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4 0 | M A C O N M A G A Z I N E . C O M A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 9 to illustrate a favorite book and winners are celebrated during a special event. The winning artworks are framed and spend the following year traveling from one library branch to another as a touring exhibition. REACHING BEYOND MACON The Middle Georgia Regional Library system encompasses 13 branches in six counties: Bibb, Crawford, Jones, Macon, Twiggs and Wilkinson. With nearly 76,000 card holders and more than 451,000 patron visits in 2018, the value of libraries is evident. "Being part of the regional library system gives those small towns access to high-quality programs that have been designed to be portable and reproducible," said Jeanne Peloquin, marketing manager for Middle Georgia Regional Libraries. This gives children who visit the libraries in those towns hands-on experience with science, technology, engineering, arts and math concepts that help them in school and beyond. "We are a hub for technology use in Central Georgia and beyond, with resources available for all skill levels," said Peloquin. Through the library's various More than 4,500 Maconites signed up for Summer Reading this year. Georgia families make memories that will last a lifetime by checking out passes from the library to visit Zoo Atlanta, Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites, the Center for Puppetry Arts and many more," Peloquin said. BUILDING BUSINESSES The Business and Nonprofit Center (BANC) at Middle Georgia Regional Libraries is teaching entrepreneurs how to develop business plans and do market research. "Nonprofit leaders use the BANC to learn to write grant proposals, research funding and create project budgets," Peloquin said. Sinda Martin can't speak highly enough of the BANC courses offered by the libraries. As director of the Greater Allen Chapel Summer Enrichment Program, Martin was interested in applying for a grant to help fund the church's mission, a summer camp program that serves 50 children ages 5-11, but wasn't familiar with the grant- writing process. "That's when I learned that the class offerings, "children and adults can develop coding skills, seniors can learn internet safety and computer basics to navigate the digital world, and job seekers can improve their skills in everything from Microsoft Word and Excel to web design and 3D printing," Peloquin said. Middle Georgia Regional Libraries also provide opportunities for people around Macon, throughout Georgia and around the world to explore cultural heritage. As home of the Middle Georgia Archives and Genealogical and Historical Collection, thousands of people from as far away as Europe visit Macon every year. "This is one of the most outstanding reference collections of its type in the South," Peloquin said. The libraries also help local residents explore beyond the realms of Central Georgia. "We work to help Central ◀ The Middle Georgia Regional Library's Art of Reading winners and host administrators are, left to right: Ben Bridges, director of music and fine arts for Bibb County School District; Fatima Sappi, Howard Middle School; Florene Byars, Brookdale Elementary; Michelle Lenderman, director of media services for Bibb County School District; Ryder Dale, Sonny Carter Elementary; Mallori Gattis, Macon-Bibb Library Board Art of Reading chair; and Camryn Smith, Howard High School.