A recent survey conducted by the Technical College System of Georgia found that local public libraries have dramatically stepped up their efforts to promote literacy and reading support programs. Responses have already been received from most of the 56 library systems surveyed.

Presently 370 individual libraries are grouped into the 57 existing public library systems. Six library systems have library operated literacy programs, while another 22 systems collaborate with other literacy agencies within their communities. Services offered by these public libraries can be extensive. They consist of a designated staff and facilities for the library operated literacy programs and additionally allow for use of facilities by outside agencies. There is a great deal of computer equipment available and plenty of literacy computer software programs. Many libraries also offer materials which focus on the needs of literacy programs and services, including a referral service for other literacy agencies in the region. Only 10 of the library systems surveyed offer no literacy services at all.

One of the strongest examples of an effective public library literacy program has been the one sponsored by the Athens Regional Library in Athens-Clarke County. The Athens-Clarke County Library Learning Center is an active hub of services and resources for the diverse education requirements of its community. The library Board of Trustees has included life-long education with adult literacy as a vital component in the library's long-range plans. Approximately 300 adults received assistance through this library's service to Athens-Clarke County, Outreach Programs in Family Public Housing and low-income communities, and Outreach programs in both Madison and Oglethorpe Counties.

The learning center at the neighboring Madison County Public Library served another 60 plus participants during the year, of which 33 received their GEDs, with 14 going on to further their education at the nearby technical institute. Through the Athens Regional Library's innovation and dedication, the learning center expands outside the library systems to serve family public housing communities and low-income neighborhoods. The learning center co-sponsors programs with an Athens-based tutorial service to target at-risk participants.

Another successful example of a library sponsored literacy support program is the one located at the Chatham-Effingham-Liberty Regional Library in Savannah. The Savannah Area Literacy Training Program was originally organized in 1971 when several community organizations moved to take positive action against illiteracy in Savannah, Chatham County, and the surrounding areas. This program cooperates with other local literacy providers through the Regional Adult Literacy Partnership and is affiliated with Laubach Literacy Action in Syracuse, New York

The Sara Hightower Regional Library in Rome, is another program in the library literacy channel. This project establishes in-takes of students while developing distance learning GED courses with nearby Coosa Valley Technical College. This library serves a population of 119,000 in Floyd and Polk counties. The library literacy position is funded by Coosa Valley Technical College. The aforementioned library systems provide some or all of the following reading promotion and support programs: Born to Read, Summer Reading Club, Discussion Groups for Juveniles and Adults, Preschool Story Hours, and Programs for Parents.