The Austin Public Library is marking its 100th anniversary with yearlong Centennial Celebrations running through Dec. 23, according to a library representative.
The background
Austin's first public library opened Feb. 16, 1926, in a rented upstairs room at 819 Congress Ave., Austin with 500 donated books, according to the Austin History Center. The first permanent building—an 1,800-square-foot structure built for $4,190—opened Dec. 23, 1926, at the intersection of West Ninth and Guadalupe streets.
Today, the system includes the Central Library and 20 neighborhood branches, per the library website.
The details
Centennial programming at library locations across the city includes Roaring '20s events, history and genealogy programs, branch birthday celebrations, a community History Harvest collecting residents' memories and photos for the Austin History Center, and a passport-style Adventure Book with activities and prizes, the library said in a release.
Austinites can also vote through July 31 on designs in the Centennial Library Card Art Contest, with winning cards debuting in September, Community Impact previously reported.
"For 100 years, Austin Public Library has grown alongside this city, supporting readers, learners, creators, and families in every generation," library Director Hannah Terrell said in the release. "This Centennial is both a celebration of where we've been and a springboard into our next century of innovation, inclusion, and service to the communities we serve."
What's next
The signature centennial event—a free, all-ages, all-day celebration with activities and exhibits on every floor of the Central Library at 710 W. Cesar Chavez St., Austin—is set for Oct. 17. Additional programming details will be announced in the coming weeks, the representative said. Find more information on the celebrations, visit https://library.austintexas.gov/100.
Later this summer, the Austin History Center will unveil a new exhibit on the library's history in the John Henry Faulk building, the former Austin Central Library, a library representative said.
