Library CommissionOct. 27, 2025

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APL Public Programming Highlights & Facilities Updates Hannah Terrell, Interim Director October 2025 Highlights AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY APL Public Programming Highlights & Facilities Updates Highlights “Unboxing the Archives” Welcomes Visitors Back to AHC On Sunday, October 7, AHC hosted Unboxing the Archives: Our Records, Our Stories, offering the public a “sneak peek” of the transformed History Center. The event’s new exhibit explored how archives preserve diverse narratives that shape our collective understanding of the past. Guests enjoyed a vibrant afternoon featuring music from DJ Chorizo Funk and DJ Hunt, catering from local vendors, and a special appearance by U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett. The event underscored the History Center’s role in connecting community through storytelling, creativity, and shared history. Austin Lima Sister Cities: “Peru Unveiled” On Saturday, September 27, Austin Public Library and the Austin Lima Sister Cities Committee presented Peru Unveiled at the Central Library. The weekend celebration honored Peruvian art, heritage, and culture through music, dance, and storytelling. Performances included traditional dances by Tusuy Sonqo Perú, Wayra Perú, and Agrupación Folclórica Orgullo y Tradición. Guests also enjoyed a theatre performance by Miki Vargas and a lively cooking demonstration by Chef Majo con Sabor, hosted by Adolfo Aguilar. Film screenings and a panel discussion on Peruvian identity and cultural storytelling rounded out the event. Hip Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit Dancers and guests celebrate Peruvian culture at Peru Unveiled. Austin Public Library is partnering with the LBJ Library and Foundation to promote Hip Hop America: The Mixtape Exhibit, on loan from the GRAMMY Museum. The exhibit runs from October 4, 2025 through January 4, 2026. To celebrate, Carver Branch Library will host a Vinyl Night on November 7 with music, games, and a guest speaker. 3 The exhibit immerses visitors in hip-hop’s historythrough a 200-song playlist and rare artifacts thatshowcase the culture’s evolution. Highlights includeChuck D’s handwritten “Fight the Power” lyrics, LL CoolJ’s Kangol hat and TROOP jacket, DMC’s Adidas andfedora, Egyptian Lover’s gold Roland 808, Questlove’sdrumsticks, and signature pieces from MC Lyte, DozeGreen, and The Notorious B.I.G. AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY APL Public Programming Highlights & Facilities Updates Special Events Updates In September 2025, Central Library Special Events hosted 16 programs, including 9 rentals, 7 co- sponsorships, and 2 photography sessions, with an estimated total attendance of 2,366. Co-sponsorship highlights included the CATRAC Educational Symposium, the Texas Book Festival Lineup Reveal, and the 75th Anniversary of UT Press. City departments such as the City Manager’s Office and the Economic Development Department’s Music and Entertainment Division also held multiple meetings and workshops at the library throughout the month. Recycled Reads Transition The transition of Recycled Reads is progressing according to plan. The Passport Office has officially vacated the Burnet Road location and is now fully operational at the Yarborough Branch Library. Planning efforts continue across all key areas, with the following updates: Space & Collection: Space audits are underway to assess shelving capacity and collection organization Communications: Press releases are planned to share key public dates, including the final sales day, last day for donations, and details for a community farewell event. Logistics & Redistribution: Materials are being sorted for redistribution across branches, with phased moves scheduled from November 2025 through February 2026. Donations & Partnerships: Donation procedures are being revised, and partnerships with Goodwill and other recycling facilities are being explored Staffing: Teams are reviewing staffing impacts and support needs Community Engagement: A large-scale book sale and farewell event are being considered to celebrate Recycled Reads’ legacy and engage the community during the transition. City Council Updates There have not been any recent Austin City Council agenda items that would have a direct impact on Austin Public Library. Legislative Bills There has been no legislative bills that would have a direct impact on Austin Public Library operations. 4 Budget & Expenditures Facilities Services 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. Broader public engagement will begin fall and carry through to April of 2026, incorporating community feedback gathered through surveys, events, and targeted outreach. Last Revised 10/3/25 APL Data & Numbers APL Data & Numbers (as of September 30) Programs by Audience 274 302 Program Type 37 11 33 September 609 Adult/Fam Teen Children In-Person Virtual Outreach 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS VISITORS ACTIVE VOLUNTEERS 19,683 255,463 134 APL Data & Numbers (as of September 30) Circulation Type Digital 326,563 Physical 312,937 CARDHOLDERS 367,344 (Active) 4,613 (New) Digital Circulation 150,000 134,842 133,661 100,000 50,000 0 50,145 6,865 1,050 September EBOOK EAUDIO EVIDEO EMUSIC PERIODICAL Circulation Audience 300,843 193,445 119,492 25,720 400,000 300,000 200,000 100,000 0 September Adult Physical Youth Physical Adult Digital Youth Digital DIGITAL ACCESS 45,331 (Wi-Fi Connections) 31,122 (Computer Sessions)