Athens Regional Library System

Message from the Director

UPDATED 
June 18, 2020

Dear Library User,
As always, I start this message with sincere thanks to our library patrons for your understanding and patience as we navigate our way through the various phases of reentry during the COVID-19 crisis.  Please know the entire staff is working to get services safely up and functioning for our communities.  Over the last three weeks, we have opened our book drops, begun providing curbside and concierge selection of our circulating collections.  We have started our summer reading program for children, teens, and adults and provided a range of summer programs and activities for the entire family to enjoy virtually.  Please read the Message from the Director for the full statement.

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

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. 

Imagine Your Story: 2020 Summer Reading Program

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

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? 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.