The Austin Public Library’s Recycled Reads program will stay at its Burnet Road location for the time being. City Council approved the renewal of the program’s lease with a tight 5-5 vote, with Council Member Ann Kitchen off the dais. The lease can be negated after one year with a Council vote. It lasts seven years at $14,000 per month, up from the previous $8,000 per month rent set in 2008. Council discussed moving the program to city-owned land or finding partner nonprofits to shoulder some of the cost. The lease agreement will be evaluated at Council again in one year. Recycled Reads takes discarded books from the Austin library system and sells them at reduced prices ranging from 50 cents to $2. Recycled Reads manager Mindy Reed was awarded the Library Journal’s “Mover and Shaker” award earlier this month for pioneering the program.
Recycled Reads keeps its lease, for now
