With branches closed by COVID, Athens libraries go digital

With its branches closed because of coronavirus, the Athens Regional Library System says it is adding a digital branch, with library services made available through a digital library card. The Library on Baxter Street and the library system’s ten other branches are all closed until further notice, shut down amid concerns about the spread of COVID 19.

From Rhiannon Eades, Athens Regional Library System…

“Our library system has 11 physical locations, but we are proud to also have a twelfth digital branch, which is open 24/7 at our website,” said Athens Regional Library System Executive Director Valerie Bell. “From digital eBooks, magazines and audiobooks to language learning software, we’ve got something for everyone, all available for free.”

Many of the library system’s online resources are freely available through GALILEO with the current GALILEO password. However, other resources and services, such as downloadable digital eBooks, e-audiobooks and magazines, are accessible with a library card account and PIN.

The library system now offers the option to sign up for a library card through its website to give patrons instant access to digital resources. People who would like to sign up for a digital-only library card can visit www.athenslibrary.org and follow the instructions to complete a PINES library card online application. Remember, you must include your email address on this form, as account information will be sent to you via the email address you provide. You will then receive your library card account number and PIN via email, which will allow instant access to resources on the website that require a library card account.

A digital-only library card is good for one year and cannot be used to check out physical items at Athens Regional Library System branches. Once the libraries reopen, patrons can visit their home library branch to pick up their physical library card.

With a library card account, patrons can download titles directly to a mobile device using the RBDigital app. RBDigital also offers hundreds of titles of digital magazines, for kids and adults. In addition to RBDigital, the library also offers ERead Kids, a collection of digital titles for children.