GAINESVILLE — The Hall County Library System should be able to issue passports in the near future.
The Library Board was split on which branch would offer the service once it is approved. The vote was 5-3 in favor of using Blackshear Place over the branch in Spouts Springs.
“If you look at a map, Blackshear is pretty much smack in the center,” said Library Director Lisa MacKinney “Also, it will direct more people to a branch with an amazing facility and a great staff that people may not realize is available there.”
Board members also voted to open the Blackshear Place branch Saturdays, once the passport service is approved. Currently only two of the Hall County Branches are open on Saturdays. The other three are closed for budget reasons. However, the revenue from the passport service would allow Blackshear Place to be open on Saturdays, as well.
There is no firm date yet for the passport service to begin.
