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Gwinnett County Public Library Receives Innovation Award

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GCPL logo

The library system was honored with the Urban Libraries Council’s 2024 Innovation Award in Workforce and Economic Development

The Urban Libraries Council (ULC), North America’s leading nonprofit for urban libraries, has named Gwinnett County Public Library a Top Innovator for 2024. This recognition is in honor of the library’s New Start Entrepreneurial Incubator (NSEI), which offers business training and mentorship to formerly incarcerated community members.

Originally funded by Google through a grant from the American Library Association (ALA), the six-month program helps participants build the knowledge and skills necessary to start their own businesses.

“I’ve seen the life of each person who goes through this program change profoundly and significantly,” said Charles Pace, executive director of Gwinnett County Public Library. “We believe that people deserve a second chance. The New Start program gives them the tools, knowledge and support they need to become entrepreneurs and start their own businesses.”

ULC’s Innovations Initiative is a yearly showcase of exemplary projects from its more than 180 member libraries across the U.S. and Canada. It seeks to highlight how the library’s role as an essential public institution is evolving to meet the changing needs of our urban communities. From initiatives that promote civic engagement and intellectual freedom to projects that enhance digital connectivity and economic mobility, libraries are at the forefront of addressing today’s challenges.

Top innovators and honorable mentions

A distinguished panel of judges selected Gwinnett County Public Library as a Top Innovator. The project won in the Workforce and Economic Development category for its originality, measurable outcome and the potential for other libraries to replicate and implement this successful initiative. More than 230 library projects in six categories were submitted by ULC members from across the U.S. and Canada to be considered for the top awards.

Six public libraries received the Top Innovator designation, and six libraries received an honorable mention in recognition of their work. There is one top innovator and one honorable mention for each award category.

AWARD CATEGORYTOP INNOVATORSHONORABLE MENTIONS
Advocacy and AwarenessSan Francisco Public Library (CA)Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (PA)
Education: Children and AdultsVirginia Beach Public Library (VA)New York Public Library (NY)
Equity and InclusionMiami-Dade Public Library System (FL)Broward County Library (FL)
Health and WellnessDenver Public Library (CO)San Mateo County Libraries (CA)
Library Operations and ManagementToronto Public Library (ON)Pioneer Library System (OK)
Workforce and Economic DevelopmentGwinnett County Public Library (GA)Memphis Public Libraries (TN)

“This year’s Innovations Initiative honorees exemplify the evolving role of libraries as dynamic public institutions that are integral to the fabric of our urban communities,” said ULC President and CEO Brooks Rainwater. “The innovative projects highlighted this year demonstrate the power of libraries to not only adapt but to actively shape the future of our cities, ensuring that all community members have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.”

Information about the winning project from Gwinnett County Public Library and that of other honorees is available on the ULC website at www.urbanlibraries.org/innovations.

About Gwinnett County Public Library

Gwinnett County Public Library is a free provider of education and information. Located in

metro Atlanta, the Library has 15 branches that offer free access to computers and Wi-Fi, classes, materials and programming for people of all ages.

For more information about Gwinnett County Public Library programs and services, visit www.gwinnettlibrary.org.

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City Government

The Future of Law Enforcement in Peachtree Corners: Community Meeting

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Flyer for a community meeting regarding law enforcement in Peachtree Corners.

The City of Peachtree Corners will hold an important public meeting on May 8 to discuss the future of law enforcement in our community — including the potential creation of a city police department.

This meeting will feature a presentation by City Manager Brian Johnson on the findings of a comprehensive Police Analysis & Staffing Study that evaluated the feasibility and projected costs of forming a city police department based on current workload, crime levels and community demographics.

The presentation will also include budgetary considerations, comparative models and the advantages and disadvantages of a county vs. city police department.

Following the presentation, there will be time for a Q&A and open dialogue.

In-person attendance is limited to 300. First come, first served. A livestream option will be available for those who can’t attend in person.

After the meeting, a follow-up survey will be available on the city’s project page.

Meeting details

The Future of Law Enforcement in Peachtree Corners

Date/Time: May 8, 2025 at 7 p.m.

Location: Christ the King Lutheran Church (5775 Peachtree Parkway)

For more information, visit peachtreecornersga.gov.

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Community

Registration Now Open for Light Up the Corners 2025

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The starting line of a community race with green, inflatable start archway and dozens of racers and specators.

It’s time to sign up for the best (and only) Glow Run and Twilight Trot in Peachtree Corners!

Registration is now open to participate in this year’s Light Up the Corners race, scheduled for Saturday, August 16 at The Forum. The 1k Twilight Trot will start at 8 p.m., and the four-mile Glow Run begins at 8:30 p.m. Once the runners have done their thing, a fun post-race party will follow.

This annual event is not only an exciting community tradition, but also a fundraiser for the Why It Matters campaign at the Fowler Family YMCA.

All proceeds from registration goes directly to helping struggling families and children in the community benefit from the life-changing programs and services offered at the YMCA.

Individual registration is $40 through July 31; $45 if you register between August 1–14; and $50 if you wait to sign up on August 15 or 16. Those registering as a team of four or more will save $5–$10 per registration.

Sponsorships available

In addition to individual and team registrations, organizers also rely on the generosity and support of local businesses to make each year’s fundraising event successful. And this year is no different. If you’d like to support their efforts through a sponsorship, information can be found on the Light Up the Corners 2025 website.

T-shirt logo contest

Another way to take part is to enter the t-shirt logo design contest. Artwork and entry forms are due by May 16, and judges will be looking for one dynamic image to represent the Light Up the Corners Glow Run on the race banner, t-shirts and all multi-media.

The winning artist will receive a $1000 check, presented during the event. An entry form and additional details can be found here.

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City of Peachtree Corners

Our Growing Deer Population: What to Do?

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Mayor Mike Mason of Peachtree Corners, wearing a white button up shirt and blue blazer

I want to take a moment to address an issue that has been increasingly affecting our community — the growing deer population.

Over the past few years, we have observed a significant increase in the number of deer within Peachtree Corners, leading to heightened concerns about public safety, property damage and ecological impacts. I want to share what we are doing to address these challenges and how you can be part of the solution.

The surge in the deer population poses several threats to our community:

1. Landscape damage: Deer feeding on ornamental plants, shrubs and trees results in significant property damage and costly repairs for homeowners.

2. Increased risk of deer-vehicle collisions: Frequent road crossings, often under low-visibility conditions, pose serious safety risks to drivers and passengers.

3. Adverse ecological impacts: Excessive browsing by deer diminishes plant diversity, impacting the availability of food for other wildlife.

4. Public health concerns: High deer densities contribute to an increase in ticks, elevating the risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

To address these challenges, the City of Peachtree Corners is collaborating with wildlife officials from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) Urban Wildlife Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services.

These partnerships are vital, as GADNR holds primary authority over wildlife management, and USDA brings extensive experience in urban wildlife management. By working together, we aim to develop a comprehensive approach tailored to our community’s unique needs.

Based on recommendations from our partners, the City is actively developing a comprehensive deer management plan. The plan aims to mitigate the public safety, property damage, ecological and public health impacts caused by the growing deer population.

Here’s what we are doing:

1. Population surveys: Utilizing advanced tools like trail cameras and thermal imaging to accurately assess deer numbers.

2. Habitat assessments: Evaluating the impact of the deer population on local vegetation and biodiversity.

3. Community involvement: Updating the “PTC Report It” app to allow residents to report deer-related concerns and submit photographs.

4. Data analysis: Collaborating with federal and state partners to analyze data and determine a sustainable deer population for our community.

Once the assessment phase is complete, the city will adopt a deer management plan. Since many deer reside on private property, the plan will offer property owners city-supported options for managing deer. This includes educational programs, habitat modification techniques and access to targeted population reduction initiatives.

Our goal is to facilitate relationships between wildlife officials and residents to ensure a balanced approach that protects public safety, preserves property and maintains ecological integrity.

Here are a few ways you can help:

Complete the Deer Impact Survey: Available online. Your input will help us gather valuable data on deer population densities and their impact.

Report concerns: Use the “PTC Report It” app or go online to report deer-related issues and share photos.

Stay informed: Follow our updates and participate in any upcoming GADNR workshops to stay informed about deer management efforts.

I truly appreciate your support and cooperation as we work together to address these challenges and protect the quality of life in Peachtree Corners. Thank you for being engaged and committed to our community.

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