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A-CC Library updates plans for reopening

While the Athens-Clarke County Library on Baxter Street remains closed, there are plans to resume some limited service at other branches in the Library System. Libraries closed in March at the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic

From the Athens Regional Library System...

The Athens Regional Library System announced today that many of its library branches will open to the public for Grab-and-Go service starting Monday, Sept. 28. Athens-Clarke County Library will remain closed to the public with plans to reopen in October.

“I would like to thank all of our communities for their support, patience and understanding these last several months,” said Athens Regional Library System Executive Director Valerie Bell. “We have missed our patrons! We have been working to welcome the public back into our buildings in a way that’s safe for both patrons and staff.”

Due to the recent spike in Coronavirus cases, the Athens-Clarke County Library will not be participating in Grab-and-Go service at this time. Athens-Clarke County Library will, however, continue the services that are currently being offered: Extended curbside hours, computers by appointment, document delivery, reference chat, and passport services. The active cases and infection rates in Athens-Clarke County will be reviewed weekly with the hope of opening for Grab-and-Go service in October.

People who visit Athens Regional Library System branches will be required to wear an unvented face mask over their nose and mouth and stay six feet apart from others. Parts of the buildings, such as study rooms, meeting rooms and some sections of departments, will be unavailable.

Library visitors will be able to browse parts of the collection, pick up holds and check out items using self service stations. If you don’t see the title you’re looking for, staff encourage you to place a hold to pick up at another time. We will notify you when your items are ready to pick up. Place holds from home at athenslibrary.org, through the PINES mobile app or by calling the library. You can also quickly place holds at the library using the computers designated to search the catalog.

Because we are limiting the number of patrons who can be in the building at one time to allow for social distancing, we ask that you limit your library visit to one hour or less, or 30 minutes or less at some branches.

Libraries will continue offering curbside service for holds and printing pickup. Patrons can place holds for library materials. Once the items are ready, library staff will contact the patron, who can then come to the library to pick them up. Patrons can also email files to the library to be printed and picked up during curbside service hours. More information on printing can be found at the library’s website, athenslibrary.org.

All programs and events will continue to be hosted online. Visit athenslibrary.org for a virtual events calendar.

The library’s online services include digital collections of e-books, audiobooks and magazines for all ages, live programming on social media, interactive reference chat, access to online resources and more.

The Athens-Clarke County Library is located at 2025 Baxter Street, Athens. For more information, call the library at (706) 613-3650, or visit athenslibrary.org. Athens Regional Library System includes 11 library branches in five northeast Georgia counties: Athens-Clarke, Franklin, Madison, Oconee and Oglethorpe.

Tim Bryant

Tim Bryant

Tim Bryant hosts Classic City Today, 6-10 weekday mornings on 98.7FM & AM 1340 WGAU in Athens.

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