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Discover May @ FCPL

We have big news and exciting events to cover this month at Forsyth County Public Library (FCPL), so let's dive right in! 

First things first: The Summer 2026 Magazine is here. Our inaugural issue last year was a hit, so we've made this edition bigger, better, and chock-full of everything you need to plan your whole summer at FCPL.


Stop by your local branch and grab your free copy before they're gone.


Can't wait? Here's a digital one to tide you over. 


Magazine cover for FCPL's Summer 2026 Magazine featuring Michael Green Science Machine delighting patrons at Hampton Park Library last summer.

Now, for a lightning round of your most frequent questions this month:

  • "Did the catalog get a makeover?" Yes! It’s sleeker and easier to search—you’re going to love it once you take it for a spin.

  • "Is Summer Reading for adults, too?" Absolutely. You're reading anyway—why not earn cool prizes along the way?! 

  • "Are there prizes again this year?" Yes indeed. Really good prizes.

  • "Is it true some eResources are leaving?" It is. Scroll down to see which four databases will not be renewed and why.    

  • "Can I put a hold on Launchpads?" You bet. They are now holdable and you can check them out for 30 days!

  • "Is it true Mary Kay Andrews is coming to FCPL in June?" Yes, and we are just as excited as you are! 

Happy reading,


Leslie Marinelli

FCPL Communications Manager

LIBRARY NEWS

A smiling young man looking at his cell phone while sitting on a bright yellow sofa.

Elevating Your Library Experience:

Meet the New and Improved Catalog 


We are excited to announce the launch of Vega Discover, our new library catalog interface. This upgrade transforms how you'll interact with our collection, so you can enjoy smarter searching, seamless account management, a mobile-friendly design, and enhanced accessibility. 


One of our favorite features (so far) is the "one search, all formats" layout. No more digging through separate catalog entries for your desired reading format. Vega automatically groups all available formats—hardcover, eBook, eAudiobook, and large print—into a single, easy-to-read “rollup” search result showing availability and location! 


Screenshot of the FCPL catalog top search result for 'just for the summer.'

We hope you'll enjoy all the enhanced search features of this upgrade! If we can be of any assistance while you're getting acquainted with the new catalog layout, please don't hesitate to stop by, email, or call us with your questions. 

Cartoon Brontosaurus, Pterodactyl, and child reading books in a prehistoric setting. Text overlay reads 2026 Summer Reading Challenge: Unearth a Story(TM), Early Registration Open Now!

Unearth a Story:

The 2026 Summer Reading Challenge


Ready to dig deep? This summer, FCPL is going prehistoric with the "Unearth a Story" Summer Reading Challenge. 


Skip the "summer slide" (and the boredom) by keeping your brain active. It’s totally free, open to everyone, and you don’t even need a library card to sign up or enjoy our events.


Just sign up, log your reading May 22–August 5, and you'll earn motivating incremental prizes. The more you read, the more chances you'll get to win fabulous grand prizes at the end of the summer.


The early Pterodactyl gets the Juracanthocephalus, so don't wait to sign up.


Early registration is open now.


YOUR SUMMER STARTS HERE
Close up of a hand using a computer mouse next to a keyboard and laptop computer.

Changes Coming to eResource Lists


Saying goodbye is never easy, but we will not renew our subscriptions to ArtistWorks, Gale Genealogy Connect, Muzzy, or LinkedIn Learning due to very low usage. 


FCPL will continue to provide access to these databases through June 30, 2026. If there is a course you are taking or interested in taking, please complete it before July 1.


We still have 114 other fantastic eResources available to you for free with your library card! See what you've been missing—explore the full list. It's organized by category and alphabetically for your browsing convenience. 

FEATURED RESOURCE

Orange, kid-friendly Launchpad tablet by Playaway, the pre-loaded learning tablet.

Launchpads by Playaway

Now Available to Place on Hold! 


Launchpads are durable, kid-friendly, handheld learning tablets pre-loaded with age-specific educational games, puzzles, and stories to help children build language, reading, and math skills. 


Unlike standard consumer tablets, Launchpads require no internet connectivity, Wi-Fi, or cellular data. They have no ads, no in-app purchases, and no cameras.


“My 5- and 7-year-old children's personal tablets were untouched during the month they had Launchpads checked out from FCPL! I couldn’t be happier,” said a Post Road Library patron last October.


FCPL has 233 Launchpads in our collection. Each Launchpad centers around a specific theme (54 titles in all), such as math, reading, science, French, German, Spanish, Chinese, or ESOL, and is designed for a specific age group ranging from preschoolers through 5th graders. 


Launchpads check out for 30 days and are now available to place on hold in our catalog. 

BROWSE LAUNCHPADS COLLECTION

This project was assisted through a grant from the Georgia Public Library Service with federal pandemic funding from the State of Georgia Governor's Office. Some Launchpads were partially funded by the Georgia Office of the Governor using American Rescue Plan Act funding.

Logo for Georgia Public Library Service featuring a stylized sphere made of books in green, blue, and teal.

UPCOMING EVENTS

A collage of summer reading kickoff performers including Michael Green, Circus Cameron, Michelle's Magical Poodles, Arthur Atsma, and Brian Robert. Text overlay reads Summer Reading Kickoff Events May 26–29, 2026.

Summer Reading Kickoff Events


Our epic summer reading kickoff events are coming to a library near you, May 26–29!  


Crowd favorites Michael Green Science Machine, Circus Cameron, Michelle's Magical Poodles, and magicians Arthur Atsma and Brian Robert are guaranteed to jump start your summer vacation with hearty laughs, awe, and a love of reading.   


These are very popular events that fill up quickly. Free event passes will be handed out 30 minutes prior to each show until we reach capacity. 

SEE FULL KICKOFF SCHEDULE
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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS 

At the Roots: Unearthing Your Own Story - A Community Photo Exhibit


Back by popular demand, Sharon Forks Library is hosting its 5th annual photo exhibit this summer. 


Photographers (ages 18 and up) of all skill levels and experience are invited to submit up to two photos for inclusion in the exhibit. 


This is a fantastic opportunity to show your artwork in a friendly, supportive space, receive feedback from an experienced photographer, and share your unique perspective with your community.  


Deadline to submit your photos is May 21. 

PHOTO EXHIBIT DETAILS & GUIDELINES
Group of five young adults discussing books around a table.

Book Clubs for Adults


Looking for your next great read and some even better company? Don't sleep on FCPL's adult book clubs!


Whether you’re a die-hard mystery maven, a true crime connoisseur, a speculative fiction fanatic, or someone dying to dish about which was better—the book or the movie, we have a group for you. 


Our clubs meet monthly at all library locations, and they are a fantastic way to discover new titles while making friends. We can’t wait to talk about books with you!

BROWSE OUR ADULT BOOK CLUBS

See all upcoming programs in our interactive online events calendar!


Or click a button below for all May programs by age group:

Kids & Families
Tweens & Teens
Adults

SIGN UP FOR EVENT REMINDERS

Two young girls and an adult woman smiling and interacting with content on a handheld tablet screen.

Sign up for our Weekly Program Planner and we'll send you an email every Thursday with featured programs for the weekend and week ahead. 

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LIBRARY CLOSINGS

Rows of white marble headstones in a military cemetery, each adorned with a small American flag planted in the green grass.


In remembrance of the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, all Forsyth County Public Library locations will be closed on Monday, May 25 for the Memorial Day holiday. 


We're always open at ForsythPL.org!

Forsyth County Public Library

585 Dahlonega Street

Cumming, GA  30040
770-781-9840
ForsythPL.org

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FCPL logo featuring the stylized letters F and C formed into the shape of an open book, in blue and green.