Atlanta Public Libraries: How to Use Them, Where to Go, and What to Expect

Atlanta’s public libraries are much more than places to borrow books. If you live in Atlanta, are visiting the city, or are moving here soon, the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System (AFPLS) is one of the most useful (and underrated) resources you can tap into.

This guide explains how public libraries work in Atlanta, Georgia, which branches you’ll find in different parts of the city, what services are available, and how to make the most of them.

Overview: How Public Libraries Work in Atlanta

Most of the City of Atlanta is served by the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System, which covers Atlanta and the rest of Fulton County. Parts of metro Atlanta that extend into DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, and Clayton counties are covered by their own county library systems.

If you’re in Atlanta proper, there’s a good chance your neighborhood branch is part of AFPLS.

Key things to know:

• Library cards are generally free for residents of the county that funds the system.
• Branches are spread across downtown, midtown, southwest, southeast, and north Atlanta.
• Most systems now offer digital access (eBooks, audiobooks, streaming content) with your card.
• Libraries serve as community hubs: events, job help, study space, and more.

Major Library Systems Serving Atlanta

Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System (AFPLS)

Covers: Most of Atlanta and Fulton County communities.

• Main Central Library
  • Address: One Margaret Mitchell Square, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Located downtown, near Peachtree Street and MARTA stations.
  • This is the flagship branch, with extensive collections, research resources, and public computers.

AFPLS includes numerous neighborhood branches such as:

• Buckhead Library – 269 Buckhead Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
• Kirkwood Library – 11 Kirkwood Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30317
• Washington Park Library – 1116 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314
• Sandy Springs Library – 395 Mount Vernon Hwy NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328
• Adams Park, East Atlanta, West End, College Park, and others also serve key neighborhoods.

These branches are typically accessible by MARTA bus, and many are close to major roads with on-site or nearby parking.

Nearby County Systems for Metro Atlanta Residents

If you live just outside Fulton County, your local public library may be part of another system:

• DeKalb County Public Library (DCPL)

  • Serves areas like Decatur, Tucker, Stone Mountain, parts of south DeKalb, and some Atlanta addresses east of the city center.

• Cobb County Public Library

  • Serves Marietta, Smyrna, and west/northwest metro areas.

• Gwinnett County Public Library

  • Serves Gwinnett communities northeast of Atlanta.

• Clayton County Library System

  • Serves Jonesboro, Forest Park, Riverdale, and other southside communities.

If you have an Atlanta or metro-area address, it’s worth checking which county you pay property taxes to. That usually determines which library system you’re eligible to use for free.

Getting a Library Card in Atlanta

Who Can Get a Card?

In and around Atlanta, you can usually get a free library card if you:

• Live in the county that funds the system (for AFPLS, that’s Fulton County residents).
• Work, attend school, or own property in the county (many systems allow this with proof).
• Are a student in certain local public school systems that partner with the library.

Non-residents can sometimes obtain fee-based cards if they want full borrowing privileges.

What You Need to Bring

When you apply in person at an Atlanta-area branch, you’ll typically need:

• Photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport, or school ID for teens).
• Proof of address if your ID doesn’t show your current Atlanta-area address, such as:
  • Utility bill
  • Lease agreement
  • Mail from a government agency

Many Atlanta residents can also register online through their library system’s website and then finalize the card in person or receive a digital-only e-card.

What You Can Do at an Atlanta Public Library

Public libraries in Atlanta offer a wide range of services. While exact offerings vary by branch and system, you can usually expect:

1. Borrow Books, Audiobooks, and Movies

You can check out:

• Print books (fiction, non-fiction, children’s, teen, large print)
• Audiobooks on CD or digital apps
• DVDs and sometimes Blu-ray for movies and TV shows
• Magazines and newspapers (many for in-library use, some available digitally)

Loan periods and late fee policies can differ by system. Many Atlanta-area libraries have reduced or eliminated overdue fines, but fees still apply for lost or damaged items.

2. Use Digital Resources and Online Access

With an Atlanta public library card, you can usually access:

• eBooks and digital audiobooks
• Streaming movies and educational videos
• Online learning platforms (language learning, software tutorials, test prep)
• Digital magazines and newspapers

These services can often be used from home, work, or school as long as you have your library card number and PIN.

3. Access Computers, Wi-Fi, and Printing

Atlanta branches commonly offer:

• Public computers with internet access
• Free Wi-Fi for your own device
• Printing, copying, and sometimes scanning or faxing (usually with a small per-page fee)

This can be essential if you’re:

• Job hunting and need to complete online applications
• A student needing research access or a quiet typing spot
• Traveling and need to print tickets, forms, or documents

4. Study Rooms and Meeting Spaces

Many Atlanta libraries have:

• Study rooms that you can reserve (useful for tutoring, group projects, or remote work).
• Meeting rooms for community groups, nonprofits, or neighborhood associations.

There may be rules around reservations, time limits, and whether the event must be free and open to the public.

Programs and Events in Atlanta Libraries

Public libraries in Atlanta function as active community centers. Programs change by season, but commonly include:

For Children and Families

• Storytime sessions for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers
• After-school programs and homework support
• Summer reading programs with activities and reading challenges
• STEM, arts, and craft programs for school-aged children

For Teens

• Teen book clubs
• College prep and test prep workshops
• Gaming events or makerspace activities at some branches
• Space for studying, reading, and socializing in a safe environment

For Adults

• Book clubs and discussion groups
• Computer and technology classes (basic computer use, email, documents, etc.)
• Job search and career workshops (resumes, interviewing, online applications)
• Citizenship, English language (ESL), and literacy programs
• Occasional author talks, film screenings, and cultural events

Programs often vary by neighborhood branch to reflect the needs and interests of local Atlanta communities.

Special Services You Might Not Expect

Atlanta-area public libraries often provide resources that go beyond books and internet access.

Job, Career, and Business Support

Some Atlanta branches provide:

• Help with resumes and job searching
• Access to business databases for market research
• Occasional small business workshops or entrepreneurship talks

Education and Test Preparation

Libraries frequently offer or support:

• GED prep resources
• Practice tests for exams such as the SAT, ACT, GRE, and professional licensing
• Study areas that are quieter than coffee shops and free to use

Accessibility Services

Many branches provide:

• Large-print materials
• Audiobooks and digital text-to-speech options
• Assistance with using new technology when requested

If you or a family member has specific accessibility needs, you can call your local branch to ask what accommodations are available.

Using the Central Library vs. Neighborhood Branches

The Central Library in downtown Atlanta and local neighborhood branches each have advantages.

Central Library (One Margaret Mitchell Square)

Best for:

• Research and reference help
• Larger collections and specialized materials
• Extensive public computer access
• Being near major MARTA rail lines and bus routes

Neighborhood Branches

Best for:

• Quick visits close to home
• More community-focused programs
• Familiar staff who know the local area
• Easier parking in many cases

Typical Library Hours and How to Check Them

Hours vary across Atlanta-area branches. Many:

• Are open most weekdays, with reduced hours on weekends
• Close on major holidays and some public observances
• Offer evening hours at least a few days a week for working adults and students

Because hours can change due to renovations, staffing, or seasonal adjustments, it’s best to:

• Call the branch directly, or
• Check the latest schedule on the relevant library system’s website

Quick Reference: Atlanta Public Library Basics

Tips for Getting the Most Out of an Atlanta Public Library

Here are a few practical ways Atlanta residents and visitors can maximize library use:

• Plan your visit around traffic and transit:
  Downtown branches are easier by MARTA; neighborhood branches may be more convenient by car.

• Use holds and transfers:
  If your local branch doesn’t have a book, you can often place it on hold and have it delivered to your preferred branch.

• Try digital borrowing:
  If you commute on MARTA or travel frequently, eBooks and audiobooks from your Atlanta library can be a major convenience.

• Ask librarians for local guidance:
  Staff can point you to Atlanta-focused history resources, neighborhood information, and city services.

• Bring headphones and chargers:
  If you’ll be using computers or studying for a while, it helps to have your own accessories.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta

Visitors who are in the city short-term may not be eligible for a full card, but you can often:

• Use on-site computers (sometimes with a guest pass)
• Access Wi-Fi inside the building
• Read books, magazines, and newspapers in-house
• Attend free public programs happening during your stay

If you’ll be here longer, ask about temporary or non-resident card options.

Public libraries in Atlanta, Georgia are designed to support daily life in the city—whether you’re here for school, work, family, or travel. By finding your local branch, signing up for a card, and exploring both in-person and digital services, you can tap into a wide range of tools, information, and community resources at little to no cost.