Backup — original pdf

Backup

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 opening of Unboxing the Archives: Our Records, Our Stories an exhibit that showcases archives as vibrant spaces where history, memory, and identity converge. We will celebrate with music, food, activities, tours and share back survey results. Implementation of changes informed by community feedback will begin in Fiscal Year 2026. Special Events Updates In July 2025, Central Library Event Services hosted 7 events, including 3 rentals, 2 co- sponsorships, 1 internal event, and 1 large-scale photo shoot, with an estimated total attendance of 635. Co-sponsorships included the District 9 Budget Open House with Council Member Zo Qadri’s Office and the Austin History Center Association’s Then & Now History Tour. The School Supply Drive was the month’s internal event. City Council Action City Council formally adopted the budget, finalizing funding allocations and authorizing implementation for the upcoming fiscal year. Legislative Bills During the first special session, several bills were assigned for analysis; however, no legislation advanced prior to the quorum break, and both chambers adjourned sine die. The Governor is expected to convene another special session, which will introduce new legislation, though progress remains contingent on the House achieving quorum. Budget & Expenditures Facilities Services 2026 Bond The Austin Public Library’s 2026 Bond Development initiative aims to strengthen communities by positioning libraries as central hubs for education, resources, and connection. The program focuses on expanding access, enhancing facilities, and integrating sustainable practices to meet the city’s growth—ensuring equitable opportunities for learning, health, and cultural engagement. In August, APL is planning to present a prioritized project list to the Library Commission for review and feedback. On September 10, APL will join other City departments in presenting past, present, and future projects to the BEAFT Investment in Facilities & Assets Working Group. Broader public engagement will follow in the fall, incorporating community feedback gathered through surveys, events, and targeted outreach. APL Data & Numbers (as of July 31) 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Programs by Audience 417 272 64 July Program Type 14 42 753 Adult/Fam Teen Children In-Person Virtual Outreach PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS VISITORS ACTIVE VOLUNTEERS 23,470 259,140 208 APL Data & Numbers (as of July 31) Circulation Type Digital 346,099 Physical 338,802 200,000 150,000 100,000 50,000 0 Digital Circulation 152,360 140,178 44,474 8,388 699 July EBOOK EAUDIO EVIDEO EMUSIC PERIODICAL 400,000 300,000 200,000 100,000 0 Circulation Audience 316,151 210,145 128,657 29,948 July Adult Physical Youth Physical Adult Digital Youth Digital CARDHOLDERS 360,284 (Active) 4,704 (New) DIGITAL ACCESS 41,222 (Wi-Fi Connections) 31,617 (Computer Sessions)