I must confess that up until 2 weeks ago I didn’t have an Austin Public Library Card. Maybe it is due to the fact that I live around the corner from a Half Price Books or maybe it’s because 4 out of the 8 years I have lived in Austin I was a student, but whatever the reason I am slightly ashamed. If you are reading this and don’t have one as well you don’t need to confess, but you do need to go get one!Our local branch, the Yarborough Library, on Hancock right off of Burnet is not only super close and convenient it is really cool. First, it is named after Ralph W. Yarborough who was a Texas Democrat who served in the United States Senate from 1957-1971. He was a pioneer and leader for the progressive/liberal wing of the Democratic Party and was the only southern senator to vote for the civil rights bills. Secondly, the library is housed in an old movie theatre and still bears the Americana Theatre sign outside. It really is a nice way to preserve a little bit of history while reusing the space.
To get a library card you need a photo ID and if it doesn’t have your correct address on it you can bring in a bill or lease that has your name and current address. I don’t think I need to spend time talking about how awesome public libraries are because that is just a given, but the Austin Public Library is doing a lot of really great things. The Yarborough Branch is doing a “Music in Movies” series throughout the fall and to close it out they are playing the movie Once on November 17 at 6:30 pm. If you haven’t seen the movie it is super good!
In these economic times there is nothing like reading a free book or watching a free movie and doing it all within the neighborhood.
