2014 News Releases
Atmos Energy GED Testing Center Opens at
Dallas Public Library
First library in Texas to host an authorized GED Testing Center
Media Contact  Â
Jennifer Altieri
972-855-3164
DALLAS  (October 29, 2014) â€" Atmos Energy announced today the dedication of the Atmos Energy GED Testing Center at the Dallas Public Library in downtown Dallas, Texas. The Dallas Public Library is the first library in Texas to host an official GED testing center for the public.
"Because of its central location and flexible hours, including nights and weekends, the GED Testing Center provides the opportunity and convenience for many to earn their high school equivalency," said Kim Cocklin, president and CEO of Atmos Energy. "Education is one of the greatest gifts to receive, as it sets forth the path to success and ensures that everyone has a chance to achieve their greatest potential."
Groundbreaking grants from Atmos Energy and the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) all helped with the creation of the GED Testing Center located on the 3rd floor of the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library.
The Atmos Energy grant funds the computers, wiring and desks and will accommodate 15 test-takers at one time. The new Atmos Energy GED Testing Center will operate approximately 30 hours a week, including nights and weekends, providing up to 3,000 people the opportunity to take the GED equivalency test this coming year. Because of the generosity of Atmos Energy, the Library was able to qualify for a 2015 cooperation grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and Texas State Library and Archives Commission to fund one full-time and one part-time testing coordinator to run the testing center operations.
"We're absolutely thrilled to partner with Atmos Energy to open this new GED testing center," said Jo Giudice, director of Dallas Public Library. "Because libraries are natural gathering spots and centers for learning, curiosity and growth, this new Atmos Energy GED Testing Center is a perfect fit for the Dallas Public Library. We feel very fortunate to be on the leading edge in offering this service to adults who are looking to take this big step forward in making a better life for themselves."
Anyone â€" whether they live in the Dallas/Fort Worth region, Texas or any state in the U.S. â€" can take the exam at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library.
The J. Erik Jonsson Library is located at 1515 Young St. in Dallas. For more information contact the Library Literacy Line at 214-671-8291, email [email protected] or visit www.dallaslibrary.org. Â
About Atmos Energy
Atmos Energy Corporation, headquartered in Dallas, is one of the country's largest natural-gas-only distributors, serving over three million natural gas distribution customers in over 1,400 communities in eight states from the Blue Ridge Mountains in the East to the Rocky Mountains in the West. Atmos Energy manages company-owned natural gas pipeline and storage assets, including one of the largest intrastate natural gas pipeline systems in Texas and also provides natural gas marketing and procurement services to industrial, commercial and municipal customers primarily in the Midwest and Southeast. For more information, visit www.atmosenergy.com. Atmos Energy can also be accessed through social media platforms such as , and YouTube.