Austin Library Services You Might Have Forgotten About

At the heart of libraries is a service to be used for the public and by the public. Beyond checking out books and movies or working and studying at the library, there’s a ton of other services for librarygoers to check out. Get your free library card to access all the services below and see if a trip to the library is in your future.

Borrow Books, Movies, and Music: A given, but a nice reminder of the plethora of staff lists and bestselling books, DVDs, and music waiting to be checked out.

Borrow eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, and Streaming Music and Videos: Not a fan of physical paperbacks and hard copies? Acquiring digital versions of your favorite media are as easy as a click on your laptop or tablet from home.

Computer Classes: Need help crafting the perfect email or résumé? APL offers free computer training at several branches. APL can help you navigate social media and hunt for jobs.

Early Literacy Tools: Are you a parent that wants to encourage your child to enjoy reading and learning but don’t know where to start? APL hosts various storytimes for kids of all ages and developmental stages.

Homework Help: Kindergarteners, high schoolers, and adult learners alike all may find they need help with school homework. APL provides Brainfuse HelpNow online tutoring with live tutors every day from 2-11pm.

Language Practice: Seeking to improve your English or Spanish skills? APL’s language practice sessions pair you with a native speaker to practice conversational speaking.

Resources for New Immigrants: All APL branches offer ESL materials and many offer U.S. citizenship classes. APL’s website also provides information about immigrant rights with ICE.

Enhanced Library Cards: At select city departments and community organizations, APL’s enhanced library cards are a valid form of ID.

Upcoming Events at Central Library

Check out some upcoming events APL’s Central Library branch is hosting in December that you won’t want to miss.

Holiday Craft Crawl
Fri., Dec. 1, 7-10pm
Adults Only craft crawl featuring 11 crafting stations, a photobooth, live music, a silent disco DJ and more.

Adobe for All: Digital Holiday Cards
Wed., Dec. 6, 5:30-7pm
Learn to create holiday cards this season using Adobe Photoshop. Designed to suit all skill levels.

Meet the Author - Andrey Kurkov
Thu., Dec. 7, 6:30-8pm
Ukranian novelist Andrey Kurkov will read parts of his book Diary of an Invasion and have discussion with the audience after.

German Storytime
Sat., Dec. 9, 11-11:30am
APL and the German-Texan Heritage Society will feature stories, songs, fingerplays, rhymes and more to build pre-literacy skills. Recommended for ages 5 and under.

Eat the World: Caribbean Cuisine
Sat., Dec. 9, 2-3:15pm
Common Threads instructor Jocelyn Harris and Camila Barrera will show how to make Callaloo.

Star Weaving With One Million Stars Texas
Sun., Dec. 10, 1-3pm
One Million Stars Texas will host a workshop about their organization and teach participants how to weave an 8 pointed star.

Central Library Concerts: Austin Brass Band
Mon., Dec. 11, 6:30-7:30pm
Austin Brass Band will perform well-known holiday favorites at their Holiday Concert.

Central Library Sing-a-long: Holiday Big Sing with Conspirare
Thu., Dec. 14, 6-7:15pm
Craig Hella Johnson will conduct the Holiday Big Sing with additional help from the Conspirare Symphonic Choir. No singing experience needed.

Lounge Movie Night: Claydream
Wed., Dec. 20, 3-5pm
Come watch the documentary about Will Vinton, the father of Claymation who rose to prominence in the 80s and 90s.

Community Swap: Boxing Day Swap
Sat., Dec. 30, 11-1pm
Swap your unneeded holiday items and gifts with other community members.