Backup — original pdf

Backup

Highlights & Updates Report Hannah Terrell, Director of Libraries June 2026 Public Services Highlights AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY APL Public Programming Highlights Highlights Greater Austin Book Fest (GAB Fest) Austin Public Library hosted the third annual Greater Austin Book Festival on May 16 at the Central Library, featuring over 200 local authors and drawing more than 800 attendees. The free event included panels and workshops on writing, publishing, and marketing, and authors sold their books directly to readers. Poet Laureate Zell Miller III led a workshop on performing poetry, and participating authors expressed strong appreciation and excitement for future festivals. Mayor’s Teen Town Hall 2026 As part of the Mayor’s USA250 Community Read Challenge, the Mayor’s Teen Town Hall was hosted by the Austin Public Library in partnership with the Mayor’s Office on May 22, 2026, at the Gallery. The event brought together 24 students and 7 chaperones from Akins Early College High School, Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, Austin High School, Crockett Early College High School, International High School, Navarro Early College High School, and Northeast Early College High School for a unique civic engagement opportunity with Mayor Kirk Watson. Student representatives from each participating campus had the opportunity to ask questions and share their perspectives on issues affecting young people and the Austin community. Mayor Watson also shared his personal journey, experiences in public service, and insights into local government, creating a meaningful dialogue that encouraged civic engagement and leadership among participants. 3 AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY APL Public Programming Highlights History Harvest The John Gillum Branch Library hosted a History Harvest on May 30 as part of APL’s Centennial celebration, inviting community members to share photos and memories for inclusion in the Austin History Center archives. Attendees contributed stories, scanned photos, and wrote memories, and received a free APL 100 coffee mug. Centennial Planning Updates Centennial programming includes the rollout of the Adventure Booklet, with staff encouraged to increase in‑branch promotion after community feedback indicated limited awareness of the program. Additional summer offerings featured themed adult and teen programs such as vintage cake decorating, cheese tasting, the Library’s 100th Birthday Bash, mini piñatas, and Decoden workshops. Several History Harvests were completed in collaboration with the Austin History Center, with additional events scheduled at John Gillum, Milwood, and Old Quarry. Planning also continued for APL After Dark on July 10, a Roaring Twenties–themed evening event for adults, with schedules finalized and materials set for early‑August publication. Major Centennial initiatives progressed, including the Austin History Center exhibit In Circulation, which will host a public reception on Austin Museum Day on September 20. Party at Central is planned for October 17, and preparation has begun for the 2026 Craft Crawl. Centennial activities will conclude on December 16 with the distribution of “birthday goodie bags” across all locations as a final systemwide patron‑appreciation effort. 4 AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY APL Public Programming Highlights Special Events Updates In May 2026, Central Library Special Events hosted a total of 21 events, including 20 rentals and 1 co-sponsorship, with a total estimated attendance of 3,350. Co-sponsorship partners include: Austin History Center Association – AHCA, in Partnership with Design Austin, presents PechaKucha (5/7/2026) Breakdown below: 21 events grand total 20 rentals 1 co-sponsorship 3,350 estimated attendance Budget and Expenditures 5 Facilities Services Updates APL Facility Services 7 Data & Numbers APL Data and Numbers (as of May 31st) 9 AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY APL Data and Numbers 10 AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY APL Data and Numbers 11 AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARY APL Data and Numbers 12