REGULAR MEETING OF THE LIBRARY COMMISSION MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2026, AT 6 P.M. LITTLE WALNUT CREEK BRANCH 835 W RUNDBERG LN AUSTIN, TEXAS 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, contact Laura Polio, 512-974-9624, laura.polio@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMISSIONERS: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair Pamela Carlile Sara Gore Andrea Herrera Moreno Edward Selig CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Sheila Mehta, Vice Chair Dr. Suchitra Gururaj Melissah Hasdorff Holly Sabiston AGENDA 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 December 15, 2025. DISCUSSION 2. Discussion of items for inclusion in a recommendation supporting Austin Public Library’s FY27 budget, including potential elements such as increased funding for library collections, expanded community support resources, safety and security resources and bond development engagement. STAFF BRIEFINGS 3. 4. Staff briefing on Austin Public Library Programming Update by Jennifer Peters, Division Manager, Programs and Partnerships; Bryana Salcido, Program Development Coordinator - Adults, Programs and Partnerships; and Tucker “Troy” Troy, Program Development Coordinator - Youth, Programs and Partnerships. Staff briefing on February 2026 Austin Public Library Public Programming Highlights and Facilities Updates, by Hannah Terrell, Director of Libraries. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact the Liaison or TTY users’ route through 711. A person may request language access accommodations no later than 48 hours before the scheduled meeting. Please call or email Laura Polio at Austin Public Library Department, at 512-974-9624 or laura.polio@austintexas.gov to request service or for additional information. For more information on the Library Commission, please contact Laura Polio at 512-974-9624 or laura.polio@austintexas.gov.
Library Commission Meeting Minutes December 15, 2025 THE LIBRARY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES MONDAY, December 15, 2025 The Library Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, December 15, 2025, at the Central Library in Austin, Texas. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Mehta called the Library Commission meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Commissioners in Attendance: Sheila Mehta, Vice-Chair Pamela Carlile Magen Davis Sara Gore Dr. Suchitra Gururaj Melissah Hasdorff Andrea Herrera Moreno Holly Sabiston Edward Selig Commissioners Absent: Lynda Infante Huerta, Chair PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Carlos León – APL Director Search APPROVAL OF MINUTES Library Commission Meeting Minutes December 15, 2025 1. Approve the revised minutes of the Library Commission Special-Called meeting on August 2, 2025. The August 2, 2025, revised minutes were approved on a motion by Commissioner Selig, seconded by Commissioner Carlile. The motion passed on a 9-0 vote. Chair Infante Huerta absent. 2. Approve the minutes of the Library Commission regular meeting on November 17, 2025. The November 17, 2025, minutes were approved on a motion by Commissioner Gururaj, seconded by Commissioner Carlile. The motion passed on a 9-0 vote. Chair Infante Huerta absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Presentation by Tim Staley, Executive Director, The Library Foundation, regarding The Library Foundation’s programs and services. Tim Staley, Executive Director, The Library Foundation, presented regarding The Library Foundation’s programs and services. 4. Presentation by Adam Powell, Executive Director, Austin History Center Association, regarding Austin History Center Association’s programs and services. Adam Powell, Executive Director, and Charles Petevo, Board President, Austin History Center Association, presented regarding Austin History Center Association’s programs and services. STAFF BRIEFING 5. Staff briefing on the December APL Public Programming Highlights and Facilities Updates, by Hannah Terrell, Director of Libraries. The briefing was presented by Hannah Terrell, Director of Libraries. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Library Centennial Programming ADJOURNMENT Vice Chair Mehta adjourned the meeting at 7:14 p.m. without objection. Library Commission Meeting Minutes December 15, 2025
Library Highlights & Updates Hannah Terrell, Director February 2026 Public Services Highlights AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY APL Public Programming Highlights & Facilities Updates Highlights Tosho-Con 2026 at APL Austin Public Library hosted Tosho-Con, a teens-only Anime & Manga Convention for ages 13–18, at the University Hills Branch on January 4, 2026. The event drew 115 teens from across Austin and surrounding areas, who enjoyed cosplay, crafting, gaming, karaoke, treats, and panels by special guests on anime voice acting, manga art, and cosplay. Highlights included the Iron Cosplay Challenge, a Cosplay Contest, and a mascot art contest won by a 17-year-old whose characters appeared throughout the event. Teens rated ToshoCon 4.75/5, with 100% recommending it to a friend, and many calling it their favorite library event. Recycled Reads Farewell Recycled Reads Bookstore bid farewell on January 17, 2026, closing its doors for the final time with a spirited Going-Out-of-Business Sale, including live music, poetry reading, activities. After years of serving the community with affordable books and sustainable practices, the store wrapped up its chapter with one last opportunity for customers to stock up and celebrate its legacy. 3 AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY APL Public Programming Highlights & Facilities Updates The Holding Spaces Project The Holding Spaces Project is a heartfelt tribute to the Black entrepreneurs who make Austin feel like home. Through striking portraits and powerful stories, it celebrates local visionaries who have created spaces that nourish, inspire, and reflect their communities amid a city in constant change. Featuring businesses like Riches Art Gallery, Kicking It ATX, Luv Fats Ice Cream, Shag Noir, Cajjun Eats, and Black Pearl Books, the project explores what it means to belong, to be resilient, and to hold space for one another. On view January 15 – March 29, 2026 Central Library | 2nd Floor Southwest Gallery Curated by Taylor Danielle Davis Sponsored by _OFCOLOR, Black Pearl Books, The Library Foundation, Steven Hatchett photos below courtesy of Chris C & Nicole P 4 AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY APL Public Programming Highlights & Facilities Updates Special Events Updates In January 2026, Central Library Special Events hosted 12 events, marking a strong start to the new year. These included 11 rentals and 1 co-sponsorship, with an estimated total attendance of 1,800 guests. One rental originally scheduled for January 26 was rescheduled due to a facility closure and will be counted in February’s report. Co-sponsorship highlight: City Manager’s Office – Department Directors …
