Celebrate Older Americans Month

Take your pick from 33 programs planned for Older Americans Month in May. Programs feature book clubs, arts and crafts, exciting games of bingo, line dance lessons, health and fitness classes, retirement planning, and more. Download the guide here or see the list of the events and registration information on our events calendar.

May the 4th - A Celebration of Star Wars

On May 4th, head to any DCPL branch for an out-of-this-world giveaway. Dress as your favorite character or even just share a favorite Star Wars memory and receive a free Star Wars book and Take & Make craft kit. Support provided by DeKalb Library Foundation and KPMG/KFFL Family for Literacy. See all the details here.

Atlanta Chinese Dance Company Performance

In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Atlanta Chinese Dance Company will perform Chinese classical and folk dances at Northlake-Barbara Loar Library on Saturday, May 13. Support provided by Friends of the Northlake-Barbara Loar Library. Find more information here. 

Get Ready for the Summer Reading Challenge!

With the theme of All Together Now, the Summer Reading Challenge celebrates the joy of reading, kindness, friendship, and unity. Summer Reading features something for everyone — from our youngest patrons to adults. The program runs from June 1 through July 31. All ages can pre-register starting on May 1 using the Beanstack web or mobile app. Mark your calendar for the kickoff events starting on June 1. Find more information about the Summer Reading Challenge here.

Highlights:

June 3 — All Together Now Kindness Carnival at Tucker-Reid H. Cofer Library. For our youngest patrons (ages 0-5). Enjoy a day of fun activities focused on early literacy practices: Reading, Singing, Playing, Writing, and Talking.  

June 1-10 — All Together Now Scavenger Hunt for ages 6-12 at all DCPL branches. Find the clues, decode the secret message, and get a Summer Reading Starter Pack with a badge book (bilingual English-Spanish), Jibbitz bracelet, and a collectible charm. 

May 28-July 31 — All Together Now Bingo for adults and seniors. Track your reading and explore everything the library has to offer by completing digital or physical bingo cards. Completed cards get entered into a drawing for a prize.

Try Assistive Tech at the Accessible Tech Petting Zoo

Visit County Line-Ellenwood Library on Saturday, May 6 for a hands-on demonstration of assistive technology and resources for people living with disabilities. Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (GLS) will be onsite to answer questions and register eligible patrons for GLS services. Find more information about the event here. You can learn more about GLS at gls.georgialibraries.org.

Almost Like Being There — Travel Memoirs

What happens when you cut loose from everyday life? Where would you go? These authors will help you imagine the journey with vivid, first-hand accounts of adventure and exploration. Find a travel memoir that speaks to your wanderlust in our May Reading Recommendations list.  

Make Something for Mother's Day

Give your Mother's Day gift a personal touch by making it yourself. Click the date for more information.  

Craft a Mother's Day card at Flat Shoals Library (May 10) or Gresham Library (May 11).

Weave a paper basket at Dunwoody Library (May 12).

Fresh on Dek Mobile Farmers Market Rolls In

Get freshly grown, low-cost fruits and vegetables and nutrition information from Fresh on Dek: DeKalb Mobile Farmer's Market. The market will be at County Line-Ellenwood Library on Tuesdays and Scott Candler Library on Wednesdays from 9:00-11:00 a.m. from May 15 through July 7 (except on May 30, June 20, and July 4). Find more information about the market on the DeKalb County UGA Extension Office website here. 

DeKalb Library Foundation Supports Building Resilience in Youth

The DeKalb Library Foundation's spring fundraising campaign brought in more than $20,000 to support library programs such as the Raising Resilience initiative. 

Angela, youth services librarian at County Line-Ellenwood Library uses Foundation funding to organize a resilience-themed book club. One participant shared, "I learned I should tell my feelings and not keep them to myself." Another reported, "The books taught me how to cope with my feelings and with others." Thank you to all the donors who supported this campaign. You may still donate by clicking this link. 

Take a Closer Look at "Small Changes" Art Exhibit

Come and be inspired by the works in the 2023 Fine Arts Exhibition, part of the Decatur Arts Festival, with the Georgia Center for the Book. The show will be held in the newly renovated 4th Floor Gallery of the Decatur Library, from May 4 to June 16. The theme is “Small Changes,” and the artwork on display will be no larger than 24 inches in any direction. Find gallery hours, events, and more information here. 

May Explore More! Calendar

Our Explore More! calendar is full of surprises. Whether you want to learn about computer coding, try your hand at creative writing, or make a craft, there is something for everyone. Download it here.