01/22/2026
Congrats Hall County Library System!
HALL COUNTY LIBRARY NAMED GEORGIA PUBLIC LIBRARY OF THE YEAR
Georgia Public Library Service announced today the recipients of the 2025 Georgia Public Library Awards, which honor public libraries and their champions who have made a profound difference.
“Libraries are the heart of their communities, vital places where dedicated staff connect every patron with the resources, knowledge, and opportunities essential for lifelong learning and success,” said Julie Walker, vice chancellor for Libraries & Archives and state librarian. “From helping children become strong readers, supporting students’ academic success, and connecting job seekers to new opportunities, our honorees exemplify the important role libraries play in the lives of so many Georgians.”
Award winners are selected from nominations by library patrons, trustees, Friends of Libraries groups, and staff, and showcase the best and brightest who serve public libraries throughout the state.
Hall County Library System (HCLS), located in northeast Georgia, has been recognized as Library of the Year. 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 brought on by the 2008 recession.
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. 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 community.
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.
Hall County Library will celebrate with a public reception this Spring.
