FOCAL

In May 1980, a new Central Library was opened to the public under the leadership of Ella Gaines Yates, first African-American director of the library system. Marcel Breuer, a participant in the innovative Bauhaus Movement, planned and designed the building, working closely with his associate Hamilton Smith. The Central Library was dedicated on May 25, 1980. Breuer was unable to attend the dedication ceremonies and died a year later on July 1, 1981 at the age of 81. In 2002, a major renovation of the Central Library was completed and the library system celebrated the centennial of the year in which public library service in Atlanta began. See also One Hundred Years of Library Service: A History.

Friends of Central Atlanta Library, Inc. (FOCAL) is a private, non-profit organization formed in 2002 whose mission is to:

• promote interest in and appreciation of the Central Library,
• enhance the quality of services and programming provided by the Central Library, and
• carry on charitable and educational purposes and activities in support of the Central Library.

Specific objectives are:

Fundraising: Raise funds primarily through community-based activities (e.g. book sales, ticketed events at the library, dinners), donations, and membership campaigns. This money is allocated back to fund special projects at the library.

Advocacy: Promote the library in the community; encourage greater participation from local neighborhoods and businesses; lobby local government for library needs; help facilitate relationships between the library and potential allies.

Volunteerism: Encourage volunteerism at the Central Library and Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System.