New Business Model Urged for Gwinnett County Public Library

Gwinnett leaders think the libraries are necessary, but need to take a different approach.

After another million-dollar budget cut to the Gwinnett County Public Library system, county leaders think it's time for that organization to change its approach. "I would encourage the library to look at a new business model," Gwinnett District 2 Commissioner Lynette Howard said Thursday (January 3) as the county's elected leaders passed the 2013 budget. Amid a still-tight revenue situation, commissioners cut $1 million in materials from the library's budget, the latest of several large reductions to that system. Howard noted that the library branches "need to be a community center," but that current plans of coping with their situation are "not working," and she pledged to do "anything I can do" to help. -- What do you think the Gwinnett…

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Gwinnett BOC Approves 2013 Budget Amid Signs of Economic Improvement

The overall figure of $1.4 billion includes adjustments for such things as SDS-mandated service districts. The library system's budget was cut by $1 million.

Gwinnett County's elected leaders unanimously approved Thursday a $1.4 billion budget for 2013. As with previous years, there were cuts, tough choices -- and no pay raises for county employees. But there also are signs that the economic woes that have plagued the county in recent years may be bottoming out. District 1 Commissioner Jace Brooks of Suwanee, who is beginning his first full term on the board, noted that the Gwinnett tax digest is projected to decline about 1.9 percent this year. That would be the smallest such decline in recent years, and the reduction in tax revenues has been a major problem for Gwinnett budgets recently. -- What are your thoughts on the Gwinnett 2013 budget, and future budgets? Share your opinions in the …

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Seen on the Scene

Five Forks Library Officially Re-Opens

The ribbon cutting ceremony for the upgraded library in Lawrenceville, Ga. was held Tuesday afternoon. Many renovations and upgrades were made to the branch.

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Job Center

Public Services Librarian

The Gwinnett County Public Library is hiring for this position based in Lawrenceville, Ga.

The Gwinnett County Public Library is currently hiring a Public Services Librarian. The person in this position will train staff and customers on how to use the library's resources. Applicants must be computer an tech savvy. The incumbent will have a Master's Degree in Library Science from a program accredited by the American Library Association. For more information and to apply for this position, please click here.

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Summer Fun

A Royally Good Time

Local royalty will spend time kids today at a library in Gwinnett.

Members of the Miss Buford Scholarship court will visit the Buford Branch of the Gwinnett County Public Library Monday. During the "Royal Reading," Miss Buford and other crown winners will read to children and make crafts with them. It starts at 1pm. The library is located at 2100 Buford Highway, Buford, GA. The event is free and children are encouraged to wear princess gowns, crowns and other royal garb.

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Summer Fun

Fruity Sushi

Teens can learn to make candy sushi at a Lawrenceville, Ga. library.

On Monday afternoon, older kids can learn about another culture at the Collins Hill Branch of the Gwinnett County Library. As part of the library's summer reading program, teens in grades 6 through 12 will learn all about Japan and making sushi. They'll get a chance to make the traditional Japanese dish using fruit flavored candy instead of raw fish. The free event starts at 5pm.

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Summer Fun

Llama, Llama Comes to Town

The star of a series of popular children's books will visit a library branch in Lawrenceville, Ga.

Kids can get a chance to meet one of their favorite story book characters today at the Lawrenceville Branch of the Gwinnett Public Library. Llama, Llama of the popular kids' series, which includes Llama, Llama Red Pajama, will stop by at 1:30pm for this free event.

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Summer Fun

Story Time!

The Gwinnett Library has something for little kids and bigger kids too today.

Explore the world of books this afternoon. Both the Lawrenceville and Lilburn Branches of the Gwinnett County Public Library will hold story time for kids ages 3 to 5. For school age kids, ages 6-10, they will also hold a special program for them. Both programs begin at 1:30pm and are being offered at both locations.

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Summer Fun

Button Things Up

Let your teens get creative at a library branch in Lawrenceville, Ga.

As part of their summer reading program, the Lawrenceville Branch of the Gwinnett County Public Library will help teens make button art Tuesday. Kids can bring their favorite picture-- be it of their friends, their pet or a celebrity-- and the staff at the library will help them turn it into wearable art.  The free event begins at 6pm.

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Summer Reading List for Tweens and Teens, 11-up

Patch has teamed up with James Patterson’s READKIDDOREAD program to bring you reading lists for every age. Here, James Patterson’s summer reading picks for tweens and teens, ages 11-up.

Looking for another escape? This list of books has something for everyone – fantasy, adventure, and of course, love. What more is there? Read one, or read them all – post your thoughts in the comments. Or, if we missed your favorite book, tell us in the comments! Great Advanced Reads for Tweens and Teens Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs A thrilling reading experience which combines fantasy with haunting vintage photography. Find out what happens when 16-year old Jacob discovers the ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. The Lost Hero (Heroes of Olympus series) by Rick Riordan After rebuilding Camp Half-Blood, Kronos, Percy and their friends inherit a quest for which they need help from a few …

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