Ms. Atira Cotman is a native of Richmond, Virginia, who moved to Augusta, Georgia, in 1989. Cotman has been visiting our library system for 32 years. She signed up for her very first library card in middle school from our Headquarters Branch. To this day, Atira Cotman takes her children to the library, where they spend most of their time at our Diamond Lakes Branch.

“The library has positively transformed my life because it has been a great resource for my family and me,” says Cotman. My children have enjoyed storytime, watched movies, played games, created crafts, completed reports, and studied for exams.  I learned how to knit, and my son learned how to play chess at the library.”

Cotman appreciates the sense of togetherness the library brings her family.

“I like when the library has crafts and activities for the family. Those activities give you a way to spend time together as a family in unique ways.  My all-time favorite craft was making ugly Christmas shirts.  All you had to do was bring a shirt in, and the library had the embellishments.  It was so fun!”

Cotman also credits her time at the library getting her through school and employed in the area she specializes in today.

“The Public Library system has helped me complete college. With the use of the resources that they have available, I was able to complete assignments, create a resume, look for a job, and find a job. I graduated from Augusta Technical College in 2007 with a degree in Business. I am now a Data Analyst.”

Cotman has worked hard for her academic success and credits having a library card for helping her get to achieve her professional goals.

“Libraries have a positive impact on the community as it promotes early literacy.  Kids learn to love books and enjoy reading through the many activities that the library provides. Everyone should get a library card. ”

It’s currently Library Card Sign-up Month at the Augusta Library, and we encourage you to register for a new card today. A library card opens up world of infinite resources and opportunities for both children and adults. It is the first step towards academic achievement and lifelong learning. Join our library system for in-person and virtual programming throughout the year. Spread the word and tell your neighbors to get signed up for a card! If you are interested in sharing your own library story, please visit our form below and fill out the questions listed. We want to hear a library story from you.

Library Card Sign-up 

Share Your Library Story Form

A library card opens a world of infinite possibilities through resources and services that give students the tools to succeed in school and beyond. From STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) programs, family story times, to makerspaces and in-person or virtual homework help, libraries transform lives through education. A library card gives you the ability to access family fun activities at the Atlanta Zoo, State Museums, or State Parks to name a few.

Libraries play an important role in the education and development of children. Studies show that children who are read to in the home and who use the library perform better in school and are more likely to continue to use the library as a source of lifetime learning.

Since 1987, Library Card Sign-up Month has been held each September to mark the beginning of the school year. During the month, the ALA and libraries unite in a national effort to ensure every child signs up for their library card. For more information about how to sign up for a library card, call 706-821-2600, or please visit the Augusta-Richmond County Public Library or any of its branches in person or online at https://gapines.org/eg/opac/register. Below is a list of Special programming we have happening throughout the month:

Paint Party: Saturday, September 25 at 11:30 am (Wallace Branch)
National Wilderness Month Presentation: Tuesday September 14 at 3 pm: (Young Adults Facebook/Instagram)
Grandparents Day Storytime with the Children’s Department: Tuesdays at 11 am all month: (Headquarters Branch)
Scholarship Essay Writing Workshop: Thursday, September 30 at 3 pm (Maxwell Branch Library)
What’s the Fic? Podcast- Banned Books Edition (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube)

# # # MEDIA CONTACT: Leah Holloway, Public Relations Assistant, 706-821-2605, hollowayl@arcpls.org.

Tell us, what is “What’s the FIC?” about, and what can we expect from this podcast?

What’s the FIC? is an upcoming library and library related podcast from Augusta Richmond County Public Library for all ages hosted by Georgina Lewis and Megan Williams. The podcast will cover a multitude of topics such as literature that influenced media, gaming, education, anime & manga discussion, library worker interviews and so much more!

What inspired you to create this for the Augusta Library System?

As someone who worked with those individuals with visual and physical impairments, I wanted something that would be inclusive in regards to content that they could enjoy in its entirety. The other thought was that we would love to engage more with our community, especially teens and young adults. Meg and I are huge nerds when it comes to libraries, anime, manga, and the like so we wanted a place to exercise our creativity and invite the community to join in.

Who came up with the name? What does it mean?

We brainstormed the name together! We went through a long list of names and Megan proposed What the Fic? and I merely added an apostrophe and viola our name was born. We wanted a name to keep us questioning hey what is the fic today? In regards to what is going on in our system, libraries, and media that allow us to ponder how fiction influences social media, games, tv/movies, and anime.

Why do you think it’s important to use digital avenues to connect with our audience, or even a new audience?

I love the traditional library experience of going into a library, grabbing a book, and getting comfy. That being said, the past events of 2019-2020, showed us that we can still be very creative through digital avenues. As technology and users are growing it’s important to communicate with audiences who find comfort in the online experience. We want to make sure that we are reaching out to our younger patrons by tapping into the way they communicate. Which happens to be through technology. By having a digital avenue readily available we are making sure that our library system has its doors open to everyone seeking lifelong learning.

Is there anything you would like to say to your potential fans and followers out there?

We hope you will join us on our podcast adventures! We would love to hear from you as we cover our topics like if the book was better than the tv show or movie, share laughs over memorable library moments, discuss how gaming and libraries definitely go together, and all the wonderful things going on here at ARCPLS. We got the “fic”, so stick with us!

The podcast is set to start on Wednesday, August 25 at 2:00 pm. Viewers will be able to listen through the Apple Music and Spotify Apps. “What’s the FIC?” episodes will include three programs in August and September to kick off the series:

Aug. 25th – First Episode: Fruits Basket – Anime and Manga Comparison

Sept. 15th – Game ON! Gaming in the library

Sept. 29th – Banned Books Week/Back to School Advisory episode

“I love the traditional library experience of going into a library, grabbing a book, and getting comfy. That being said, the past events of 2019-2020, showed us that we can still be very creative through digital avenues”, says Library Assistant Georgina Lewis.

The podcast is set to start on Wednesday, August 25 at 2:00 pm. Viewers will be able to listen through the Apple Music and Spotify Apps. “What’s the FIC?” episodes will include three programs in August and September to kick off the series:

Aug. 25th – First Episode: Fruits Basket – Anime and Manga Comparison

Sept. 15th – Game ON! Gaming in the library

Sept. 29th – Banned Books Week/Back to School Advisory

“As technology and users are growing it’s important to communicate with audiences who find comfort in the online experience”, says Lewis. We also want to make sure that we are reaching out to our younger patrons by tapping into the way they communicate.”

For more information on “What’s the FIC?” call 706-821-2600.

# # # MEDIA CONTACT: Leah Holloway, Public Relations Assistant, 706-821-2605, hollowayl@arcpls.org. For more information about library resources, programming, meeting room reservations, and events call 706-821-2600.

About ARCPLS:  The mission of the Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System is connecting the community to knowledge by providing information to people. The six libraries in Richmond County serve a population of almost 300,000, containing within them over half a million items. All libraries are equipped with computer access to the state-wide PINES catalog of materials, and have public-use computers for Internet access and office applications. Friendly staff make customer service a priority.