blog, Francine Dowdy

Miranda Smith is a ceramicist and mixed media artist based in Decatur, Georgia, currently working as an Arts Education Coordinator, Fulton County Arts and Culture. She holds a BFA in Art with a concentration in Ceramics and Sculpture from Augusta State University and a MFA in Ceramics from Georgia State University. As an Arts Education Coordinator at Fulton County, she works for the Department of Community Partnerships North where she brings artistic outreach to a variety of organizations. She creates partnerships and travels all over the county to share classes, demos and workshops on a variety of mediums, processes and techniques to the Fulton County public. When she is not working, Miranda enjoys creating art in a variety of mediums, camping and spending time with her family.

For more information on Miranda:

Contact Information:

Instagram: @clayroots16, opens a new window

Email: clayroots16@gmail.com, opens a new window

Miranda Smith's work will be on display in the 1st Floor Studio B at Central Library from April 15, 2025 through July 17, 2025.

Contact Vikki.Walters@fultoncountyga.gov about exhibiting or about the artist featured.

Connie Cross is a documentary photographer/videographer, the creator/producer of Photo Battle Atlanta, and owner of The Connie Cross Group, LLC. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Art Education from Armstrong State University and an Associate degree in Cinematography, Motion Graphics and Film/Video Production from Atlanta Technical College, graduating Magna Cum Laude. She currently is the Community Partnerships Community Relations Coordinator, Department of Arts and Culture, Fulton County.

Click here to register for the Artist Talk and Reception on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 2 PM!, opens a new window

For more information about Connie:

Instagram: @connie_cross_group, opens a new window

Facebook: Connie G. Cross

Connie Cross's work will be on display in the lower-level Alcove at Central Library from April 19, 2025 through July 19, 2025.

Contact Vikki.Walters@fultoncountyga.gov about exhibiting or about the artist featured.

Artist Statement:

Billy Clifton-Strawn’s work explores the themes of identity, transformation, and the sublime in his artistic expression. Through a dynamic use of mixed media, digital monitors, pigmented prints, poly tapestries, and digital prints, Clifton-Strawn’s creations become a visual exploration of the human spirit’s resilience, celebrating both the fragility and enduring strength of life. 

Each piece invites the viewer to contemplate the journey of fragmented identity toward unity, as figures intertwine with organic forms, floral motifs, and celestial imagery. These elements blur the boundaries between self and universe, highlighting the interconnectedness between the human spirit, nature, and the cosmos. Clifton-Strawn’s ethereal compositions and surreal visuals create spaces where transcendence becomes tangible, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.

This body of work is both a meditation on human vulnerability and a celebration of the ephemeral beauty of existence. The integration of natural and imagined motifs evokes a deeper connection to the natural world, inviting viewers to reflect on their own moments of profound self-realization and connection. Through these works, art becomes a portal, urging us to embrace our journey toward wholeness and transcendence.

For more information on Billy Clifton-Strawn:

Contact Information:

Instagram: @billycliftonstrawn

Website: www.billycliftonstrawnart.com

Email: bbcliftonjr@gmail.com, opens a new window

Billy Clifton-Strawn's  work will be on display in the 1st Floor Studio A at Central Library from April 15, 2025 through July 17, 20205.

Contact Vikki.Walters@fultoncountyga.gov about exhibiting or about the artist featured.