Backup — original pdf

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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 Meeting (1/14) COA Department event: City Manager’s Office – Department Directors Meeting (1/14) Centennial Planning Updates Austin Public Library turns 100 in 2026 and we’re celebrating all year long! APL was founded in 1926 and has over the past 100 years has grown from a small collection of a few hundred books in a borrowed second-story space on Congress Avenue to a major library system serving one of the largest and fastest-growing cities in the country. We will be celebrating our 100 years of inspiring all to discover, learn, and create with a year-long marketing campaign, as well as a series of centennial-themed programming in all APL locations. These events range from 1926-themed book clubs to milestone birthday parties for several branches, to history and genealogy workshops, to art collaborations imagining what the next 100 years will look like. This will all culminate with a grand celebration at the Central Library in October 2026. Follow along with event programming on our site: https://library.austintexas.gov/100 City Council Updates/Legislative Bills There have not been any recent Austin City Council agenda items nor have there been any legislative bills that would have a direct impact on Austin Public Library. Budget and Expenditures 5 Facilities Services Updates APL Facility Services 7 Data & Numbers APL Data and Numbers (as of January 31st) 9 AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY APL Data and Numbers Updates 10 AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY APL Data and Numbers Updates 11