When you think of your local library, it may conjure up analog memories of funny-smelling books with brown pages and quiet spaces of stillness.
Well, a lot of that is still true, but the library is also filled with free resources, including the latest streaming options and fresh educational content.
Want Free Stuff? Visit Your Local Library
In this article, we’ll highlight the incredible array of free resources available through the Fulton County Library System (commonly known as the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System). We’ll also show you all the Atlanta library locations.
With a valid library card, residents across Atlanta and Fulton County can access an impressive suite of educational, entertainment, and practical tools at no additional cost.
Take Advantage of These Free Resources at Your Atlanta Library
Whether you’re a student, job seeker, family, or lifelong learner, your local library branch has something for you.
1. Getting Started: Your Free Library Card
A library card from the Fulton County Library System is completely free for residents, workers, or students in the area.
Apply online or visit any of the system’s 34 branches, including the iconic Central Library in downtown Atlanta. Once you have your card, a world of resources opens up—both in-person and digitally.
2. Digital Library: E-Books, Audiobooks, and More
The system’s Digital Library provides free access to thousands of e-books, audiobooks, magazines, and streaming media through platforms like Libby/OverDrive and others.
No waiting lists for many popular titles with “instantly available” collections. Residents can download bestsellers, classics, and series directly to phones, tablets, or e-readers—all at no charge.
Need to learn a new skill? The library offers free online learning tools, language courses, test prep materials, and research databases for homework, genealogy, or professional development.
3. Academic Support for Students
For K-12 students, the library partners with Paper.co to provide unlimited, on-demand free online tutoring. Available 24/7, this service connects students with live tutors for homework help, essay review, test prep, and more—perfect for busy families in Atlanta’s schools.
4. Computers, Wi-Fi, and Tech Access
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All branches offer free public computers with internet access, productivity software (ideal for resumes, job applications, and school projects), printing, and scanning.
High-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout libraries for those bringing their own devices. Digital literacy classes help patrons build confidence with technology.
5. Partnership Passes and Take-Home Kits
One of the most popular perks: free admission passes to local attractions through partnerships with the Georgia Public Library Service and other organizations. Check out passes for places like:
- Breman Jewish Heritage Museum (free admission for up to 4 people) and other museums
- Georgia State Parks & Historic Sites (free parking and admissions)
- Zoo Atlanta, cultural sites and other places to show visitors around the Atlanta metro area
Additional take-home kits include radon detectors and energy-monitoring tools like the Kill-A-Watt meter—great for home improvement and sustainability efforts.
Community and In-Person Programs
Beyond materials, branches host free events such as storytimes for children, author talks, job search workshops, computer classes, and community resource sessions.
The Central Library and other locations regularly feature programming for all ages, including summer reading challenges and special exhibits.
More Ways to Explore
- Access to premium resources like the Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper archives (free online with your card).
- Community service information, including referrals for IDs, housing assistance, and more.
- Meeting rooms and study spaces available at many branches.
Where Are the Fulton County Libraries Located in Atlanta?
The Fulton County Library System branches located in Atlanta number approximately 21 branches within Atlanta city limits as part of the total 34 in the system. Here are their locations:
| Branch Name | Address | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Central Library | One Margaret Mitchell Square NW, Atlanta, GA 30303 | 404-612-8700 |
| Auburn Avenue Research Library | 101 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303 | 404-613-4001 |
| Adams Park Branch | 2231 Campbellton Rd SW, Atlanta, GA 30311 | 404-612-9200 |
| Adamsville-Collier Heights Branch | 3424 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30331 | 404-613-7330 |
| Buckhead Branch | 269 Buckhead Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 | 404-613-7350 |
| Cleveland Avenue Branch | 47 Cleveland Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA 30315 | 404-613-6850 |
| Dogwood Branch | 1838 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 | 404-612-3900 |
| East Atlanta Branch | 400 Flat Shoals Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316 | 404-613-7320 |
| Evelyn G. Lowery Library at Cascade (formerly Southwest) | 3665 Cascade Road SW, Atlanta, GA 30331 | 404-613-7000 |
| Kirkwood Branch | 11 Kirkwood Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30317 | 404-613-7200 |
| Louise Watley Library at Southeast Atlanta | 1463 Pryor Road, Atlanta, GA 30315 | 404-613-5771 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Branch | 409 John Wesley Dobbs Ave, Atlanta, GA 30312 | 404-613-9890 or 404-730-1185 |
| Mechanicsville Branch | 400 Formwalt St SW, Atlanta, GA 30312 | 404-613-6820 |
| Metropolitan Branch | 1332 Metropolitan Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30310 | 404-613-5722 |
| Northside Branch | 3295 Northside Parkway NW, Atlanta, GA 30327 | 404-613-6870 |
| Northwest Branch (at Scotts Crossing) | 2489 Perry Boulevard NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 | 404-613-4364 |
| Peachtree Branch | 1315 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | 404-613-9990 or 404-885-7830 |
| Joan P. Garner Library at Ponce de Leon | 980 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30306 | 404-613-7310 |
| Washington Park Branch | 1116 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Atlanta, GA 30314 | 404-612-0110 |
| West End Branch | 525 Peeples Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30310 | 404-613-8000 |
| Wolf Creek Branch | 3100 Enon Road, Atlanta, GA 30331 | 404-613-4255 |
The Fulton County Library System continues to serve as a vital community hub in Atlanta, bridging access to information, education, and culture.
With branches conveniently located throughout the city and county—from Buckhead to East Point—there’s a library near you ready to help.
Final Word
Visit fulcolibrary.org to get started, explore the full A-Z list of resources, or find your nearest branch. Your library card is truly one of the most valuable (and free!) assets in Atlanta—don’t miss out!
To take advantage of this great city, stay tapped in on all the cool things happening in Atlanta this weekend. Downtown Atlanta or Midtown Atlanta always offer something cool to see and do! Check out these events in Atlanta today and this week and this weekend:
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