Four Georgia libraries will host “The Comfort of Recovery” quilt as part of a partnership between Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS), the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University, and Rise2Recovery (R2ISE), an award-winning recovery community organization. Over 100 people have contributed to handcrafting the quilt, including R2ISE peers and supporters, Carlos Museum staff, and Emory University students. The quilt emphasizes recovery as an ongoing creative process. 

The public is invited to celebrate the kickoff of the quilt tour at North Cobb Regional Library in Kennesaw on Saturday, September 21 at 3 pm. The event will feature a telling of the quilt’s story and an exploration of its themes through a panel discussion. 

“Our hope is that ‘The Comfort of Recovery’ will serve as a reminder that recovery is possible when communities dedicate their creativity to bringing change. May we illustrate the power of recovery, share hope, diminish stigma, and provide comfort to families who have lost loved ones to addictive diseases and or mental health challenges. Every stitch, every square, represents a moment in time where we raised awareness, where we shared our stories of recovery,” said Alexia Jones, executive director of R2ISE.

The quilt was created as a collaborative project between R2ISE and the Carlos Museum. R2ISE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a secure space for individuals recovering from substance abuse disorders and mental health challenges. R2ISE uses art as a method of healing and recovery from addiction. 

Since the quilt’s unveiling in 2023, it has been displayed at the Georgia Governor’s Office, Emory University School of Medicine, and The Carter Center. The quilt’s latest tour builds on the longstanding partnership between Georgia Public Library Service and the Carlos Museum, which also includes the Carlos Museum Family Pass, which can be checked out from any public library in Georgia for up to six free admissions, and the Wrapped Up in Reading children’s summer reading challenge. 

“We are proud to partner with R2ISE and the Carlos Museum to bring ‘The Comfort of Recovery’ quilt to Georgia libraries. This quilt offers our libraries an opportunity and path to build and support an empathetic, supportive community at the library, a place that welcomes everyone,” said Julie Walker, state librarian and vice chancellor for Libraries and Archives.

The tour will include: 

• Sept. 18 - Oct. 31, 2024: North Cobb Regional Library, 3535 Old 41 Highway, Kennesaw 30144
• Nov. 11, 2024 - Jan. 3, 2025: Post Road Library, Forsyth County Public Library
• Jan. 20 - March 10, 2025: Clayton State University Library
• March 24 - May 12, 2025: Middle Georgia State University Library

About Rise2Recovery

R2ISE Inc., established in 2016, is a recognized 501.3.c Recovery Community Organization (RCO) dedicated to aiding individuals facing substance abuse and mental health challenges. The organization's primary mission is centered on empowering peers, with a team of certified professionals, recognized by the State of Georgia as Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialists (CARES or CPS-AD) and Certified Peer Specialists in Mental Health (CPS-MH), providing comprehensive support and guidance. R2ISE Inc. stands out as a supportive and innovative space, offering a holistic approach to recovery, fostering an environment that encourages healing and growth for individuals on their journey to wellness.

About Georgia Public Library Service

Georgia Public Library Service empowers libraries to improve the lives of all Georgians by encouraging reading, literacy, and education through the continuing support and improvement of our public libraries. Georgia Public Library Service provides a broad range of consulting services and technical assistance to libraries, such as resource sharing, outreach support, and long-term facilities planning. georgialibraries.org

About the Michael C. Carlos Museum

Set in the heart of Emory’s Atlanta campus, the Michael C. Carlos Museum is a dynamic, interdisciplinary center for study of art and culture, with collections from Africa; ancient Egypt; Nubia, and the Near East; ancient Greece and Rome; the Indigenous Americas; and South Asia; as well as American and European Works on Paper.