Atlanta, Georgia – In Fulton County this summer, the library is becoming more than a place to check out books. It is turning into a small music room, a drawing studio, and a colorful workshop where residents can try something new without worrying about cost.
Fulton County Arts & Culture, working with the Fulton County Library System, has launched the Summer Arts Experiences Program, a free series of arts education classes held at libraries across the county. The program is built for a wide age range, with sessions for children, teens, and adults in music, drawing, and mixed media art.
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The idea is simple but powerful: bring creative learning directly into neighborhood spaces people already know. Instead of asking families to travel far or pay for private lessons, the county is placing arts instruction inside public libraries, where supplies are provided and beginners are welcome.
At the Metropolitan Library, located at 1332 Metropolitan Parkway SW in Atlanta, the week begins with music. On Mondays from June 15 through July 27, youth ages 8 to 12 can take part in ukulele classes from 10 a.m. to 10:55 a.m.
Adults and teens ages 15 and older have their own ukulele class from 11 a.m. to noon, though the adult and teen session will not be held on June 22. Participants will learn in a group setting, covering basic music theory, finger exercises, and chords. Ukuleles will be available for classroom use, making the program easier to join for residents who do not own an instrument.
The same library will also host mixed media art for youth ages 6 and older on Wednesdays from June 17 through July 29. These sessions are designed to give students room to explore different art activities, build confidence, and experiment with materials. Supplies will be provided, and registration is available for the Metropolitan Library mixed media art class.
In Fairburn, the program moves to Fairburn Library at 60 Valley View Drive. Classes there will take place on Tuesdays from June 23 through July 21. Adults can join Drawing for Adults from 11 a.m. to noon, followed by Mixed Media Art for youth ages 6 and older from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Adult participants will look at drawing as a developmental process while reflecting on the images they create. Youth participants will take part in mixed media activities meant to spark creativity. Registration is available for the Fairburn Library events.
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East Point Library, at 2757 Main Street, will host Thursday classes from June 25 through July 30. Drawing for Adults will run from 11 a.m. to noon, followed by Mixed Media Art for youth ages 5 to 12 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. As at the other locations, supplies will be provided.
By spreading the program across Metropolitan, Fairburn, and East Point libraries, Fulton County is giving residents several doors into the arts. This summer, a library card may not be the only thing people carry home. Some may leave with a first chord, a finished drawing, or the quiet surprise of discovering a talent they did not know was waiting.
