Backup — original pdf

Backup

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 a wide variety of games and activities, including video game consoles, crane machines, carnival games, face painting, and a stuffed animal giveaway. Bananarchy catered the event with frozen bananas, helping to create a festive and memorable evening. Windsor Park Branch kicked off Hispanic Latino Heritage Month with a live concert featuring Mariachi Amor, one of Austin’s premier mariachi bands. Founded in 2013 and led by native Austinite Alex Ramirez, the award-winning band energized the celebration with rich musical traditions. The event brought together the community to honor Hispanic and Latino culture through music and storytelling. Partnership Spotlight: APL and LBJ Library Present Hip Hop America Austin Public Library is excited to support the LBJ Presidential Library’s upcoming exhibit, Hip Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit, on view from October 4, 2025 to January 4, 2026. On loan from the GRAMMY Museum, the exhibit explores hip hop’s cultural, entrepreneurial, and civil rights legacy through immersive and interactive storytelling. In collaboration with the LBJ Library, APL will provide curated reading lists and host supporting programs to deepen community engagement with the exhibit’s themes. Special Events Updates In August 2025, Central Library Event Services hosted 14 events, including 11 rentals, 3 co- sponsorships, and 2 film and photography requests, with a total estimated attendance of 1,761. Two of the rentals spanned three days, a strong showing for a typically slower month. Co-sponsorships included the Office of Budget and Organizational Excellence’s Public Innovation Training on August 12, the Capital Area Council of Governments’ Striking a Balance event on August 16, and The Library Foundation’s program featuring Austin Channing Brown on August 26, titled Full of Myself: Black Womanhood and the Journey to Self-Possession. City of Austin department-hosted events included a co-sponsored training with the Office of Budget and Organizational Excellence, and a discounted rental by the Urban Design Division for the Great Streets Plan Update Open House on August 13. City Council Action There are no new Council items to report since the passage of the budget. Legislative Bills During the 2nd Special Session, only one bill we were tracking was passed before adjournment: • SB 8 – Relating to the designation and use of certain spaces and facilities according to sex. Impact Analysis: Negative o 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. 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 August 31) 250 200 150 100 50 0 Programs by Audience 232 182 20 August Program Type 3 18 434 Adult/Fam Teen Children In-Person Virtual Outreach PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS VISITORS ACTIVE VOLUNTEERS 16,795 272,152 141 APL Data & Numbers (as of August 31) Circulation Type Digital 345,363 Physical 326,378 200,000 150,000 100,000 50,000 0 Digital Circulation 146,482 138,905 51,961 7,293 722 August EBOOK EAUDIO EVIDEO EMUSIC PERIODICAL 400,000 300,000 200,000 100,000 0 Circulation Audience 317,340 198,933 126,156 28,023 August Adult Physical Youth Physical Adult Digital Youth Digital CARDHOLDERS 365,421 (Active) 7,360 (New) DIGITAL ACCESS 42,945 (Wi-Fi Connections) 32,212 (Computer Sessions)