1. GED Testing A Program Offered by the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System June 26, 2010

2. The Mission The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System serves as a cultural and intellectual center that enriches the community and empowers all residents with essential tools for lifelong learning.

5. About the AFPLS  Largest in the state, with 34 libraries  Collection size: more than 2.5 million items  Ten locations open 7 days/week  Operates a bookmobile weekly  In 2009 patrons borrowed more than 4.2 million items, made 4 million visits to the libraries and the website had over 4 million hits

6. AFPLS Serves All Ages!  Author talks for all ages  Materials for all ages in book and non-book formats  Children and teens check out over 1.5 million items each year  Children and teens attended over 186,000 library programs in 2009

7. Technology Needs Met at the AFPLS  All libraries have wireless connectivity  Traditional computers at all locations for use by the public  Operates a Teen Center with 28 computers at the Central Library  Operates the Learning and Career Center with 58 computers at the Central Library  Offers weekly computer classes

8. Learning Needs Met at AFPLS  ESL classes offered  One-on-one tutoring offered to meet literacy needs  Official GED classes offered  GED testing offered (only public library in the nation to do so)  The AFPLS has 6 years of experience and success with GED testing

10. Job Readiness Skills Needs Met at the AFPLS  Free classes, such as interviewing techniques, offered to patrons to build job skills  Resume preparation workshops offered  Job skills preparation offered through onsite partnership with the Office of Workforce Development at the Central Library

11. GED Testing at the AFPLS  In 2009, 8,253 adults participated in 499 GED programs, which averaged 317 persons per week  In 2009, 395 persons completed their GED at the library  Official GED classes are offered at the Central Library through a partnership with the Atlanta Public Schools  Testing is done at the Central Library and at a satellite location started in June 2009 at the College Park Branch

12. Expansion of GED Testing  In June 2010 an additional satellite testing location will open at the Roswell Branch Library  At that point, there will be a library GED testing center in Downtown Atlanta, Southwest Atlanta, and Northeast Atlanta  Since start-up in June 2009 through April 2010, 86 adults have received their GED at the College Park Branch satellite location

14. What We Know for Sure  People want the opportunity to earn the GED  People see the public library as a non-threatening place to go for GED classes and testing  A library-sponsored GED program is sustainable and expandable

15. For Further Information Contact Gayle H. Holloman, Central Library Administrator at gayle.holloman@fultoncountyga.govayle.holloman@fultoncountyga.gov Or at 404-730-1873 www.afpls.org