Georgia Public Library Service and the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) are ready to help students “Start Right” this school year. On Saturday, Sept. 15, at 20 public libraries across Georgia, families are invited to enjoy a day of learning, activities and community spirit that also will raise awareness of what DHS and public libraries offer to their communities.

Representatives from DHS’ Divisions of Child Support Services (DCSS), Family and Children Services (DFCS) and Aging Services (DAS) will be on hand at participating public library locations to interact with those they serve in an informal, personal environment.

“Our vision is to build stronger families for a stronger Georgia,” said DHS Commissioner Robyn A. Crittenden. “Education is vital to developing tomorrow’s leaders, and we are proud to partner with the Georgia Public Library Service in this event, recognizing the tremendous contribution libraries make in the lives of children and adults alike. It is also a great opportunity for families to learn more about the helpful services DHS provides.”

DHS representatives will be at the libraries to answer questions on aging and disability resources, in-home services, child support services, SNAP/Food Stamps, Medicaid, foster care, energy assistance or employment assistance services.

“We are all focused on educating and improving our communities, and this event will help raise awareness of services both organizations provide that can enhance people’s lives,” said State Librarian Julie Walker.

“And since September is also National Library Card Signup Month, we encourage everyone to sign up for a free card at the event. It’s always exciting for children and adults to receive their first library card and to see the many powerful ways it can help them learn and grow.”

Public library cards are free to Georgia residents, and this simple card can help people engage in lifelong learning through their library to meet their goals. People can learn job skills or discover a language; through tutoring and story times, children can learn tips and instruction to perform in better in school; patrons can also participate in study groups, book clubs and other group hobbies, 3D print and experience burgeoning technologies like virtual reality.

Joining the libraries and DHS divisions at certain locations will be other organizations such as the United Way, Boys and Girls Club, Second Wind Dreams, YMCA and many more. Attendees can look forward to games, story times and learn more about the opportunities available in their communities.

“Start Right” will be at the following participating libraries (celebration times are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15, unless otherwise noted):

• Ocee Branch of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System
• Augusta Public Library, headquarters of the Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System
• Brooks County Public Library
• Catoosa County Library
• Rossville Public Library, part of the Cherokee Regional Library
• Charles D. Switzer Public Library, central location of the Cobb County Public Library System
• Central Library of the Dougherty County Public Library
• Elbert County Public Library (10 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
• Griffin-Spalding County Library, headquarters of the Flint River Regional Library
• Cumming Library, headquarters of the Forsyth County Public Library
• Columbia County Library, central branch of the Greater Clarks Hill Regional Library
• Hall County Library in Gainesville
• Nola Brantley Memorial Library, part of the Houston County Public Library
• Lee County Public Library
• Murrell Memorial Library, central branch of the Ocmulgee Regional Library System
• Waycross-Ware County Public Library, headquarters of the Okefenokee Regional Library System
• Winder Public Library, a branch of the Piedmont Regional Library System
• Long County Public Library, a branch of the Three Rivers Regional Library System
• Jasper County Library, a member library of the Uncle Remus Regional Library System
• New Dallas Public Library in the West Georgia Regional Library system (1-4 p.m.)