The Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System is preparing to launch its new podcast series, “What’s the FIC?”. The podcast will cover a multitude of topics such as literature that influenced media, gaming, education, anime & manga discussion, and special guest interviews. Hosts Georgina Lewis and Megan Williams want to give the community a different type of outlet and connect with potential library users in a modern-day format. 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. I had the chance to sit down with Library Assistant Georgina Lewis to get the scoop on what to expect from the new series.
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
