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DeKalb County Celebrates
100 Years of Public Library Service
A Century of Literacy, Access, and Community Impact
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On April 22, 2025, DeKalb County celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the DeKalb County Public Library with a formal proclamation issued by the Board of Commissioners and CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson.
What began in 1907 with Lula Almand opening her Lithonia home to lend books to neighbors has evolved into a system of 23 branches serving more than 170,000 cardholders and circulating over 3 million items each year.
The proclamation honored the library’s lasting contributions—from hosting the Georgia Center for the Book and eliminating overdue fines in 2022, to its work bridging the digital divide and promoting early literacy through the support of the DeKalb Library Foundation.
“We do more than commemorate a century—we recommit to ensuring that the DeKalb County Public Library remains a beacon of literacy, learning, and liberty for the next 100 years and beyond,” said CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson.
A special thank you was extended to Director Alison Weissinger, the Library Board, the dedicated staff, and the DeKalb Library Foundation—each playing a key role in shaping the library into a vital, forward-thinking resource for the entire community.
As DeKalb marks this milestone, residents are encouraged to celebrate not only the library’s rich past, but also its continued role as a cornerstone of connection, education, and opportunity.
| | DeKalb County Celebrates Earth Day | | |
DeKalb County proudly honors the history of Earth Day and the global call to action to protect our planet. This year’s theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” highlights the importance of education, advocacy, and collective action.
DeKalb has been recognized as a Gold-Level Green Community, with 13% of the county fleet powered by alternative fuels, 59 miles of greenways and trails, and a strong commitment to sustainability from leadership across the board.
“As CEO, it is my desire to foster greater intergenerational awareness and support for policies, projects and behavioral changes that embody social and environmental stewardship,” said CEO Cochran-Johnson.
In 2021, Commissioner Ted Terry introduced a resolution for a transition to 100% clean energy and transportation by 2050, which was approved by the Board of Commissioners.
“Sustainability and ‘going green’ is foundationally about improving our environment - cleaner air, purer water, and a healthier quality of life for everyone,” said Commissioner Terry. “But going green is also about saving ‘green’. We can save the earth and save money. In fact, it is the responsible thing we must do, both fiscally and for the health and safety of DeKalb County residents.”
This Earth Day, DeKalb reaffirms its commitment to clean energy, environmental protection, and community well-being.
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Special Edition: What Passed, What Didn’t: DeKalb’s 2025 Legislative Wrap-Up
Your guide to the bills that will shape DeKalb - budgets, schools, safety, and more.
Click here to read
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CEO's 1st Annual Mayors Retreat Unites DeKalb Cities Around Shared Goals and Countywide Impact
CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson hosted her first Mayors Retreat, uniting city leaders from across DeKalb to align on top priorities like housing, infrastructure, and public safety. The result? A bold step toward smarter, more connected leadership for our 700,000+ residents.
Click here to see full recap
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DeKalb Commissioners Set 2025 Priorities at Retreat Hosted by CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson
At the inaugural CEO Commissioners’ Retreat, DeKalb leaders outlined bold priorities for 2025 putting housing, safety, and economic development front and center.
Catch the full recap here
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White House Says It Will Seize Wages For Student Loans In Collection—Here’s What Borrowers Can Expect
Click here to read more
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Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signs off on sweeping new limits on lawsuits
Click here to read more
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Metro Atlanta pastor continues Target boycott, invites company CEO to public forum
Click here to read more
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What really happens to your recycling in DeKalb County?
Click here to read more
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From historic charm to thriving urban centers, DeKalb County’s 12 cities each have something special to offer! Whether you're looking for community events, local festivals, or business opportunities, there’s always something happening near you.
Looking for what’s happening in your city? Click on your community to explore local events, business spotlights, and exciting initiatives.
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Watch Now 2025 State of the City: Avondale Estates
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Help Shape the Future of Hidden Hills!
In partnership with the Greater Hidden Hills Community Development Corporation, DeKalb County is conducting a study to update the Hidden Hills Overlay District—and needs your input!
Established in 2009, this overlay provides customized zoning to support community-driven development while preserving green space. With this study, the County will update these standards to meet current development trends and better promote the community’s vision.
How can you help?
Take the survey and share your thoughts!
View the map to see how the overlay affects your neighborhood.
Stay informed about the project and its impact.
The overlay district runs from Covington Hwy to Redan Road, S. Hairston to Panola, impacting dozens of neighborhoods in and around the area.
Click here to view the map, take the survey, and learn more about the project.
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Make Your Voice Heard:
Help Shape the Future of the Stone Mountain Trail
Stone Mountain is working on a Master Plan focused on improving how people move, live, and connect along the trail from Avondale Estates to Stone Mountain. The plan will look at ways to improve access, create more people-centered spaces, support affordable housing, and encourage local growth.
Community input is a key part of this process. The public survey is open through April, and your feedback will help guide decisions about the future of the trail and surrounding areas.
How to Get Involved:
- Scan the QR code on the flyer to take the survey
- Visit the project page to learn more
- Catch up on past events and find out what’s coming next
This initiative is supported by the Atlanta Regional Commission’s Community Development Assistance Program.
Help shape a trail that reflects the needs and values of the people who use it.
Learn more here.
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Happy Earth Day from DeKalb Beautification
In celebration of Earth Day, DeKalb Beautification is proud to announce the opening of registration for our upcoming Rain Barrel Workshop, a hands-on opportunity to learn about water conservation and sustainable living.
Hosted in partnership with Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, this engaging workshop will guide participants through the benefits of rainwater harvesting and how to install and maintain their own rain barrel at home.
Space is limited, and registration opens today, April 22.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this eco-conscious event and take home your own rain barrel.
Workshop Details:
Date: Friday, May 9, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Location: DeKalb Sanitation Administration Building
3720 Leroy Scott Drive | Decatur, GA 30032
Cost: $25 per participant (limit (1) one rain barrel per participant)
Click Here to Register
For more information or questions, please contact the DeKalb Beautification Unit Special Projects Team at Beautify@dekalbcountyga.gov.
Together, we can build a cleaner, greener DeKalb.
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WE'RE AT YOUR SERVICE
Have a DeKalb County Question or Concern?
Email ceocochran-johnson@dekalbcountyga.gov or call our office
Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5 PM at 404.371.2881 and a staff person will gladly assist you.
| | OFFICE OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | | | | |
