Beat the heat this month at your library

It’s July, it’s blazing hot outside, and you want fun, enriching things to do that won’t break the bank. Forsyth County Public Library to the rescue!

HERE ARE 10 WAYS FCPL CAN HELP YOU CHILL OUT ON THE CHEAP THIS MONTH:

1. TRAVEL LIGHT. Love to read but don’t want to lug a stack of books to the beach? Download the free Libby app from your app store and create an account with your library card for free access on your electronic devices to eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines. All Libby checkouts return automatically so there are never any late fees and you can customize fonts, playback speeds, and even checkout periods!

2. ENJOY FREE MUSEUM AND PARK PASSES. Use your library card to check out free passes to the Center for Puppetry Arts, Chattahoochee Nature Center, Georgia State Parks, Zoo Atlanta, and more!

3. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR FREE, QUIET, PROFESSIONAL MEETING SPACES. Reserve a free study, conference, or meeting room at the library and enjoy your next Zoom meeting without the sound of kids or barking dogs in the background.

4. WORK FASTER WITH FREE HIGH-SPEED INTERNET ACCESS. Need to use a computer? We have desktops and laptops for use in the library and Chromebooks you can check out for up to 30 days! Free access to our high-speed Wi-Fi network is available in our libraries during open hours and in our parking lots from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. daily.

5. MAKE YOUR NEXT ROAD TRIP A BREEZE!

If hearing “Are we there yet?” on repeat in the car isn’t your idea of a good time, hit the library (in person or online) and stock up on digital or CD audiobooks for the whole family. Younger children not quite reading on their own will love our VOX™ Books which have embedded digital audio players with headphone jacks.

6. SHOP THE CHEAPEST BOOKSTORE IN TOWN!

Located in each library, the FCPL Friends and Advocates Bookstores sell gently used materials at a fraction of the retail price. All sales support library programming for all ages and divert tons of books from landfills each year. In July all educational materials are 50% off at our Friends stores. Donations of used materials and Friends volunteers are always needed!

7. GET EXPERT READING RECOMMENDATIONS.

Not sure what to read next or have a reluctant reader at home who says they “hate reading”? We can help! FCPL offers a variety of free resources to help you find your next favorite book including custom-curated, themed reading lists, interactive digital databases that can suggest books you’ll like based on your specific preferences, an online personalized reading suggestions form, and of course, our friendly and helpful librarians! Stop by your library or explore our website at forsythpl.org to benefit from our expert readers’ advisory skills and tools.

8. WIN FREE PRIZES FOR SUMMER READING!

It’s not too late to participate in the library’s reading incentive program which runs through July 30, 2023. Studies show that reading incentive programs “gamify” reading, making it more fun and less of a chore. The rewards and recognition of reading achievements help motivate many children to keep reading. With incremental prizes including custom library lanyards, decorative buttons marking milestone achievements, and free books, kids can’t help but strive to reach new reading goals. Our summer reading incentive program is fun for the whole family and all ages are welcome to participate. Get started at forsythpl.beanstack.org

9. STOP SUMMER SLIDE.

Keeping kids intellectually stimulated with reading and engaging activities is the best thing you can do to prevent learning loss over the summer. We have materials and resources for every type of learning preference. Try our online children’s resources like BookFlix and Weston Woods Plus to mix things up and make reading more interactive.

10. ATTEND FREE PROGRAMS BY TOP PERFORMERS AND EXPERTS!

We have an incredible line up of free programs planned this month for all ages. Whether you’re into bass fishing, crafts, escape rooms, motorcycle safety, or exotic animals from around the world, we probably have a free program scheduled this summer that will rock your world. Peruse our digital Summer Program Guide on our website or utilize our interactive events calendar at forsythpl.org/events to search for specific programs by age, date, location, or event type.

With four branches and a Bookmobile , you’re likely just a short drive to the nearest Forsyth County Public Library. We’re open seven days a week and you don’t need a library card to enjoy our facilities or programs, but a library card is required to borrow materials, reserve meeting spaces, and use many of our online resources.

Forsyth County Public Library cards are available at no charge to all Forsyth County residents, property or business owners, government employees, and students and school employees. Anyone not eligible for a free library card may obtain an out-of-county library card for $60 per year.

Parents of Forsyth County Schools’ students can also opt in each school year to allow their student to use their FCS ID # as their public library card. Be on the lookout for that option when you’re filling out your back to school paperwork this year!

Forsyth County Public Library cards are available at no charge to Forsyth County residents, property or business owners, employees of Forsyth County government, currently enrolled students or employees of any public or private educational institution in Forsyth County.

For more information about FORSYTH COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY or any resources or upcoming events, visit WWW.FORSYTHPL.ORG or connect with FCPL on social media @forsythpl

Cumming Library, 585 Dahlonega Street, Cumming, GA 30040 | Sharon Forks Library, 2820 Old Atlanta Rd, Cumming, GA 30041 | Post Road Library, 5010 Post Rd, Cumming, GA 30040 | Hampton Park Library, 5345 Settingdown Rd, Cumming, GA 30041