REGULAR MEETING OF THE LIBRARY COMMISSION September 29, 2025 – 6 P.M. Howson Branch Library 2500 Exposition Blvd. Austin, Texas This meeting is being held in a hybrid format, with both in-person and online virtual participation. Some members of the Commission may be participating via video conference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Laura Polio, 512-974-9624, laura.polio@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Pamela Carlile Dr. Suchitra Gururaj Melissah Hasdorff Edward Selig AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Sheila Mehta, Vice Chair Magen Davis Sara Gore Andrea Herrera Moreno PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Library Commission regular meeting on August 25, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. 3. Staff briefing on the Outcomes and Highlights of the Summer at Austin Public Library Program by Alanna Graves, Librarian III. Staff briefing on the September APL Public Programming Highlights and Facilities Updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. 5. Discussion on the 2026 Library Commission Meeting Schedule. Discussion regarding the Community Meeting held on September 11, 2025, by District 7 and Austin Public Library concerning the Recycled Reads program. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If you require Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Laura Polio at the Library Department, at 512-974-9624 or laura.polio@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Library Commission, please contact Laura Polio at 512-974-9624 or laura.polio@austintexas.gov.
1 APL Public Programming Highlights & Facilities Updates Hannah Terrell, Interim Director September 2025 HIGHLIGHTS Goodbye, Summer 2025 This summer brought cooler temperatures and record- breaking engagement across the Austin Public Library system. Thanks to the leadership of Alanna Graves and the incredible efforts of youth librarians, programmers, volunteers, and staff, Summer 2025 was one to remember. Over the course of the summer, APL hosted 354 events, an 8.25 percent increase over last year, with 17,366 attendees, reflecting a 42 percent growth in participation. The reading challenge also saw a significant boost, with readers logging over 4.2 million minutes, a 25 percent increase from 2024. From Literature Live and musical performances to crafts and reading incentives, APL’s summer programming inspired thousands of families across Austin. Teen Workshop Series Puts Youth Stories at the Center APL recently hosted a three-part Teen Workshop Series inspired by KUT’s ATXplained, led by iSchool intern and KUT journalist Sarah Asch. Nearly 20 teens participated in the program, exploring topics in Austin’s culture and history through interviews, archival research, and storytelling. Working alongside mentors and staff from the Austin History Center, teens created original stories that will be on display in Teen Central through September. Five participants also submitted their pieces for consideration by KUT’s editorial team. If selected, they will have the opportunity to record their stories for broadcast at KUT’s studio. Branch Programming Highlights Yarborough Branch has been selected as one of 40 libraries nationwide to participate in the Yiddish Book Center’s Public Libraries Program, themed Between Two Worlds: Exploring Jewish Culture and Religion through Yiddish Literature. As part of the program, Interim Branch Manager Julie Brown will attend a three day workshop at the Yiddish Book Center in Amherst, Massachusetts in November 2025. The program provides resources, training, and support for libraries to host public reading groups exploring themes of identity, religion, and immigration through translated Yiddish literature. Community programming at APL will begin following the workshop. Southeast Branch hosted a Tiny Libraries Workshop, where 26 adult participants created small book sharing structures in a hands on, community focused craft session. Ruiz Branch welcomed crowds in July with a popular Minecraft Quest session and a high energy magic show that drew nearly 120 excited attendees. University Hills Branch brought back its annual Arcade Night on August 9, serving as an end of summer celebration and back to school bash. Around 200 participants enjoyed …
Alanna Graves Librarian III: Summer Experience Coordinator alanna.graves@austintexas.gov | 512-974-7311 Program features a summer learning challenge, prizes, and over 350 free events from June 7th - August 10th 2025 Summer Reading & Badge Challenge THIS SUMMER, WE CHALLENGE YOU TO READ, LEARN, AND EARN FREE PRIZES READ COMPLETE EARN 600 Minutes Learning Badges Free Prizes Learning badges are scaled for each age group: babies & toddlers, kids & tweens, teens, and adults HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE Online Paper Logs Available at APL Locations or PDF download at library.austintexas.gov/summer FREE PRIZES! FREE PRIZES! FREE PRIZES! Adults earn an APL ceramic mug! k o o g ! e b s i n e o r o n a f r h e i r c u Y o a h h e f t t o CHALLENGE FINISHER STATS 2023-2025 COMPARISON 2023 2024 2025 % difference between 2024-2025 Minutes Logged 2,157,070 3,383,106 4,226,202 +25% increase Readers Enrolled 4,256 6,265 7,390 +18% increase Prizes Distributed 2,763 4,145 4,872 +17.5% increase *CONGRATS TO ARZ FOR GIVING OUT THE MOST PRIZES (528)! CHALLENGE FINISHER STATS 2023-2025 BY AGE GROUP 2023 2024 2025 % difference between 2024-2025 Babies, Toddlers & Pre-K 776 1,012 1,108 +9.5% increase Kids & Tweens 1,331 1,712 1,804 +5.4% increase Teens Adults 146 512 173 183 +5.8% increase 1,248 1,777 +42.4% increase *SHOUT OUTS TO BEANSTACK SPOCS! TOP 3 TITLES LOGGED BY AGE Bear’s Lost Glasses by Leo TimmersWe are Definitely Human by X. FangGoodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown Kids & TweensBabies & ToddlersScare School Diaries by Jarrett LernerDog Man: Big Jim Begins by Dav PilkeyThe Wild Robot Escapes by Peter BrownTeensSunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne CollinsPercy Jackson: Chalice of the Gods byRick RiordanThe Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny HanAdultsGreat Big Beautiful LIfe by Emily HenryJames by Percival EverettAtmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid DISCOVER, LEARN, & CREATE ACTIVITY BADGES CUSTOMER ANECDOTES (2,740 RESPONSES TOTAL) DISCOVERED LIBRARY RESOURCES “I made a castle with magnatiles I checked out from the library!” -AOK Customer, age 3 “I started to sew thanks to quilting and sewing books I checked out at the library” -AHO Customer, age 30 “We learned some basic sign language from my son (and a camp he went to) and a book we checked out from the library!” -AMI Customers, ages 8 & 38 “[I discovered] ‘Ninja Kitten’ by Colleen Venable. It was displayed at St. John’s library“ -ASJ Customer, …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes August 25, 2025 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, AUGUST 25, 2025 The Library Commission convened a regular meeting on Monday, August 25, 2025, at the Twin Oaks Library in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Infante Huerta called the Library Commission meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Sheila Mehta, Vice-Chair Pamela Carlile Kezia Frayjo Sara Gore Dr. Suchitra Gururaj Melissah Hasdorff Andrea Herrera Moreno Edward Selig Commissioners Absent: Magen Davis PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Name: Carlos León Topic: Hannah Terrell APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Library Commission regular meeting on June 30, 2025. The June 30, 2025, minutes were approved at the August 25, 2025, regular meeting on a motion by Commissioner Selig, seconded by Commissioners Hasdorff. The motion passed on a 9–0 vote. Commissioner Davis was absent. Library Commission Meeting Minutes August 25, 2025 2. Approve the minutes of the Library Commission Special Called meeting on August 2, 2025. The August 2, 2025, minutes were approved at the August 25, 2025, regular meeting on a motion by Commissioner Hasdorff, seconded by Commissioner Gururaj. The motion passed on a 9–0 vote. Commissioner Davis was absent. Carlos León provided public communication to the Commission. STAFF BRIEFING 3. Staff briefing on the Austin Public Library Strategic Plan Update by Katherine Cantrell, Interim Chief Administrative Officer. The briefing was presented by Katherine Cantrell, Interim Chief Administrative Officer and Joe Faulk, Information Technology Manager. 4. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Facilities Updates and Capital Improvement Projects, by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager. The briefing was presented by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager. 5. Staff briefing on the August APL Public Programming Highlights and Facilities Updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. The briefing was presented by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director. Carlos León provided public communication to the Commission. DISCUSSION ITEMS 6. Discussion on Recent Library Article by Zac Bissonnette in The Free Press. The Commission discussed the Recent Library Article, The Death of the Public Library, by Zac Bissonnette in The Free Press. Carlos León provided public communication to the Commission. 7. Discussion on Long-Range Objectives and Advocacy Strategies to Support Austin Public Library Priorities for the Next Year. The Commission discussed future objectives and advocacy strategies to support the Austin Public Library over the next year. The conversation focused on gaining deeper understanding of key …
2026 Meeting Schedule for the Library Commission MEETING DATES & TIMES LOCATION DISTRICT Monday, January 26 6 PM Milwood Branch, 125 Amherst Dr Monday, February 23 6 PM Little Walnut Branch, 835 W. Rundberg Ln Monday, March 30 6 PM Menchaca Branch, 5500 Menchaca Rd 7 4 5 Monday, April 27 6 PM Pleasant Hill Branch, 211 E. William Cannon Dr 2 Monday, May 18* 6 PM Old Quarry Branch,7051 Village Circle Dr 10 Monday, June 29 6 PM Hampton Branch, 5125 Convict Hill Rd Saturday, July 25* 10 AM Central, 710 W. Cesar Chavez St 8 9 Monday, August 24 6 PM Spicewood Springs, 8637 Spicewood Springs Rd 6 Monday, September 28 6 PM Austin History Center Campus, 800 Guadalupe St 9 Monday, October 26 6 PM Willie Mae Kirk Branch, 3101 Oak Springs Dr Monday, November 16* 6 PM University Hills Branch, 4721 Loyola Ln 3 1 Monday, December 14* 6 PM Central, 710 W Cesar Chavez St 9 *Date Change Due to Holiday or Retreat The purpose of the board is make recommendations to the City Council on matters relating to the establishment, maintenance, and operation of the public libraries. § 2-1-150
REGULAR MEETING OF THE LIBRARY COMMISSION August 25, 2025 – 6 P.M. Twin Oaks Branch Library 1800 South 5th Street Austin, Texas This meeting is being held in a hybrid format, with both in-person and online virtual participation. Some members of the Commission may be participating via video conference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Laura Polio, 512-974-9624, laura.polio@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Pamela Carlile Kezia Frayjo Sara Gore Andrea Herrera Moreno AGENDA CALL TO ORDER Sheila Mehta, Vice Chair Magen Davis Dr. Suchitra Gururaj Melissah Hasdorff Edward Selig PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. 2. Approve the minutes of the Library Commission regular meeting on June 30, 2025. Approve the minutes of the Library Commission Special Called meeting on August 2, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. 4. 5. Staff briefing on the Austin Public Library Strategic Plan Update by Katherine Cantrell, Interim Chief Administrative Officer. Staff briefing on the Austin Public Library Facilities Updates and Capital Improvement Projects, by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager. Staff briefing on the August APL Public Programming Highlights and Facilities Updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. DISCUSSION ITEMS 6. 7. Discussion on Recent Library Article by Zac Bissonnette in The Free Press. Discussion on Long-Range Objectives and Advocacy Strategies to Support Austin Public Library Priorities for the Next Year. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If you require Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Laura Polio at the Library Department, at 512-974-9624 or laura.polio@austintexas.gov for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Library Commission, please contact Laura Polio at …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes June 30, 2025 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, JUNE 30, 2025 The Library Commission convened a regular meeting on Monday, June 30, 2025, at the Yarborough Branch Library in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Infante Huerta called the Library Commission meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Sheila Mehta, Vice-Chair Pamela Carlile Magen Davis Sara Gore Melissah Hasdorff Edward Selig Commissioners Absent: Kezia Frayjo Dr. Suchitra Gururaj Andrea Herrera Moreno PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. Zenobia Joseph provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Library Commission regular meeting on May 19, 2025. Library Commission Meeting Minutes June 30, 2025 The May 19, 2025, minutes were approved at the June 30, 2025, regular meeting on a motion by Commissioner Selig, seconded by Commissioners Gore and Hasdorff. The motion passed on a 7–0 vote. Commissioners Frayjo, Gururaj and Herrera Moreno absent. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Immigrant Services, provided by Laura Tadena, Community Engagement Librarian III, Austin Public Library. The briefing was presented by Laura Tadena, Community Engagement Librarian III. Zenobia Joseph provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. 3. Staff briefing on the June APL Public Programming Highlights and Facilities Updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. The briefing was presented by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. Zenobia Joseph provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discussion and Approval of the Date, Time and Agenda for a Special Called Library Commission Retreat. The Commission unanimously approved to hold a special-called retreat on a Saturday afternoon in July or August 2025. The final date will be based on availability. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Poet Laureate Budget Library Commission Annual Report Bond and Advocacy Strategic Plan I.D.E.A.L ADJOURNMENT Chair Infante Huerta adjourned the meeting at 7:19 p.m. without objection.
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE LIBRARY COMMISSION August 2, 2025 – 12 P.M. Central Library, 4th Floor Director’s Conference Room 710 W. Cesar Chavez Street Austin, Texas This meeting is being held in a hybrid format, with both in-person and online virtual participation. Some members of the Commission may be participating via video conference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Laura Polio, 512-974-9624, laura.polio@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Pamela Carlile Kezia Frayjo Sara Gore Andrea Herrera Moreno CALL TO ORDER AGENDA Sheila Mehta, Vice Chair Magen Davis Dr. Suchitra Gururaj Melissah Hasdorff Edward Selig PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Library Commission regular meeting on June 30, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing: “The Best of Both Worlds: Integrating Digital Content and Print Resources” by Christina Nelson, Customer Access Division Manager. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Staff briefing on the Austin Public Library Poet Laureate Program by Zell Miller, III, Poet Laureate. Staff briefing on the 2026 Austin Public Library Centennial Celebrations by Baylor Johnson, Public Information and Marketing Program Manager. Staff Briefing on the Austin Public Library FY2026 Proposed Budget, by John Cabiya, Acting Financial Manager II. Staff briefing on the Austin Public Library Facilities Updates and Capital Improvement Projects, by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager. Staff briefing on the July APL Public Programming Highlights and Facilities Updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. DISCUSSION ITEMS 8. 9. Presentation by Kathy Mitchell, Senior Advisor, Equity Action: “Waiting for Library Books: Can We Reduce Wait Times to Improve This Core Service?” Discussion on Recent Library Article by Zac Bissonnette in The Free Press. 10. Discussion of the Library Commission 2024 Annual Internal Review and Report. 11. Discussion on Long-Range Objectives and Advocacy Strategies to Support Austin Public Library Priorities for the Next Year. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to …
Library Commission Meeting Minutes August 2, 2025 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING MINUTES SATURDAY, AUGUST 02, 2025 The Library Commission convened a special called meeting on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the Austin Central Library in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Infante Huerta called the Library Commission meeting to order at 12:05 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Sheila Mehta, Vice-Chair Pamela Carlile Magen Davis Sara Gore Dr. Suchitra Gururaj Melissah Hasdorff Andrea Herrera Moreno Edward Selig Commissioners Absent: Kezia Frayjo PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. Zenobia Joseph provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Library Commission regular meeting on June 30, 2025. Library Commission Meeting Minutes August 2, 2025 The June 30, 2025, minutes were approved at the August 2, 2025, special called meeting on a motion by Commissioner Gore, seconded by Commissioners Carlile. The motion passed on a 9–0 vote. Commissioner Frayjo was absent. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. Zenobia Joseph provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing: “The Best of Both Worlds: Integrating Digital Content and Print Resources” by Christina Nelson, Customer Access Division Manager. The briefing was presented by Christina Nelson, Customer Access Division Manager. 3. Staff briefing on the Austin Public Library Poet Laureate Program by Zell Miller, III, Poet Laureate. The briefing was presented by Zell Miller, III, Poet Laureate. 4. Staff briefing on the 2026 Austin Public Library Centennial Celebrations by Baylor Johnson, Public Information and Marketing Program Manager. The briefing was presented by Baylor Johnson, Public Information and Marketing Program Manager. 5. Staff Briefing on the Austin Public Library FY2026 Proposed Budget, by John Cabiya, Acting Financial Manager II. The briefing was presented by John Cabiya, Acting Financial Manager II. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. Zenobia Joseph provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. 6. Staff briefing on the Austin Public Library Facilities Updates and Capital Improvement Projects, by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager. The briefing was postponed to the August 25, 2025, meeting without objection. 7. Staff briefing on the July APL Public Programming Highlights and Facilities Updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. Library Commission Meeting Minutes August 2, 2025 Hannah Terrell, Interim Director, …
1 APL Public Programming Highlights & Facilities Updates Hannah Terrell, Interim Director August 2025 HIGHLIGHTS Austin Public Library Hosts Citywide School Supply Drive On July 25, the Austin Central Library hosted the 2025 Citywide School Supply Drive, welcoming more than 60 City of Austin employees from various departments who volunteered their time to support local students. Throughout the day, volunteers collected donation drop- offs, sorted and packaged supplies, and prepared them for pickup and distribution. Thirty students from the Boys and Girls Club and the Summer Playgrounds program joined the event, enjoying lunch with Council Member José Velásquez, Assistant City Manager Stephanie Hayden- Howard, and Interim Director Hannah Terrell, followed by a guided tour of the library. Each student selected a backpack and received essential school supplies to start the new school year with confidence. Thanks to the combined efforts of participating departments, the City of Austin provided 691 backpacks and 210 boxes of supplies to Austin ISD and the Gardner Betts Juvenile Justice Center. The Austin Public Library made a major contribution toward this total, with more than 15 divisions or individuals donating 143 backpacks and approximately 1,500 school supplies. Welcoming Namakau Mayungo: Mandela Washington Fellow From July 30 to August 27, Austin Public Library is honored to welcome Namakau Mayungo, a dedicated public librarian from Zambia, through the U.S. Department of State’s Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders Professional Development Experience. This distinguished program connects exceptional leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa with U.S. institutions to foster cross-cultural exchange and advance professional expertise. Namakau’s career reflects a deep commitment to community engagement, equitable information access, and youth empowerment. In addition to her work as a public librarian, she volunteers with Sol Talent Hub, a youth-led organization that uses artistic expression to share critical information. During her residency at APL, she will focus on strategies for planning, implementing, and monitoring community literacy projects, while contributing her insight and experience to strengthen the library’s community impact. Austin History Center – Unboxing the Archives: Our Records, Our Stories The Austin History Center (AHC) is celebrating their upcoming reopening and the 25th anniversary of its Community Archives Program this year. Throughout the summer, in an effort to remain rooted in community, the AHC hosted public meetings, workshops, and surveys to gather input on future programs, exhibits, and spaces. On Sunday, September 7, from 1–4 p.m. at 800 Guadalupe Street, we will host the …
The Death of the Public Library Public libraries are in decline not because of the internet or because people are reading less, but because they have become de facto homeless shelters. “ CURRE N T PRA CTI CE S A RE N ’ T SO LV I N G HO M E L E SSN E SS, B UT SE E M WE L L O N THE I R WAY TO DE STRO Y I N G THE PUB L I C L I B RA RY ,” WRI TE S ZA C B I SSO N N E TTE . ( GE N A RO M O L I N A / L OS A NG EL ES T I MES V I A GE TTY I M A GE S) By Zac Bissonnette I was excited about the Mandel Public Library when I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida, in early 2023. The city was on the rise, and Fodor’s Travel had named Mandel the fourth most beautiful public library in America. Then I started going there. I watched a security guard tell a man who appeared to be homeless that he wasn’t allowed back for another month. In the new books section, a guy yelled into his phone that he’d been kicked off the bus for arguing with a driver. Other homeless people slept in chairs and snored; the smell made you hold your breath. Beautiful though it was, with high rounded ceilings and a coffee shop in the lobby, I wondered how people could use this library as a place to read and study. The answer, I soon discovered, is that increasingly, they don’t. Between 2012 and 2019, according to the Institute of Museum and Library Services, visits to the Mandel Library declined 27 percent, and total circulation—the number of items, including e-books, borrowed by library patrons—fell 26 percent. And even as newcomers poured into South Florida, the trend has not reversed, with visits falling another 31 percent since 2019, meaning that visits have declined a staggering 50 percent. The statistic showing a dramatic increase, on the other hand, is not the one you want to see. According to the library’s director, Lisa Hathaway, “behavior incident reports”—everything from sleeping in the library to harassment of other patrons as well as staff—have risen by 41 percent since 2019. Rather than resisting their role as first responders …
Austin Public Library Strategic Plan Library Commission Meeting August 25, 2025 Building Our Strategic Plan 2022 - 2023 A Year of Collaborative Planning • Over 6,500 Austinites contributed to shaping the vision • Guided by a dedicated Steering Committee, including: Chief Administrative Officer Assistant Director of Public Services Community Engagement Librarian IDEAL Program Manager Business Process Consultant Sr Workgroup Engagement • 5 workgroups aligned with the strategic goals • 86 staff members from across the department participated • Members were selected for their diverse roles, perspectives, & expertise 2024 IMPLEMENTATION Rolling Out the Strategy 2024 - 2025 Engaging Staff Across the System • Conducted a “Road Show”, visiting over 40 work groups in just 3 months Partnering with the University of Texas • Collaborating on a Data Dictionary and Reporting Tool to support data-informed decision-making Coordinating with the City & Office of Operational Excellence • Aligning metrics with the City’s Strategic Direction 2028 • Prioritizing metrics and data collection • Tweaking our systems to collect meaningful data Ongoing Communication & Training • Presenting at Staff Development Days, Management Team Meetings, Branch Meetings, Library Orientation, and other key internal events • Providing on-demand training for use of new tools • Creating and communicating new procedures Technology Design & Buildout2024 - 2025 Background • New Strategic Plan • Consistency of Tracking and Reporting • Consistency of Process Server and Infrastructure • Library – All New Server Hardware, Software and Platforms • Security and Privacy take the lead • New Tools, Methods, and Processes • Built from the ground up (New Stacks) Standardization of data and methods • Database decisions • Methods and Tools 2024 - 2025 Database & Applications A Phased Approach • Prioritize buildout • 50+ metrics for the Strategic Plan alone • Proof of Concept as we build Phase I • Library Highlights Report – Library Commission • Completing Phase I Now Phase II – Remaining Strategic Plan Metrics • Strategic Plan Metrics • Capture …through presentation • Long Term Vision – Make sense Actions Phase III – Misc Metrics, New Mediums and Presentations • Non- Strategic Plan metrics • Audience Access Expansion • New Presentation Methods STRATEGIC GOALS Goal 1: Provide Community-Centric Programs and Services • Include staff feedback in designing programs and services • Making sure that resources are allocated equitably • Use data to better understand how libraries are used • Offer …
CAPITAL INVESTMENT PROJECTS Cody Scott – Facilities Process Manager OBJECTIVES Introduction Completed Projects Active Projects Pending Projects Bond 2026 Facilities Services Introduction BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS INVENTORY CONTROL MAINTENANCE PROJECT MANAGEMENT SECURITY Project Updates Faulk Building and History Center Renovations 2018 Bond – Archival Expansion and Preservation Old Quarry Willie Mae Kirk St John Spending Overview Library 2018 Bond Spending Overview $34.5 M $30.2 M $15.1 M $12.2 M $11.2 M $6.2 M $4.0 M $.0 M 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 $40.0 M $35.0 M $30.0 M $25.0 M $20.0 M $15.0 M $10.0 M $5.0 M $.0 M 2026 Bond Priorities Proposed 2026 Austin Public Library Bond Projects Colony Park Branch Library All-new community hub serving East Austin Safe and Secure Libraries Protecting and supporting in times of crisis Oak Hill and Milwood Branch Expansions Enhancing existing network Land Acquisitions For future library construction The 2026 Bond Election presents a critical opportunity to begin implementing Austin Public Library's city council-approved facilities recommendations, ensuring APL meets the growing needs of Austin’s diverse communities through expansion, innovation, and sustainability. Colony Park Branch Library All new facility to serve as community hub in major service desert in rapidly-growing East Austin area. Opportunity for co-location of services with other City of Austin Departments as part of affordable housing development. Hampton at Oak Hill Expansion • Original design plans call to expand 6,420 SF • Adding a rooftop nature smart or reading patio would increase this to 13,000 square feet • The properties impervious cover limited the outward expansion of the library to this example • Current parking lot expansion is in line with original designed expansion Milwood Expansion • Original design plans proposed to expand 6,500 SF • Adding a rooftop nature smart or reading patio would increase this to 13,000 square feet Safe and Secure Library Project • Terrazas Branch, Ruiz Branch, and Little Walnut Creek Branch • supporting the community during times of crisis. • • • • backup power systems enhanced climate control resilient design features like energy-efficient systems structural reinforcements Land Acquisitions for Future Libraries 30,000 to 40,000 square-foot facilities, addressing significant service gaps in Austin’s underserved northeast, southeast and southwest communities. • Large regional branches to extend our impact beyond the city center and serve as community hubs Thank you Questions and Concerns
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING OF THE LIBRARY COMMISSION August 2, 2025 – 12 P.M. Central Library, 4th Floor Director’s Conference Room 710 W. Cesar Chavez Street Austin, Texas This meeting is being held in a hybrid format, with both in-person and online virtual participation. Some members of the Commission may be participating via video conference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Laura Polio, 512-974-9624, laura.polio@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Pamela Carlile Kezia Frayjo Sara Gore Andrea Herrera Moreno CALL TO ORDER AGENDA Sheila Mehta, Vice Chair Magen Davis Dr. Suchitra Gururaj Melissah Hasdorff Edward Selig PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first five speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Library Commission regular meeting on June 30, 2025. STAFF BRIEFINGS 2. Staff briefing: “The Best of Both Worlds: Integrating Digital Content and Print Resources” by Christina Nelson, Customer Access Division Manager. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Staff briefing on the Austin Public Library Poet Laureate Program by Zell Miller, III, Poet Laureate. Staff briefing on the 2026 Austin Public Library Centennial Celebrations by Baylor Johnson, Public Information and Marketing Program Manager. Staff Briefing on the Austin Public Library FY2026 Proposed Budget, by John Cabiya, Acting Financial Manager II. Staff briefing on the Austin Public Library Facilities Updates and Capital Improvement Projects, by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager. Staff briefing on the July APL Public Programming Highlights and Facilities Updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. DISCUSSION ITEMS 8. 9. Presentation by Kathy Mitchell, Senior Advisor, Equity Action: “Waiting for Library Books: Can We Reduce Wait Times to Improve This Core Service?” Discussion on Recent Library Article by Zac Bissonnette in The Free Press. 10. Discussion of the Library Commission 2024 Annual Internal Review and Report. 11. Discussion on Long-Range Objectives and Advocacy Strategies to Support Austin Public Library Priorities for the Next Year. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to …
AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY PROPOSED 2025-26 BUDGET John Cabiya, Acting Financial Manager II FY 2026 BUDGET TIMELINE DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW AND PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS . Austin Public Library (APL) provides access to books, technology, and information across a network of library locations serving the Austin community. Through dedicated staff and engaging programs, the Library supports learning, creativity, and connection in a welcoming and inclusive environment. APL is committed to equity, inclusion, and service for all residents. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR Circulation Per Capita is a key performance measure that compares the total number of items circulated at all library locations to the City's full-purpose population for a given period. OPERATING PROGRAM BUDGET – MATERIALS MANAGEMENT SERVICES OPERATING PROGRAM BUDGET – PUBLIC SERVICES OPERATING PROGRAM BUDGET – SUPPORT SERVICES OPERATING PROGRAM BUDGET – TRANSFERS, DEBT SERVICE, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS SIGNIFICANT CHANGES SIGNIFICANT CHANGES CAPITAL BUDGET BY PROGRAM Thank you! Questions?? John Cabiya Acting Financial Manager II John.Cabiya@austintexas.gov
August 2, 2025 Library Commission/Title VI Testimony Zenobia C. Joseph FY 2025-26 COA Budget: “Blacks are over 6 times more likely to be homeless” (ECHO, 2023) $ave Recycled Reads ($107K): Against Decentralization Against: $11.5M (Cut 12 New FTEs = Encampment Management) Item 5: FY 2026 Proposed Budget (p. 35) S.M.A.R.T. vs. Permanent Segregated Housing Joint Audit and Public Health Committee Meeting July 31, 2025 Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Zenobia C. Joseph FY 2025-26 COA Budget: “Blacks are over 6 times more likely to be homeless” (ECHO, 2023) Against: $11.5M Mayor Watson’s Marshalling Yard/8th St. shelter; 12 FTEs (p. 34) APL/PARD: Industrial microwaves YMCA: $8.9M 2006 Bond PARD ILA vs. $10 Showers; Chargers APL: Phone Booths; Recycled Reads $4.7M Samsung-Apple Transit $avings: Use Pickup = job access 392-Braker Urbana I, II 558 Units Ghetto Graham ES Bus 45 min 6-8 UT August 2, 2025 Library Commission/Title VI Testimony Zenobia C. Joseph FY 2025-26 COA Budget: “Blacks are over 6 times more likely to be homeless” (ECHO, 2023) Goodwill-Norwood Encampment: 13 baskets $ave Recycled Reads ($107K): Against Decentralization Against: $11.5M (Cut 12 New FTEs = Encampment Management) June 30, 2025 Library Commission #2. Against Welcoming City Designation Zenobia C. Joseph Title VI (Item 2 Backup, p. 5 of 18) August 2, 2025 Library Commission/Title VI Testimony Zenobia C. Joseph FY25-26 COA Budget: Prioritize N. Lamar equitable safety (PHBs, red sidewalks, new signals) July 27, 2025 Imam Islam Mossaad Killed Sunday 11900 North Lamar August 2, 2025 Zenobia C. Joseph Library Commission Special-Called Meeting March 4, 2025 FY 25-26 Budget Title VI: $1.5M Black Literature African-American Resource Advisory Joint Inclusion Commission Recommendation Carver Museum: $650K ($7M PARD Bond: 2018)
Library Commission Meeting Minutes June 30, 2025 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, JUNE 30, 2025 The Library Commission convened a regular meeting on Monday, June 30, 2025, at the Yarborough Branch Library in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Chair Infante Huerta called the Library Commission meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Sheila Mehta, Vice-Chair Pamela Carlile Magen Davis Sara Gore Melissah Hasdorff Edward Selig Commissioners Absent: Kezia Frayjo Dr. Suchitra Gururaj Andrea Herrera Moreno PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. Zenobia Joseph provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Library Commission regular meeting on May 19, 2025. Library Commission Meeting Minutes June 30, 2025 The May 19, 2025, minutes were approved at the June 30, 2025, regular meeting on a motion by Commissioner Selig, seconded by Commissioners Gore and Hasdorff. The motion passed on a 7–0 vote. Commissioners Frayjo, Gururaj and Herrera Moreno absent. STAFF BRIEFING 2. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Immigrant Services, provided by Laura Tadena, Community Engagement Librarian III, Austin Public Library. The briefing was presented by Laura Tadena, Community Engagement Librarian III. Zenobia Joseph provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. 3. Staff briefing on the June APL Public Programming Highlights and Facilities Updates, by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. The briefing was presented by Hannah Terrell, Interim Director of Libraries. Carlos León provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. Zenobia Joseph provided public comment to the Commission regarding various concerns. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 4. Discussion and Approval of the Date, Time and Agenda for a Special Called Library Commission Retreat. The Commission unanimously approved to hold a special-called retreat on a Saturday afternoon in July or August 2025. The final date will be based on availability. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Poet Laureate Budget Library Commission Annual Report Bond and Advocacy Strategic Plan I.D.E.A.L ADJOURNMENT Chair Infante Huerta adjourned the meeting at 7:19 p.m. without objection.
1 APL Public Programming Highlights & Facilities Updates Hannah Terrell, Interim Director July 2025 HIGHLIGHTS Carver Library Hosts Austin African American Book Festival The Austin African American Book Festival (AAABF) returned to the Carver Library and Museum on Saturday, June 28, celebrating Black literature, history, and culture. This year’s theme, “Our Stories, Our Voices,” emphasized the importance of honoring and amplifying African American narratives. Festival highlights included a conversation between best- selling author Walter Mosley and Paul Coates, as well as a presentation by historian Peniel Joseph on his upcoming book, Freedom Season. Austin’s Poet Laureate, Zell Miller III, performed original work, and the Carver Library hosted an engaging children’s program featuring story time, crafts, and readings led by author Alice Faye Duncan. Nature Smart Libraries Initiative Earns Grant and National Spotlight Austin Public Library’s Nature Smart Libraries initiative continues to serve as a model for integrating literacy, environmental stewardship, and community engagement. In June 2025, APL received a $75,000 Special Projects Grant from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission to support new StoryWalk® installations, multilingual and sensory-inclusive programming kits, staff training, and systemwide nature programming. The initiative was also featured as a national case study in Nature-Smart Libraries: A Toolkit by the Children & Nature Network and highlighted in Library Journal’s July 2025 article on innovative partnerships between libraries and parks. Literature Live! Presents: Wild and Wacky Weather This summer, Literature Live launched Wild and Wacky Weather, a playful puppet show exploring Texas’s famously unpredictable climate. Through three imaginative stories, each told in a different puppetry style, audiences are taken on a journey filled with sunny songs, windy whimsy, and frigid folly. Recommended for ages 3 and up, the show began its run on June 9 and continues through July 24, traveling to library branches across the city. APL Awarded $15K from Austin Community Foundation’s Forever Austin Fund The Forever Austin Fund is a permanent community resource that enables investment in Austin’s most pressing needs and greatest opportunities. The Forever Austin Fund supports the giving of a collection of field-of-interest funds, unrestricted funds, and donor advised funds. Austin Public Library, specifically Austin History Center, was recently awarded $15,000. This grant will fund a project in partnership with Austin History Center Association for “Creating Community: A Digital Twin of Historic Austin,” which aims to develop 3D historical models and related technologies. Special Events Updates In June 2025, Central Library …
Annual Internal Review This report covers the time period of 7/1/2024 to 6/30/2025 _______________Library Commission__________ (Official Name of Board or Commission) Mission Statement: The Library Commission shall make recommendations to the city council on matters relating to the establishment, maintenance, and operation of the public libraries. City Code Section 2-1-150 1. Describe the board’s actions supporting their mission during the previous calendar year. Address all elements of the board’s mission statement as provided in the relevant sections of the City Code. a. Commissioners were briefed about the library operations so as to be able to answer questions from the City Council members and their constituents. i. Staff briefing on the Austin Public Library FY25 APL Proposed Budget by Wendy Harrison, Financial Manager II Annual Review and Work Plan 2024/2025 Page | 2 ii. Staff briefing on the Austin Public Library Bond Projects and Advocacy Timelines by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager, and Baylor Johnson, Public Information & Marketing Program Manager iii. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Security by St. John Requejo, Facilities Services Manager, Ida Garza, Central Security Supervisor, and Lloyd Black, Branch Security Supervisor. iv. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Partnerships by Jennifer Peters, Division Manager, Programs & Partnerships and Laura Tadena, Community Engagement Librarian. v. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Summer 2024 Programming by Alanna Graves, Librarian III. vi. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Bond Progress Update by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager. vii. Staff briefing on Library Community Engagement by Laura Tadena, Community Engagement Librarian, Austin Public Library viii. Presentation by Tim Staley, Executive Director, The Library Foundation, regarding The Library Foundation programs and services. ix. Presentation by Charles Peveto, President, Austin History Center Association, regarding Austin History Center Association programs and services. x. Staff briefing on City of Austin Bond Update by Cody Scott, Facilities Process Manager, and Baylor Johnson, Public Information & Marketing Program Manager, Austin Public Library. xi. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library School Partnerships by Jenny Stirrat, School Partnerships Librarian, Austin Public Library. Annual Review and Work Plan 2024/2025 Page | 3 xii. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Nature Smart Libraries Initiative by Laura Tadena, Community Engagement Librarian, Austin Public Library. xiii. Presentation by Wendy Woodland, Director of Advocacy & Communications for the Texas Library Association, on legislative issues impacting libraries and TLA’s work in this area. xiv. Staff briefing on Summer at Austin Public Library and …
