AUGUSTA, Ga – April 30 – Representatives of the state and community gathered in the ARCPLS Headquarters Auditorium to celebrate Rise Augusta Receiving the distinguished Georgia Reads Award, a significant recognition of the impactful partnerships that are advancing literacy within our community. Among attendees was Julie Walker, vice chancellor for libraries and archives, state librarian, and a member of the Georgia Council on Literacy, who consistently appreciates the innovative approaches of libraries like the ARCPLS and foundations such as Rise Augusta in promoting literacy.

Delighted, Walker said, “It could not be more appropriate [Rise Augusta Receiving their award at the ARCPLS Headquarters] because I take my role on the council as one to remind everyone what the libraries are doing …every single one of them is working toward improving literacy and doing creative programming and reaching as many children in our communities as they possibly can. So, I could not be more thrilled that libraries are being celebrated here as well as this program.” 

Before being presented with their plaque and a check for $25,000 dollars, moving speeches about the importance of literacy and victorious stories of how literacy turned around the most hopeless situations were given by Richmond County Board of Education interim Superintendent Dr. Malinda Cobb, Super Bowl Champion and the official Georgia Reads Coach Malcom Mitchell and Executive Director of Rise Augusta Laurie Cook. 

This year, of the ten recipients of the Georgia Reads Award, Rise Augusta was the only that wasn’t a school. When asked what that meant to her, Cook responded, “ I am ecstatic. We never dreamed that this would happen. So it cements all the hard work. I mean, I have a great team and no one does it alone. Kudos to all my teammates.”

With a room full of those who value literacy and reinforce it with action, the ARCPLS was proud to be chosen as the soil for a historical moment’s planting and looks forward to being the ground for many more. 

Morris Porter, President of the National Action Network of CSRA reflected on the competition’s prior years, highlighting the talent of Augusta’s youth and says he hopes they’ll continue to inspire change and people in the way they’ve inspired him.

“The skill. The ability. Sky’s the limit. I can’t put into words how every year they exceed our expectations.”

In attendance, there’ll be community pillars and leaders to take part in supporting the youth and celebrating Black History Month, like Attorney Katrell Nash, Judge Ashanti Lilley Pounds and Judge Carletta Sims Brown, the 1^st woman and African American Chief Civil and Magistrate Court Chief Judge of Richmond County. There will be cash prizes for winners, an unforgettable experience for attendees and much more.

Don’t miss out on a powerful afternoon with the ARCPLS and the bright future of Augusta!

About ARCPLS: With roots dating back to 1750, the Augusta Richmond County Public Library System aims to meet the needs of the community by providing accessible services, resources and programs. Their mission is to continue enriching the lives of the community with a vision of being the first choice for unlimited exploration.

About the National Action Network: Founded in 1991 by Reverend Al Sharpton, NAN is one of the leading civil rights organizations in the United States. With chapters throughout the nation, they work within the spirit and tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to promote a modern civil rights agenda that includes the fight for one standard of justice, decency and equal opportunities for all people.

About Know Your History Know Your Rights Speech & Poem Competition: Since its conception in 2020, the competition has empowered countless young individuals to explore their voices and understand their rights through the power of art. Its stage has been fulfilling the crucial need for informed and empowered expression, fostering creativity and critical thinking through the written and spoken word.

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Saturday, December 7th, 2024, Augusta, Ga – Star Wars lovers from all over the Richmond County community joined at the Augusta Richmond County Public Library System (ARCPLS) headquarters for a day filled with all things Star Wars.

Every year the ARCPLS hosts Star Wars themed events and activities at every branch throughout the month of October. The celebrations conclude with a main event at the end of October. Due to Hurricane Helene, The Main Event was rescheduled for this past Saturday. Although the date was changed, the excitement wasn’t. 

“My family loves Star Wars and we come to the library all the time. This is fun!” Elisa Jenks, first time attendee expressed.

The children’s section turned Artist Alley was filled with all ages as their guest of honor Jeffrey Brown, author of the Jedi Academy series, smiled while signing books. There were Star Wars themed board games being played and Star Wars jokes being told.

“The kids love it. Hopefully they do it every year,” said Daniel Routh, father of mini Star Wars fans.

With special appearances by Darth Vader and other infamous Star Wars characters, prizes won and memories made, the ARCPLS is surely upholding its mission to enrich the lives of the community.

For more information on the challenge, event, future events and volunteering for next year’s Star Wars Main Event visit arcpls.org or contact Kashaela Barber barberk@arcpls.org

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Saturday, March 18, 2023

10 am – 2 pm

Augusta Library

823 Telfair St., Augusta

Explore new frontiers in the military, space law, virtual reality, and more at The Future Begins Now, presented by the U.S.S. Star League and the Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System.

10 a.m.  –  Space Virtual Reality demonstration

Boldly go where few have gone before with your smartphone! Borrow a Google Cardboard unit and go to outer space without leaving the library. You can also check out an even more immersive HTC Vive VR experience. This demonstration will be available between each talk.

10:30 a.m. – May the Air and Space Force Be With You

The Air Force and the Space Force are the two youngest United States military units, both made possible by advances in science and engineering. Retired Colonel James “J.C.” Epting, currently Senior Vice President of National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Operations and Programs for Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS), will introduce these two integral parts of the U.S. military.

12 p.m. –  The Laws of the Cosmos

In 1967, two years before the moon landing, dozens of countries ratified the Outer Space Treaty, creating a brand new legal specialty, space law. Professor Michael B. Runnels, Butler High school alumnus and professor of Business Law at California State University, Los Angeles, will introduce us to this field.  

1 p.m. – M’Aiken Magic Robotics Takeover

The M’Aiken Magic FRC Robotics Team, the CSRA’s original high school robotics team,  will show off what their amazing robots can do. 

1:30 p.m. – Imagination to Reality

From the smartphone to artificial intelligence, things that were once the stuff of science fiction are now parts of our everyday reality. The U.S.S. Star League will give a presentation on fictional science and technology that have since become real.

For more information, contact outreach@arcpls.org or 706-821-2612.

Saturday, March 26
11 am – 2 pm

Augusta Library
823 Telfair St., Augusta

Join us for a day of exploration of the worlds of science fiction and scientific facts. This event is free and open to the public. All ages are welcome!

Schedule

11 – 11:30: Meet and Greet
Get to know your fellow sci-fi and science fans during the meet and greet.

11:30 -12:30: From Underwater to Outer Space, presented by Mr. Mark Davis
Our guest of honor, Mr. Davis, will speak on how life on a submarine is similar to life on a spaceship. Mr. Mark Davis, currently Senior Vice President of NNSA Operations and Programs at Savannah River Site and former Commanding Officer USS NORTH CAROLINA (SSN 777) and the USS MONTPELIER (SSN 765)

12:30 – 1:00: Strong Women of Science Fiction
Discover the strong women of science fiction with the crew of the U.S.S. Star League.

1:00: Space Court?

Get introduced to the law…in space from this space law documentary.

1:30 – 2: Be a Backyard Scientist
Learn how ordinary people can collect data for scientific studies about the stars and the not-so-alien life around you from Augusta Library staff.

We’ll also be playing Tribble toss, providing free take home activities for kids, giving away free Star Trek books, and more!

Questions? Contact Erin Prentiss at prentisse@arcpls.org or 706-821-2612

Sponsored by the Augusta Richmond County Library and the U.S.S. Star League

Saturday, January 15, 2022
9 am – 12 pm
Wallace Branch Library
1237 Laney Walker Blvd., Augusta

 Get vaccinated and get a free lunch (while supplies last) and a chance to win one of ten iPads.
Ages 5+

Help your family, your friends, your community, and yourself stay safe during the pandemic by getting vaccinated. According to the American Medical Association, “Current COVID-19 vaccines remain the best line of defense to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations and deaths.” People who get vaccinated will get a free lunch (while supplies last) and a chance to win one of ten iPads. And you’ll be helping your family, friends, and community stay safer and healthier in the process!

If this event is not convenient for you, visit arcplsorg/covidresources to find other vaccine clinics and help with transportation if you need it.

Questions about the event? Contact Erin Prentiss at 706-821-2612 or outreach@arcpls.org

This event is supported by the Institute for Museum and Library Services and the Centers for Disease Control.

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.

“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.

We are excited to bring back the Evenings in Appleby Gardens Concert Series after its hiatus last summer. The 2021 series will be virtual only—no need to leave the comfort of your home to enjoy the concert.  Stream the concerts on youtube.com/arcpls, facebook.com/arcpls , and twitter.com/AugustaGALib from 8 pm to 9 pm every other Tuesday in June, beginning June 1.

Below is the full schedule for the 2021 Virtual Evenings in Appleby Gardens Concert Series:

• Tuesday, June 1: Zanaiah Billups
• Tuesday, June 15: Doug Flowers Band
• Tuesday, June 29: Harcourt Waller

About the acts:

Zanaiah Billups, a 2021 Davidson alumna, won second place in the Schmidt Vocal Arts Georgia competition and first place in the Southeast Regional National Association of Teachers of Singing competition for high school classical voice. Ms. Billups will be pursuing her bachelor’s degree at the Frost School of Music of the University of Miami in the fall of 2021 as a recipient of the Presidential Music Scholarship.

  Doug Flowers is a veteran bluegrass musician and songwriter from Hephzibah. He performed in the bluegrass band Avalanche for many years. In 2015, with the success of the Doug Flowers & Friends album, Doug put together the Doug Flowers Band. In 2017, he released the Doug Flowers: Favorites album, which finished in the Top 100 list for Roots Music Report Contemporary Bluegrass CD in 2018. Learn more about Mr. Flowers at dougflowersmusic.com

Harcourt Waller received his training at The Peabody Conservatory of Music, The London College of Music, and St. Andrews Presbyterian College. Mr. Waller made his piano concert debut at Carnegie Hall of New York in 1987. Since then, he has performed numerous concerts on the East Coast, many of which aired on television and radio. He has recorded two albums that are available on CD for purchase. Harcourt presently lives in Savannah where he plays the piano for the Chatham Club and was the organist for Wilmington Island Presbyterian Church for 20 years.

For more information, email outreach@arcpls.org, or call 706-736-6244 or 706-821-2612.

History of the Appleby Library and the Concert Series

The Annie de Prairie Appleby Branch Library, which now houses over 35,000 books, was originally built as a private home around 1830 by Judge Benjamin Warren.  After the death of his wife, Mr Scott B. Appleby and his son, James Scott Appleby, gave the house to the City of Augusta and Richmond County to be used as a library that was first opened in 1954.

The Evenings in Appleby Garden Concert Series, originally known as “Music in the Garden,” began in 1954 as an evolution of a former library program, a listening series for classical music at the old library headquarters. According to the  Augusta Chronicle, due to concerns with the space and the recent donation by the Appleby family of the mansion that is now the Appleby Branch Library, “library officials approached the Augusta Music Club…, and the two groups worked out through cooperative effort a summer concert series to be held in the cool back garden of the Appleby branch.” The concert series has been held annually at no charge to attendees since then.

If you have enjoyed any of the Evenings at Appleby Gardens Concert Series, please consider being a sponsor at a level that is convenient for you. Your contribution will help this Augusta institution remain a fun and free event for attendees. Over a thousand guests attended the 2018 series, and we look forward to having even more people enjoying the tunes this year. Download the 2019 Appleby Gardens Concert Series Sponsorship Levels Form for more details and instructions.