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1 APL Public Programming Highlights & Facilities Updates Hannah Terrell, Interim Director June 2025 HIGHLIGHTS Roots Unveiled Showcases 200 Years of Chinese American Stories The exhibition reception for Roots Unveiled: Chinese American History 1783–1945 was held on May 18 at the Central Library Gallery, drawing more than 200 attendees. As the first major institutional exhibition in Texas to explore the 200-year journey of Chinese Americans, it features over 60 historical artifacts, rarely seen archival materials, oral histories, and contemporary artworks. Highlights include Texas Roses, a collaborative portrait created by 71 local residents, and Cousins, a photo series reconnecting branches of the Lung family across the U.S. and China. The event brought together artists, scholars, and descendants of Austin’s earliest Chinese American families, alongside special guests such as Texas State Representative Gene Wu, Dr. Mitchel Wong, and leaders from the Austin Chinese American Network. Together, they helped underscore the powerful message that Chinese American history is an essential part of American history. Families Gather for a Fun-Filled Kids Block Party The Kids Block Party on Saturday, June 7 brought energy and excitement to the Central Library and Seaholm Intake Facility. Families participated in outdoor games, nature play, crafts, puppet- making, and STEM activities, with support from Parks and Recreation, the Austin Park Rangers, and other community partners. Highlights included storytimes, a laser light show, typewritten poems from Typewriter Rodeo, and photos with HEB Buddy. Inside the library, kids explored 3D pens, Makey Makey banana pianos, and a sensory-friendly room for quiet breaks. With something for every age, the event welcomed families into a summer of creativity, learning, and connection. The Reading and Badge Challenge 2025 The Reading and Badge Challenge 2025 launched on June 7 as part of Summer at Austin Public Library, inviting readers of all ages to explore the theme “Color Our World”. Participants are encouraged to read or be read to for at least 20 minutes a day—or a total of 600 minutes—and complete three activity badges by August 10. Starting June 10, readers can claim a prize at any APL branch while supplies last: a free book for ages 0–17 and a free mug for adults. The challenge is available online through Beanstack or in print at all library locations. APL Strategic Plan We are continuing the implementation phase of our strategic plan. Currently, we are customizing the tool provided by UT to ensure it aligns with our departmental needs and priorities. As part of this process, we are beginning to populate the tool with feasible, relevant data points. In parallel, we are also collecting qualitative stories from across the department to highlight progress and successes that may not be fully reflected through quantitative metrics alone. These efforts aim to create a more comprehensive and meaningful picture of our advancement toward strategic goals. Special Events Updates The Austin Public Library received the Entrepreneurial Impact Award from the Economic Development Department’s Small Business Division, honoring our contributions to Austin’s small business community through resources, education, and support. In addition to this recognition, Central Library Event Services hosted 26 events, including 23 rentals, 2 co-sponsorships, 1 internal event, and 2 photography sessions, with an estimated total attendance of 3,645. Co-sponsorship partners included the Economic Development Department – Small Business Division, which celebrated its 25th anniversary on May 6, and Headwaters School, which held its 8th grade graduation on May 22. City department events included Austin Water’s Annual Recognition and Awards Ceremony on May 9 and APL’s Expanded M-Team Meeting on May 29. City Council Action There are no items scheduled for the upcoming Austin City Council meeting that would have a direct impact on Austin Public Library's operations. Legislative Bills The 89th Texas Legislature adjourned sine die on June 2, and the deadline for the governor to sign, veto, or allow bills to go into effect without his signature, was June 22. With the legislative session finished, the only bill that passed among the 26 that APL staff were tasked with tracking and analyzing by the City of Austin Intergovernmental Relations Office (IGRO) was: SB 412 - Relating to defenses to prosecution for certain offenses involving material or conduct that is obscene or otherwise harmful to children. A taskforce of APL staff from a variety of different workgroups was assembled on June 16th to discuss the potential impact of the legislation on our work, as well as to prepare questions for the department to ask IGRO and the City’s Legal department in meetings scheduled to discuss passed legislation. APL is also working with the Texas Library Association and peer library systems across Texas to prepare to respond to implementation of the legislation. SB 412 is scheduled to take effect September 1, 2025. Budget & Expenditures Facilities Services 2026 Bond The Austin Public Library 2026 Bond Development aims to enhance communities by positioning libraries as key hubs for education and resources. The initiative will focus on expanding access, improving facilities, and integrating sustainable practices to support the city's growth, ensuring equitable opportunities for learning, health, and cultural engagement. The Library Commission will review and provide input as part of the public engagement planned for this fall, which will incorporate community feedback gathered through surveys, events, and outreach efforts. APL Data & Numbers (as of May 31) Programs by Audience 230 188 Program Type 68 12 20 May 438 Adult/Fam Teen Children In-Person Virtual Outreach 250 200 150 100 50 0 PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS VISITORS ACTIVE VOLUNTEERS 20,080 220,401 148 APL Data & Numbers (as of May 31) Circulation Type Digital 345,344 Physical 308,063 200,000 150,000 100,000 50,000 0 Digital Circulation 147,334 142,220 45,950 9,310 530 May EBOOK EAUDIO EVIDEO EMUSIC PERIODICAL 400,000 300,000 200,000 100,000 0 Circulation Audience 318,164 188,352 119,711 27,180 May Adult Physical Youth Physical Adult Digital Youth Digital CARDHOLDERS 352,800 (Active) 5,396 (New) DIGITAL ACCESS 38,580 (Wi-Fi Connections) 23,040 (Computer Sessions)