The Georgia Library Public Information Network for Electronic Services, or PINES, is Georgia's public library automation and lending network for 284 libraries. PINES is an initiative of the Georgia Public Library Service, and is the public library automation and lending network for 284 libraries and affiliated service outlets in 53 library systems covering 143 counties (53 of the 63 library system
s in Georgia). The PINES network creates a statewide "borderless library" that helps to eliminate geographic and socio-economic barriers and provide equal access to information for all Georgians. Georgians with a PINES library card have access to many materials beyond what is available on their local shelves, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of a shared collection – over 10 million items – that can be delivered to their home library at no charge to the library user, contributing to a more educated Georgia through lifelong learning. Hart County Library also provides access to GALILEO – GeorgiA LIbrary LEarning Online – an initiative of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. A web-based virtual library, GALILEO provides access to numerous informational resources – over 100 databases indexing thousands of periodicals and scholarly journals – to over 2000 institutions. More than 10,000 journal titles are provided in full-text. Other resources include encyclopedias, business directories, and government publications. Hart County Library offers Public Internet Access, a copier and fax machine, programs for children and adults, story times, and Meeting Rooms. Hart County Library also subscribes to the Anderson Independent, Athens Daily News, USA Today, and the Wall Street Journal. We have one weekly newspaper, The Hartwell Sun from 1877 to the present, in paper format and on microfilm. Hart County Library was awarded the title of Georgia Public Library of the Year for 2016 by the Georgia Public Library Service, recognizing that this library staff best exemplifies the qualities needed to positively impact the lives of residents in the communities it serves. The library has received official commendations for their award from the State House of Representatives, the Governor of Georgia, and from the United States Congress.