Athens library observes Library Week on-line

While the libraries remain closed because of the coronavirus pandemic, the branches in the Athens Regional Library System are taking part in National Library Week activities in a virtual way, with several on-line programs.

From the Athens Regional Library System

The Athens Regional Library System joins libraries throughout Georgia and the country in celebrating all that libraries have to offer as part of National Library Week 2020, April 19-25.

This year’s theme for National Library Week is “Find Your Library at Your Place,” and Athens Regional Library System will celebrate with a “Book Cover Challenge” on social media. To participate in the fun, patrons are asked to recreate their favorite book covers with household items, people and pets and post photos of the results on social media using the hashtag #arlsbookcoverchallenge.

Patrons can also share on social media how the library has positively impacted their lives by using the hashtag #mylibrarystory. A full list of Athens Regional Library System branches' Facebook pages is available on the library system's website at http://athenslibrary.org/185-arls-children/8452-facebook-childrens. You can also find the library system on Twitter at @AthensClarkeLib and on Instagram at @athens_regional_libraries.

The library also invites the public to explore athenslibrary.org with an interactive Bingo game on the site.

“We want people to understand that while our buildings may be closed, our website is open and serving our community with resources, activities and more. It’s easier than ever to find your library at your place,” said Athens Regional Library System Executive Director Valerie Bell.

Athens Regional Library System’s 11 libraries continue to play an essential role in supporting community health, resilience and stability.

Athens Regional Library System branches now offer a range of virtual programs on Facebook, including live streaming storytime on Facebook on weekdays at 10:30 a.m., plus crafts, drawing and other activities throughout the day.

To help Northeast Georgia families without vital internet access at home, as well as students who are continuing their lessons online while schools are closed, Athens Regional Library System branches provide free wi-fi in their parking lots. Families can access high speed internet while maintaining a safe social distance from others.

Whether someone is working on a school assignment, doing research, or simply wants to gain a new skill, the library system's website has easy-to-use online resources available with a simple sign-in using your library card. Temporary digital library cards are available through athenslibrary.org to bridge the gap for those who need access.

Elected officials, small business owners, students, and the public at large depend upon libraries and the resources they offer to meet local needs. Libraries and librarians are leading in their communities by providing free resources such as eRead Kids for students in pre-K to 4th grade; technology courses; access to the virtual library GALILEO for historical documents, language courses, GED test prep, and more; and job skills workshops such as Entrepreneurial Mindset training.

“Our libraries provide vital services to our patrons, offering unlimited opportunities for personal growth and lifelong learning even during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Bell said. “Libraries level the playing field for everyone seeking information and access to technologies to improve not only their individual quality of life but that of their loved ones and surrounding community.”