Atlanta Public Library Guide: Using the Atlanta–Fulton Public Library System Like a Local

Atlanta doesn’t have just “one” public library. When most people say Atlanta Public Library, they’re talking about the Atlanta–Fulton Public Library System (AFPLS) — a network of branches serving the City of Atlanta and much of Fulton County.

Whether you live in Midtown, commute from Sandy Springs, or you’re visiting downtown for a few days, the library system can be a free, powerful resource for books, internet, study space, and community programs.

Overview: How Public Libraries Work in Atlanta

Atlanta is mainly served by two public library systems, depending on where you live:

• Atlanta–Fulton Public Library System (AFPLS)

  • Serves: City of Atlanta (within Fulton County) and Fulton County residents
  • Includes: Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, South Atlanta, many intown neighborhoods, plus cities like Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, College Park, East Point, and others in Fulton County.

• DeKalb County Public Library (DCPL)

  • Serves: DeKalb County (Decatur, parts of East Atlanta, Kirkwood, etc.)
  • If your Atlanta address is in DeKalb County, this will usually be your main system.

This guide focuses on the Atlanta–Fulton Public Library System, since that’s what most people mean by “Atlanta Public Library.”

Key Atlanta–Fulton Public Library Locations You Should Know

Here are some of the most commonly used branches for people who live in or visit Atlanta:

Addresses and exact branch names can change over time, so it’s smart to confirm current locations and hours through the system’s official contact channels or by phone.

Central Library: The Heart of the Atlanta–Fulton System

Central Library – Atlanta–Fulton Public Library System
1 Margaret Mitchell Square SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404-730-1700 (main number commonly used for system info)

Located in downtown Atlanta near major office buildings and transit, the Central Library is the system’s flagship branch. It’s a good choice if you:

• Need extensive collections (research, history, government docs, genealogy, business resources)
• Want more computers, printing, or quiet workspaces
• Study or work downtown and need a lunch-break workspace
• Are visiting Atlanta and staying near downtown hotels

Typical features include:

• Public computers & Wi‑Fi
• Meeting rooms (often reservable)
• Printing and copying (usually low-cost per page)
• Extensive adult, teen, and children’s collections
• Special collections like local history and archives (availability may vary)

Getting a Library Card in Atlanta

If you’re planning to use the Atlanta–Fulton Public Library System more than once, a library card is worth getting.

Who Can Get a Card?

You can usually get an AFPLS card if you are:

• A Fulton County resident (including City of Atlanta addresses in Fulton County)
• A student, teacher, or employee in Fulton County (including many Atlanta campuses and employers)
• Sometimes a Georgia resident outside Fulton can get access through reciprocal agreements or state-wide programs (this may change, so always verify)

Visitors staying briefly in Atlanta may have more limited borrowing options but can almost always use materials on-site and access Wi‑Fi.

What You Typically Need

Requirements can vary slightly, but most Atlanta–Fulton branches will ask for:

• Photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, school ID, passport, etc.)
• Proof of address if not on your ID (utility bill, lease, mail, digital documents sometimes accepted)

If you’re unsure whether your Atlanta address is in Fulton or DeKalb, you can:

• Check your property tax bill or utility bill
• Use your ZIP code and city/county lookup tools
• Call any AFPLS branch and ask which system serves your address

What You Can Do at an Atlanta Public Library Branch

Atlanta public libraries are more than just books. Common services at Atlanta–Fulton branches include:

1. Borrow Books, Audiobooks, and Movies

Most branches offer:

• Print books for adults, teens, and children
• Audiobooks on CD and digital platforms
• DVDs and Blu-rays (varies by branch)
• Large-print books and accessible formats

You can often:

• Request items from other branches to be delivered to your preferred location
• Place holds on popular titles
• Renew items online or by phone (within policy limits)

2. Use Free Wi‑Fi and Public Computers

For many Atlantans, the library is a reliable internet access point. Typically, you can:

• Bring your own device and connect to free Wi‑Fi
• Use desktop computers for:
  • Job searching and resumes
  • Email and forms
  • School assignments
  • Basic research

Some branches also offer time-limited guest access for visitors without a library card.

3. Print, Copy, and Scan

Most larger branches offer:

• Printing from public computers (usually black-and-white and sometimes color, per-page fee)
• Photocopying
• Scanning to email or USB (often low-cost or free)

This can be helpful for tasks like:

• Job applications
• Rental paperwork
• School projects
• Government forms

4. Attend Free Classes, Events, and Programs

AFPLS branches commonly host:

• Storytime and early literacy programs for children
• Teen events such as book clubs, homework help, or creative workshops
• Adult programs like computer basics, book discussions, tax prep help (during season), and community talks
• Occasional author visits or cultural programs

Events vary by branch and season, so it’s worth:

• Checking posted calendars at the branch
• Calling the branch to ask about weekly or monthly programs

5. Quiet Study and Meeting Space

Atlanta’s libraries are frequently used by:

• College students from Georgia State, Georgia Tech, and nearby schools
• Remote workers and freelancers
• Small non-profits and community groups

Common options:

• Quiet study areas or reading rooms
• Group study rooms (often require advance reservation)
• Community meeting rooms for approved public use

If you need a room for tutoring, a community group, or a small meeting, ask a staff member about room reservation policies.

Digital Library Services for Atlanta Residents

Even if you rarely visit a branch, an AFPLS card typically gives you access to digital resources.

E‑Books and Audiobooks

Atlanta–Fulton patrons can usually:

• Borrow e‑books and digital audiobooks through major library apps and platforms
• Read or listen on:
  • Smartphones and tablets
  • E‑readers
  • Computers

These services are especially helpful if you commute on MARTA or travel frequently.

Online Learning and Research Tools

AFPLS often provides online access to:

• Research databases (business, academic, news, consumer info)
• Language learning tools
• Test prep and educational resources for students

Most of these can be accessed from home using your library card number and PIN.

Using the Library If You’re Visiting Atlanta

If you’re only in Atlanta temporarily:

• You can almost always:

  • Use materials inside the library
  • Access Wi‑Fi on your own device
  • Sometimes use guest computer access (ask at the desk)

• Borrowing privileges for non-residents:

  • May be limited or may require a special card type or small fee
  • Policies differ by system and can change, so confirm with the branch directly

If you’re staying downtown, the Central Library is usually the most convenient option.

Hours, Closures, and Holiday Schedules

Library hours can differ significantly between branches and may change over time, especially around:

• Holidays
• Renovations or building upgrades
• Weather-related closures

Before heading out, it’s wise to:

• Call the Central Library or your local branch to confirm hours
• Check posted signs at the entrance if you visit regularly

Accessibility and Supportive Services

Most Atlanta–Fulton Public Library locations aim to be accessible to a wide range of users. While specifics vary by branch, you’ll commonly see:

• Wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms
• Elevators in multi-story buildings
• Public computers positioned to accommodate various users

For more specialized needs, such as:

• Assistive technology for low vision or mobility challenges
• Accessible formats of books and materials

You can ask staff at Central Library or your local branch what accommodations and services are currently available.

How to Figure Out Which Library System You Should Use

Because Atlanta’s city limits cross county lines, people are often unsure whether to use AFPLS or DeKalb County Public Library.

You’re typically in the Atlanta–Fulton Public Library System if:

• Your address is in the City of Atlanta within Fulton County, or
• You live in a city like Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, College Park, East Point, Fairburn, or other Fulton County communities.

You’re likely served by DeKalb County Public Library if:

• Your address is in DeKalb County, even if it uses “Atlanta” as the city line (common in East Atlanta, some parts of Kirkwood, and areas near Decatur).

When in doubt:

• Call any Atlanta–Fulton branch, give them your address, and ask, “Which library system serves me?”

Helpful Contact Points for Atlanta–Fulton Public Libraries

While phone numbers can occasionally change, the following are stable reference points many Atlantans use:

• Atlanta–Fulton Public Library System – Central Library
  1 Margaret Mitchell Square SW
  Atlanta, GA 30303

  Main information line (commonly used): 404-730-1700

From there, you can:

• Ask for branch locations and current hours
• Confirm library card requirements
• Get information on events, room reservations, and digital access

By understanding how the Atlanta–Fulton Public Library System works, you can turn it into a regular part of your routine—whether you need a quiet place to work downtown, free internet access, a storytime for your kids in your neighborhood, or just a steady supply of new books without adding to your budget.