The Hall County Library System (HCLS) has been recognized as Library of the Year by the Georgia Public Library Service. And a Lanier Tech graduate, who is employed by the Toccoa-Stephens County Library, has been honored by the group, as well.
GEORIGA PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICE NEWS RELEASE:
“Under the leadership of Director Lisa MacKinney, the library serves its community, promotes literacy, collaborates with community partners and local schools, and has expanded services despite facing significant financial challenges.
Through five branches serving more than 220,000 residents, HCLS serves as a community hub for visitors of all ages.
“Hall County Library System is one of those great libraries that are an integral part of their local communities, seeking to tailor services to meet the needs of their unique customers,” said Anna Lyle, former director of Forsyth County Public Library.
The library collaborates closely with local schools, promoting and offering valuable reading and learning opportunities for students of all ages. HCLS staff visit classrooms for storytimes, participate in school community events, sign up students for library cards, co-promote the summer reading program, and have even provided transportation to the library to encourage family participation.
“The library’s programming for schools is unmatched. Staff regularly visit campuses to deliver interactive, high-quality programs that inspire curiosity and creativity. Their contributions consistently rank as students’ favorite experiences,” said Jennifer Parker, media specialist at East Hall Middle School. “These programs are thoughtfully designed, innovative, and tailored to student interests, demonstrating the library’s commitment to educational enrichment beyond the walls of the library.”
The library faced significant financial challenges stemming from the 2008 financial crisis, and nominators highlighted how the library recovered and has since expanded offerings by introducing passport and notary services, restoring operating hours lost during the recession, and completing major renovations.
Additionally, HCLS offers a wide range of programs for all ages throughout the year, including homeschool support programs, book clubs, financial and technology literacy classes, storytime programs for children and teens, programs for special needs, and more.
The community has responded to these programs, with attendance increasing by 24% from 2024 to 2025.
“I love that the library is such a caring and helpful place! Every time I go, the staff have smiles and are so willing to help me with anything I need. The librarians offer programs that range from fun to educational for all ages and interests, so everyone can be included. These help bring people together and create a stronger sense of community,” said one patron.
Nominators highlighted the strength of the library’s staff, who provide robust services and programs despite a modest budget. The library is intentional about succession planning and has a strong year-long internal leadership development program for its staff.
Over the last 10 years, the system has completed several expansion and renovation projects. This includes the construction of Spout Springs Library in 2008, the renovation and expansion of the Gainesville Library in 2020, and the renovation of the Blackshear Place Library in 2023.
Before the 2008 recession, the library had a branch in East Hall County, however, it was closed due to funding cuts. In October 2025, the library system broke ground on a new East Hall Library branch to meet the needs of this underserved community, which also lacks reliable high-speed internet.
The new branch will expand the existing East Hall Community Center by 9,300 square feet to house thousands of books, public computers and high-speed internet, a makerspace, a podcast studio, a library of things, study rooms, program spaces, and children and teen areas. The branch is expected to open in the fall of 2026…”
LANIER TECH GRAD HONORED
Meanwhile, Shantelle Grant, Toccoa-Stephens County Public Library children’s coordinator and regional children’s and youth services director at Northeast Georgia Regional Library System and a Lanier Tech graduate, has been named Library Employee of the Year.
Grant was singled out for her efforts in creating “a welcoming atmosphere for adults and children of all ages, advocating on behalf of the library, and promoting literacy and lifelong learning throughout the community,” according to the news release.
She graduated from Lanier Tech with a diploma in Early Childhood Education.