Library Guide for Atlanta, Georgia: How to Make the Most of Local Libraries

Atlanta, Georgia has a rich network of public libraries, university libraries, and specialized collections that serve residents, students, families, and visitors. Whether you want a quiet place to study, free internet access, children’s storytime, or local history materials, you’ll find multiple options across the city.

This guide focuses on how libraries work in Atlanta, where to find them, and how to use their services effectively.

The Main Public Library System in Atlanta: Fulton County Library System

If you are looking for a library in Atlanta, Georgia, your primary resource is the Fulton County Library System (FCLS). Most of the City of Atlanta is in Fulton County, and these branches serve Atlanta neighborhoods directly.

Central Library (Downtown Atlanta)

Central Library – Fulton County Library System
1 Margaret Mitchell Square
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404-730-1700

The Central Library is the flagship location and a good starting point if you:

• Live or work in downtown Atlanta
• Need access to larger collections and research materials
• Want a quiet study area, computer access, or meeting rooms
• Are new to the city and want to sign up for a card in a central location

It typically offers:

• General lending collections (fiction, non-fiction, DVDs, audiobooks)
• Public computers and free Wi‑Fi
• Printing and copying (usually low-cost)
• Study rooms and larger public spaces
• Programs for adults, teens, and children

For current hours and specific services, it is best to call ahead or check current details before visiting, as hours can change.

Neighborhood Branch Libraries in Atlanta

Beyond the Central Library, Atlanta is served by numerous neighborhood branches, many recently renovated. These are especially useful if you prefer a smaller, community-oriented location close to home.

Some notable Atlanta-area branches in the Fulton County Library System include:

• Atlanta-Fulton Public Library – Auburn Avenue Research Library
  101 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Focus: African American culture and history, special collections, and exhibits.

• Buckhead Branch Library
  269 Buckhead Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30305
  Popular with residents and workers in the Buckhead area.

• Northeast/Spruill Oaks, Northside, and Sandy Springs branches
  These serve northern neighborhoods and commuters who live or work near the Perimeter.

• Kirkwood, East Atlanta, West End, and Mechanicsville branches
  Convenient for intown neighborhoods and those using MARTA.

Each branch typically offers:

• Book and media lending
• Youth reading areas and children’s storytime
• Public computers and Wi‑Fi
• Community programs, such as book clubs or workshops

If you are unsure which branch is closest to you, you can:

• Call the Fulton County Library System main phone line
• Ask at any branch for information about the branches near your home, office, or hotel

Library Cards in Atlanta: Who Can Get One and How

Who Is Eligible

In Atlanta, library cards for the Fulton County Library System are generally available to:

• Residents of Fulton County
• People who work, go to school, or own property in Fulton County
• In some cases, residents of neighboring counties with reciprocal agreements

Visitors from outside Georgia can often use on-site services (like reading on-premises or using some computers) even without a full card, although borrowing privileges may be limited.

How to Get a Library Card

To get a library card at most Atlanta public libraries:

1. Visit a branch in person.
2. Bring a photo ID (for example, driver’s license, state ID, or passport).
3. Bring proof of address if your ID doesn’t list your current address (for example, lease, utility bill, or official mail).
4. Fill out a short registration form.

Staff can guide you through the process. Younger patrons usually need a parent or guardian to sign their registration.

Once you have your card, you can:

• Borrow books and other items
• Log into library computers
• Access digital resources like e‑books and audiobooks
• Place holds on items and pick them up at your preferred branch

DeKalb County Libraries for East Atlanta Neighborhoods

Some parts of the Atlanta metro area, especially in East Atlanta, fall into DeKalb County instead of Fulton. If your residence or hotel is in DeKalb County, your main system is the DeKalb County Public Library (DCPL).

Examples of Atlanta-area DeKalb branches include:

• Decatur Library (in nearby Decatur, serving many Eastside residents)
  215 Sycamore St, Decatur, GA 30030

• Toco Hill–Avis G. Williams Library
  1282 McConnell Dr, Decatur, GA 30033

• Clarkston, Stone Mountain, and other branches that may be convenient if you are east of I‑285.

DCPL branches offer services similar to Fulton’s: lending, computers, Wi‑Fi, and programs. If you live near the county line, it can be helpful to check which county you pay property tax to or which address is on your ID to know which system you should use.

University and Academic Libraries in Atlanta

Atlanta is home to several major colleges and universities, each with its own libraries. These are especially useful if you are:

• A student or faculty member
• A researcher needing specialized collections
• A local resident looking for more in-depth materials (access policies vary)

Some of the primary academic libraries in Atlanta include:

Georgia State University Library (Downtown Atlanta)

Georgia State University Library – Atlanta Campus
Library North and Library South buildings, near 100 Decatur St SE
Atlanta, GA 30303

This library serves Georgia State University (GSU) students and faculty. It has:

• Extensive academic print and digital collections
• Study spaces and group rooms
• Subject-specialist librarians

Members of the public may be able to enter and use some resources on-site, but borrowing and full online access usually require affiliation with the university. Policies can change, so it is wise to call the main information desk for details before planning a long research visit.

Atlanta University Center (AUC) Robert W. Woodruff Library

AUC Woodruff Library
111 James P. Brawley Dr SW
Atlanta, GA 30314

This library supports Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Spelman College, and the Interdenominational Theological Center. It is well known for:

• Strong holdings in African American history and culture
• Archival collections
• Quiet and collaborative study spaces

Community access is often allowed for on-site use but may be restricted for borrowing. Contact the circulation or information desk to learn what is available to non-AUC visitors.

Emory University Libraries (Nearby in Druid Hills)

While technically just outside the City of Atlanta’s core, Emory University libraries in the Druid Hills area (east of Midtown) are important regional research centers. They feature:

• Humanities and social science collections
• Health sciences and law libraries
• Special collections and archives

Public access usually involves guest policies and may limit online resource use. If you need specialized research materials, call ahead to confirm what is open to the public.

Specialized and Research Libraries in Atlanta

Beyond public and university systems, Atlanta hosts several specialized libraries and archives that may be valuable depending on your interests.

Some examples include:

• Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History
  (Part of the Fulton County system) – focuses on Black history, culture, and literature.
  101 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303

• Local government law libraries
  For example, law libraries located near courthouses that may provide legal reference materials. These typically emphasize reference use only, not general lending.

• Corporate or nonprofit libraries and archives
  Some large organizations in Atlanta maintain internal libraries. Access is usually limited to staff or by appointment.

If you have a highly specific research project (for example, Atlanta zoning history, civil rights movements, or Southern business history), it can be useful to:

• Call the Central Library or the Auburn Avenue Research Library
• Explain your topic and ask for guidance on where to look next

Librarians in Atlanta are accustomed to pointing people toward specialized collections around the city.

What You Can Do at a Library in Atlanta

Libraries in Atlanta are more than just book-lending locations. Common services you can expect at many branches include:

Reading and Borrowing

• Borrow books, audiobooks, and DVDs
• Access e‑books, digital magazines, and streaming audio/video with your library card
• Request items from other branches and have them sent to your preferred branch

Technology and Internet Access

Most Atlanta libraries offer:

• Free Wi‑Fi inside the building
• Public computers with internet access
• Printing, copying, and sometimes scanning or faxing (usually for a per-page fee)

This is especially useful if you:

• Need to print forms or resumes
• Do not have reliable home internet
• Are visiting Atlanta and need short-term computer access

Programs and Events

Many branches host:

• Children’s storytimes and early literacy programs
• Teen activities and homework help
• Adult workshops, such as basic computer classes or language conversation groups
• Book clubs or author talks

Programming can vary widely by location, so it is helpful to:

• Call your local branch and ask what is scheduled
• Look for printed calendars when you visit

Using Libraries in Atlanta as a Visitor

If you are visiting Atlanta and want to use local libraries:

• You can almost always enter and read on-site without a card.
• Short-term use of computers may be allowed with a guest pass, depending on branch policies.
• Borrowing books or using digital services usually requires a full library card, which may be limited to local residents or people who work or attend school in the area.

If you primarily need a quiet work space, Wi‑Fi, or a place to read, the Central Library downtown or a nearby neighborhood branch can be very convenient.

Quick Reference: Major Library Options in Atlanta

Practical Tips for Using Libraries in Atlanta

Here are a few simple ways to make your library experience smoother:

• Call before your first visit 📞
  Ask about hours, parking, and card requirements. Hours can vary by branch and day.

• Bring ID and proof of address
  This speeds up getting a library card if you qualify.

• Ask librarians for help
  Atlanta librarians regularly assist with research, job search tools, and digital resources; you do not need to know exactly what you are looking for.

• Check both county systems
  If you live near a county line or move within the metro area, you may be eligible for more than one library system’s services.

• Explore digital options
  Once you have a card, you can often borrow e‑books and audiobooks from home without visiting in person.

By knowing which library system covers your part of Atlanta and what each type of library offers, you can take full advantage of the city’s reading, learning, and research resources.