All Athens Regional Library System branches’ buildings remain closed to the public at this time. We now offer curbside holds pickup and are accepting returns in our book drops, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays at most branches. Please contact us at http://athenslibrary.org/homepage/regional-information/contact-us if you have any questions regarding library service during this time. For more information about the libraries' phased re-entry plans, please click here.

UPDATED
July 31, 2020
Dear Library User,

Many thanks to our patrons for all the kind words that we have received as we make every effort to provide library services that are safe for you and our staff. Unfortunately, due to the spike in coronavirus cases throughout our region, we had to make the difficult decision to postpone our in-house internet services. We are determined to open this service just as soon as these case numbers begin to flatten. While we cautiously wait for the coronavirus to level in our counties, we are expanding library services. Please read the full Message from the Director here.

Library announces expanded services - Need updated times

As part of its phased reentry plan, the Athens Regional Library System continues to expand its available services while protecting the health and safety of patrons and staff.

Curbside Holds Service: Place holds at our website, through the PINES mobile app, or by phone. We’ll notify you when your items are ready for pickup. Visit your local library between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, to check out and pick up your items! Most of our libraries also offer curbside services 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

Book Drops: Our book drops are open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Most of our branches have their book drops open on Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., as well. Return your checked out items to the book drops during these specified times. Please note, we’ll hold all returned items for 10 days before checking them in, which means your return won’t show up on your account right away. Don’t worry! No fines will be charged at this time. Please note, our libraries are not accepting donations for the time being.

Print Pickup: Need to print something but can’t do it at home? We’ve got you covered! Simply email your document as an attachment to your local Athens Regional Library System branch. Find your library’s printing email here. We’ll print your file and notify you when it’s ready for pickup! Printouts will be available the next day during curbside service hours. Learn more about this service here.

Read U.S. Rep. John Lewis's essay in the New York Times

Civil Rights leader and U.S. Representative John Lewis died July 17 at the age of 80. In the days before his death, he wrote an essay to be published on the day of his funeral. Click the link to read Rep. Lewis's essay, "Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation," in the Thursday, July 30 issue of The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/30/opinion/john-lewis-civil-rights-america.html?action=click&module=Opinion&pgtype=Homepage Need remote access to the New York Times?

Athens readers part of Ray Bradbury Read-a-Thon, August 22
WUGA News Anchor/Reporter Alexia Ridley and Athens Regional Library System Children’s Services Coordinator Evan Michael Bush will join readers across the nation for a virtual read-a-thon celebrating author Ray Bradbury’s 100th birthday on Saturday, August 22. The read-a-thon will be streamed online on Aug. 22, 2020 and then remain available to view through Sept. 5 after the initial broadcast. To learn more about this great program, please visit Athens readers part of Ray Bradbury Read-a-Thon, August 22

Have you completed your 2020 Census yet?
census There’s still time to complete your 2020 U.S. Census! The Census directly impacts resources allocated for healthcare, education and infrastructure. It’s important to ensure everyone in our communities is counted. Completing the census is safe, secure and easy. It only takes about 10 minutes at my2020census.gov. Don’t forget: our libraries offer wi-fi access in our parking lots in case you need it.

The Census has been extended to Oct. 31, 2020. So far, 58.1% of Georgians have completed the 2020 Census. Let’s get to 100%!

Test your internet speed to help Georgia schools
Now through August 31, Georgians are asked to participate in a free and simple internet speed test. The Georgia Broadband Deployment Initiative (GBDI) has launched the Speedtest® by Ookla® pilot project statewide, which is designed to equip school leaders with the clearest picture possible of internet connectivity for Georgia’s students and teachers for the upcoming school year.

Georgians are encouraged to download the free Ookla Speedtest app (Android or iOS-Apple) to the various devices that they use to connect to the internet (smartphones, tablets, etc.) and take several tests in the places where connectivity is important to them. For laptops and desktop computers, visit https://www.speedtest.net

The easy-to-use Speedtest, along with the information available at the Broadband Initiative website, will assist school leaders as they plan for their digital learning strategies. Learn more here: https://gov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2020-06-23/state-launches-internet-speedtest-pilot-schools

One-on-One Virtual Sessions: Heritage Room and Computer Tutorials

Heritage Room virtual one-on-one sessions: Are you working on a research project or genealogy question? Need access to materials and support? Email heritageroomref@athenslibrary.org or call us at 706-613-3650, ext. 350, to request a 45-minute one-on-one virtual research session. The Heritage Room staff will be available electronically or via telephone, to assist with genealogy research. These 45-minute one-on-one sessions are by appointment and are designed for those working on research projects, those with genealogy questions, and those who need access to materials. (Starting the week of 6/22)

Virtual One-on-One Computer Tutorials and Online Computer Classes: Need a little extra help with a computer skill? We now offer virtual one-on-one computer tutorials! These free, 45-minute interactive sessions cover basic computer skills like creating a Word doc, accessing the Internet and navigating Facebook. We also offer virtual computer classes on a range of topics from keyboard skills to Google Docs to Internet privacy and security. Patrons can register for computer classes or tutorials on our library’s virtual events calendar and can join in using Google Meet.

Resources That Promote Equity

current events resources The Athens Regional Library System embraces diversity, inclusion, and social justice. These are a part of our organizational values and at the heart of our public services. We support the members of our communities who are in pain, those who are on a quest to educate themselves around the issues of race, and those wondering how to talk with children and young people about these issues. To help with those endeavors, we have developed the following list of resources. We will be adding to this list as the days go by. Much like the challenging events our communities have experienced over the last three months, the Library believes that we are in this together, and together we will see our way through. Visit our resources here.

Share your family's experiences as part of our library's community archive

Are you keeping a journal of your experiences during the coronavirus pandemic? covid stories Did you post a photo on social media of empty shelves at the grocery store? Whether you’re writing in an old school diary or recording voice memos, everyone's experience is unique. The Heritage Room at Athens-Clarke County Library wants to help preserve our community’s story of this unprecedented time in our collective history. We are interested in stories from everyday people. No story is too small! How you collect your thoughts is up to you: write in a journal, take photos or videos, record voice memos or even save social media posts. Full details are available here using a Google account. If you don't have a Google account, use this link.

Read U.S. Rep. John Lewis's essay in the New York Times

Civil Rights leader and U.S. Representative John Lewis died July 17 at the age of 80. In the days before his death, he wrote an essay to be published on the day of his funeral. Click the link to read Rep. Lewis's essay, "Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation," in the Thursday, July 30 issue of The New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/30/opinion/john-lewis-civil-rights-america.html?action=click&module=Opinion&pgtype=Homepage Need remote access to the New York Times?

Athens readers part of Ray Bradbury Read-a-Thon, August 22
WUGA News Anchor/Reporter Alexia Ridley and Athens Regional Library System Children’s Services Coordinator Evan Michael Bush will join readers across the nation for a virtual read-a-thon celebrating author Ray Bradbury’s 100th birthday on Saturday, August 22. The read-a-thon will be streamed online on Aug. 22, 2020 and then remain available to view through Sept. 5 after the initial broadcast. To learn more about this great program, please visit Athens readers part of Ray Bradbury Read-a-Thon, August 22

Have you completed your 2020 Census yet?
census There’s still time to complete your 2020 U.S. Census! The Census directly impacts resources allocated for healthcare, education and infrastructure. It’s important to ensure everyone in our communities is counted. Completing the census is safe, secure and easy. It only takes about 10 minutes at my2020census.gov. Don’t forget: our libraries offer wi-fi access in our parking lots in case you need it.

The Census has been extended to Oct. 31, 2020. So far, 58.1% of Georgians have completed the 2020 Census. Let’s get to 100%!

Test your internet speed to help Georgia schools
Now through August 31, Georgians are asked to participate in a free and simple internet speed test. The Georgia Broadband Deployment Initiative (GBDI) has launched the Speedtest® by Ookla® pilot project statewide, which is designed to equip school leaders with the clearest picture possible of internet connectivity for Georgia’s students and teachers for the upcoming school year.

Georgians are encouraged to download the free Ookla Speedtest app (Android or iOS-Apple) to the various devices that they use to connect to the internet (smartphones, tablets, etc.) and take several tests in the places where connectivity is important to them. For laptops and desktop computers, visit https://www.speedtest.net

The easy-to-use Speedtest, along with the information available at the Broadband Initiative website, will assist school leaders as they plan for their digital learning strategies. Learn more here: https://gov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2020-06-23/state-launches-internet-speedtest-pilot-schools

Library announces expanded services

As part of its phased reentry plan, the Athens Regional Library System continues to expand its available services while protecting the health and safety of patrons and staff.

Curbside Holds Service: Place holds at our website, through the PINES mobile app, or by phone. We’ll notify you when your items are ready for pickup. Visit your local library between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, to check out and pick up your items! Most of our libraries also offer curbside services 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.

Book Drops: Our book drops are open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Most of our branches have their book drops open on Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., as well. Return your checked out items to the book drops during these specified times. Please note, we’ll hold all returned items for 10 days before checking them in, which means your return won’t show up on your account right away. Don’t worry! No fines will be charged at this time. Please note, our libraries are not accepting donations for the time being.

Print Pickup: Need to print something but can’t do it at home? We’ve got you covered! Simply email your document as an attachment to your local Athens Regional Library System branch. Find your library’s printing email here. We’ll print your file and notify you when it’s ready for pickup! Printouts will be available the next day during curbside service hours. Learn more about this service here.

One-on-One Virtual Sessions: Heritage Room and Computer Tutorials

Heritage Room virtual one-on-one sessions: Are you working on a research project or genealogy question? Need access to materials and support? Email heritageroomref@athenslibrary.org or call us at 706-613-3650, ext. 350, to request a 45-minute one-on-one virtual research session. The Heritage Room staff will be available electronically or via telephone, to assist with genealogy research. These 45-minute one-on-one sessions are by appointment and are designed for those working on research projects, those with genealogy questions, and those who need access to materials. (Starting the week of 6/22)

Virtual One-on-One Computer Tutorials and Online Computer Classes: Need a little extra help with a computer skill? We now offer virtual one-on-one computer tutorials! These free, 45-minute interactive sessions cover basic computer skills like creating a Word doc, accessing the Internet and navigating Facebook. We also offer virtual computer classes on a range of topics from keyboard skills to Google Docs to Internet privacy and security. Patrons can register for computer classes or tutorials on our library’s virtual events calendar and can join in using Google Meet.

Resources That Promote Equity

current events resources The Athens Regional Library System embraces diversity, inclusion, and social justice. These are a part of our organizational values and at the heart of our public services. We support the members of our communities who are in pain, those who are on a quest to educate themselves around the issues of race, and those wondering how to talk with children and young people about these issues. To help with those endeavors, we have developed the following list of resources. We will be adding to this list as the days go by. Much like the challenging events our communities have experienced over the last three months, the Library believes that we are in this together, and together we will see our way through. Visit our resources here.

Share your family's experiences as part of our library's community archive

Are you keeping a journal of your experiences during the coronavirus pandemic? share your story Did you post a photo on social media of empty shelves at the grocery store? Whether you’re writing in an old school diary or recording voice memos, everyone's experience is unique. The Heritage Room at Athens-Clarke County Library wants to help preserve our community’s story of this unprecedented time in our collective history. We are interested in stories from everyday people. No story is too small! How you collect your thoughts is up to you: write in a journal, take photos or videos, record voice memos or even save social media posts. Full details are available here using a Google account. If you don't have a Google account, use this link.

Imagine Your Story: 2020 Summer Reading Program

srp This year, the Athens Regional Library System is taking your summer reading program entirely online! Children, teens and adults can keep track of reading and participate in fun, interactive challenges that will keep everyone engaged all summer long! Visit our Summer Reading webpage to sign up and learn more about Beanstack. Beanstack is a free, easy-to-use online platform everyone can use to log reading and discover fun activities this summer.

And don’t forget to visit our regional online events calendar and join us on social media to participate in free virtual programming. Tune in for storytimes, book clubs, cooking demos, and exciting performances by special guests, including flamenco dancing, a virtual petting zoo, and more! Find your library branch’s Facebook page here