The city of Austin has begun working on a way to use a souped-up library card as a form of identification, which is a service that would be particularly helpful for those who might not have an official ID, like people experiencing homelessness or undocumented residents. Enhanced library cards, which are used in other Texas […]
Austin Public Library
This is Austin’s public library system, run by the city.
Posted inAustin
Recycled Reads seeks to branch out from books to tools
The Austin Public Library system is the go-to for most Austinites who want to rent books free of charge. But APL also has a lesser-known service for those who want to buy books at affordable prices: Recycled Reads, the public library’s used bookstore, sells, recycles and repurposes donations and weeded-out materials from the library for a couple […]
Posted inAustin
Amid push to ban books, library commissioners brush up on the basics
With efforts to take books off library shelves ramping up in some parts of Texas, Austin’s Library Commission took the timely step of reviewing the city’s policies to see how our public collections are protected. The commission and the Austin Public Library executive team have come together to staunchly support the freedom to read, a […]
Posted inCity Council
Austin joins growing list of cities eliminating library late fines
An ordinance eliminating late fees at the Austin Public Library has received unanimous approval from City Council, making Austin the latest of nearly 400 cities across the country to adopt such a policy. The ordinance, sponsored by Council Member Kathie Tovo, follows a recommendation issued last month by the city’s Library Commission, following a 2019 resolution […]
Posted inAustin
Library Commission pushes for fine-free books
Austin librarygoers may be in luck: The Library Commission unanimously voted Monday to do away with late fees for overdue library books. While City Council still has to approve the resolution in order for fine-free libraries to become the new norm, the commission’s vote is a major step in a policy that has been a long […]
Posted inCity Hall
In push to raise funds, History Center makes a bid for formal partnership with the city
The Library Commission has postponed the decision to officially recognize the need for an agreement between the Austin History Center Association and the city of Austin. According to the proposed agreement from the association, the group would have a seat at the table with the city when it comes to fundraising for the history center […]
Posted inCity Hall
Libraries set to begin reopening in May, despite City Council resolution
Amid concerns about vaccination rates, City Council has pushed back the day Austin Public Library employees will return to their physical workplaces. The change is not expected to impact a plan to begin reopening public libraries on May 10. “I really appreciate the way the public library has maintained that balance of providing a level […]
Posted inAustin
Austin libraries receive funding to help low-income students
With the Covid-19 pandemic forcing a dramatic rise in the number of online classes and amount of schoolwork, some students in low-income households, who may not have access to the internet or own a personal computer, are being left behind. According to 2018-2019 Austin ISD student data, more than half of students in the district […]
Posted inCity Hall
Audit: Ex-employee stole $1.3 million from city
Randall Whited, a former employee of Austin Public Library, stole at least $1.3 million from the city by purchasing printer toner with a city credit card and reselling it online, according to an investigation released by the Office of the City Auditor Monday. The audit also alleges that Whited misused his city credit card by purchasing […]
Posted inAustin
How Austin Public Library adjusted to the pandemic
Early on a Tuesday morning, Austin’s Central Library would normally be a bustling place. But today, patrons like East Austin resident Todd Fitzgerald arrive one at a time, wait for the phone call to announce that their books are ready, and collect them from a small table outside the front doors without ever making contact […]
Posted inAustin
City begins reopening library, pool facilities
City libraries and pools are reopening for the summer beginning this week. Beginning today, Austin Public Library begins its phased reopening of library branches across the city. In phase two, which started today, book drops at branches are open. Books returned to the library book drops during phase two will be quarantined for 72 hours […]
Posted inBudget
Library Commission discusses proposed FY21 budget
In a virtual meeting convened April 27 to discuss its proposed Fiscal Year 2020-21 budget, the Library Commission recommended a 3.2 percent (or $1.7 million) increase over Fiscal Year 2019-20, including an increase to the materials budget by 3.6 percent (or $168,653). “We are in a state of flux with our budget, and there are […]