Joan P. Garner Library at Ponce De Leon
🏢 Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System · Atlanta, Georgia
Joan P. Garner Library at Ponce De Leon
Serving the Virginia-Highland, Poncey-Highland, and Inman Park neighborhoods on the northeast edge of Midtown Atlanta, the Joan P. Garner Library at Ponce De Leon is a busy community hub known for its diverse programming — from annual spelling bees (running at least 17 years) to yoga, teen Dungeons & Dragons nights, and toddler storytimes. It was renamed in 2018 to honor Joan P. Garner, a longtime Fulton County Commissioner who championed libraries and community services throughout her tenure.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10am–8pm |
| Tuesday | 10am–8pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–6pm |
| Thursday | 10am–6pm |
| Friday | 10am–6pm |
| Saturday | 10am–6pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 980 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30306
Phone: (404) 613-7310
Website: fulcolibrary.org
Plus Code: 865QQJFV+MX (Atlanta, GA)
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📖 About Joan P. Garner Library at Ponce De Leon
The Ponce De Leon branch of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System sits at 980 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE in Atlanta's Virginia-Highland neighborhood, a walkable area of craftsman bungalows and independent shops along one of Atlanta's most storied avenues. In June 2018 the Fulton County Board of Commissioners voted to rename the branch in honor of Joan P. Garner, who served as a Fulton County Commissioner representing District 7 and was a consistent advocate for public library funding, literacy, and community resources during her time in office. The branch serves a diverse cross-section of Atlanta — families with young children, teens, working adults, and seniors — with robust programming throughout the year including the long-running Ponce de Leon Spelling Bee, seasonal youth discovery programs, yoga sessions, International Explorers book club, and LGBTQ-inclusive events. An early voting location and after-hours book return make the branch a daily anchor for its surrounding neighborhoods.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Named in 2018 for Joan P. Garner, Fulton County Commissioner (District 7) and champion of public library funding and literacy
- Located at 980 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE in the Virginia-Highland neighborhood, serving Virginia-Highland, Poncey-Highland and Inman Park
- Home of the long-running Ponce de Leon Spelling Bee (at least 17 annual editions)
- Diverse year-round programming: yoga, teen D&D, toddler storytimes, book clubs, LGBTQ events and seasonal craft workshops
- Early voting location and after-hours book return for the surrounding neighborhoods
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
AFPLS cardholders can read, stream and research free through Georgia's statewide and system digital collections:
📚 Services
- Computer lab, free Wi-Fi & wireless printing
- Meeting rooms and study rooms (reservable)
- After-hours book return
- Early voting location
- Bike racks
- Partnership Passes for Atlanta-area museums, state parks and cultural attractions
- Interlibrary loan through the AFPLS system
- Ask a Librarian reference assistance
🎸 Programs
- Annual Ponce de Leon Spelling Bee
- Toddler and children's storytimes
- Teen programs including Dungeons & Dragons nights
- International Explorers book club
- Yoga and adult wellness sessions
- Seasonal craft workshops (tinfoil art, pottery and more)
- Summer reading program
📍 Nearby Libraries in Atlanta
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Joan P. Garner, and why was this library named after her?
Joan P. Garner served as a Fulton County Commissioner representing District 7 and was a consistent advocate for public libraries, literacy programs, and community services during her tenure. In June 2018 the Fulton County Board of Commissioners voted to rename the Ponce De Leon branch in her honor in recognition of her contributions to the county and its residents.
What neighborhoods does the Ponce De Leon branch serve?
The branch at 980 Ponce de Leon Avenue NE is centrally placed for Virginia-Highland, Poncey-Highland, and Inman Park — three walkable intown Atlanta neighborhoods east of Midtown. The library draws patrons from all three communities as well as from Druid Hills and the surrounding areas.
Does the Ponce De Leon library host the spelling bee, and when is it held?
Yes — the Ponce de Leon Spelling Bee is a community tradition that has run for at least 17 consecutive years (the 17th edition was held in August 2026). It is organized and hosted by library staff and typically takes place at the branch. Check the AFPLS events calendar at fulcolibrary.org for the current year's date.
Can I vote early at the Joan P. Garner Library at Ponce De Leon?
Yes. The branch serves as an early voting location for Fulton County elections. Hours during early voting periods may differ from regular library hours; check the Fulton County Board of Registration and Elections website (fultoncountyga.gov) for exact early-voting dates and times at this location.
📚 This library has study rooms. See how library study rooms work — booking, time limits and quiet vs group rooms — and find other libraries with study rooms libraries with study rooms by state.
🖨 This library offers printing, copying & fax. See how library printing, copying, scanning and fax services work — costs and mobile printing — and find other libraries that offer them printing & fax by state.
👶 This library runs story times for kids. See how library story times work — ages, what happens and that they are free — and find other libraries with story-time programs library story times by state.
📅 This library has meeting & community rooms. See how library meeting rooms work — booking, policies and fees — and find other libraries with meeting or community rooms meeting rooms by state.
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✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.