Rec. best library system in ATL area? Ours is terrible. (Atlanta: loans, homes)

[Alicia64]

We're in Suwanee and order books through the Gwinnett library system.

The system usually has two -- maybe three -- out of ten books that I order (I've been ordering for the last 17 months and am just getting more frustrated every day). We came from VA where the system often had ten out of ten books.

I homeschool our boys so having a good library system is really important.

My husband has suggested that we look into using a different counties' library system.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Alley

[demonta4]

I don't think you can use libraries in other counties unless you're a resident of that county. Fulton has a pretty good library system and I know Clayton does (but that's out of your way, of course).

[MattCW]

Any library system in green here: Georgia Public Library Directory | GPLS
Pines allows out-of-county cards and even out of state cards: Frequently Asked Questions About PINES | PINES
The advantage about the GA PINES system is you can essentially check out materials from anywhere they exist within the state from your local library.

[lorilove]

Many City/County libraries allow non-residents access with a nominal fee. City of Smyrna is $40 individual and $60 family of four.

[flyonpa]

Most Libraries within the inter-library systems, Don't "Loan" newly published books, for Six months or so.

Cross Libraries loans within the county system are done. If its a popular book, you go on to the wait-list queue, they wont do inter-library loan for them, you just need to wait your turn.

If you are searching for special topic books, you might need to plan ahead a few weeks, for them to get it from outside there county system.

Many of the Atlanta Metro Library systems are not direct members of PINES, But you can get a PINES Card up in Hall it looks like.

[Pemgin]

You have a good library system. In fact, Gwinnett is one of the best systems in the southeast, and certainly the state. It's not at all terrible. You have unrealistic expectations for a public library.

I can tell you, as a librarian, that it's impossible to purchase every title that everyone wants, unless you want to up your taxes considerably. That's why libraries have interlibrary loan programs. As Matt suggested, consider getting a PINES card. If your Virginia library had almost every book you wanted, you're very fortunate. It usually doesn't work that way.

[Alicia64]

Originally Posted by flyonpa

Most Libraries within the inter-library systems, Don't "Loan" newly published books, for Six months or so.

Cross Libraries loans within the county system are done. If its a popular book, you go on to the wait-list queue, they wont do inter-library loan for them, you just need to wait your turn.

If you are searching for special topic books, you might need to plan ahead a few weeks, for them to get it from outside there county system.

Many of the Atlanta Metro Library systems are not direct members of PINES, But you can get a PINES Card up in Hall it looks like.

I'm not being clear.

When I order books in the Gwinnett library system they literally don't have the book or the audio. Period.

I'd be happy to wait, but time and again, they don't have the book. I'm not talking new books for the most part either.

I get how libraries work. GA is my fourth state and I've used many library systems through the years.

Alley

[Pemgin]

Did you not try interlibrary loan? As long as the book isn't rare, GCPL ought to be able to find and borrow it from another library. It's $2 per title, which is an extraordinary deal considering the cost incurred by the library to obtain it for you.

[flyonpa]

Book-a-Librarian | Gwinnett County Public Library

You might want to set up a 1:1 meeting to find how your library can help you the most.

It sound like when you request material, you are not asking them to go past the Gwinnett system to get it.

[Alicia64]

Originally Posted by Pemgin

You have a good library system. In fact, Gwinnett is one of the best systems in the southeast, and certainly the state. It's not at all terrible. You have unrealistic expectations for a public library.

I can tell you, as a librarian, that it's impossible to purchase every title that everyone wants, unless you want to up your taxes considerably. That's why libraries have interlibrary loan programs. As Matt suggested, consider getting a PINES card. If your Virginia library had almost every book you wanted, you're very fortunate. It usually doesn't work that way.

You're exactly right.

I spent five years in Richmond, Virginia and their library system ruined me for Gwinnett's system.

The Sacramento, California system ruined me almost as much as VA's did.

Ordering ten books with Gwinnett and -- maybe -- getting three out of the group over and over and over does not make for "a good library system."

No matter what you say.

Alley