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PAST NEWS ARCHIVE
November 21, 2001
Contact: Patricia Fraga, Austin Public Library, (512) 974-7528
Fax: (512) 974-7442

Year Long Celebrations at Austin Public Library
Wrap Up with Two Holiday Celebrations

The month of December wraps up a successful year of APL Jubilee Celebrations—this year the Library celebrated 75 years of building community for Austin and the surrounding areas. Each of the19 branches, Faulk Central Library, and the Austin History Center held special events and activities commemorating and celebrating APL's 75th birthday. Open house activities were conducted inviting members of the community to the libraries—musicians, storytellers, author visits, birthday cakes, and lots of food and drink were all part of the festivities through out the year. "This anniversary year has provided APL with a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with our communities and to celebrate what APL represents: lifelong learning, love of reading and literacy," said Brenda Branch, Library Director. Thousands of patrons laughed, danced and cried at the year long library events. At Riverside Drive Branch, Willie Kocurek spoke about his love of libraries, at the Terrazas Branch the Terrazas family told stories of Austinite Henry Terrazas life—the Branch namesake. Ben Sorrels, Managing Librarian at Twin Oaks along with Elizabeth Marquis, Library Clerk picked up their guitar and violin and entertained Jubilee goers singing Russian folk songs. Steve Reich, Librarian at Spicewood Springs Branch played with his jazz swing band "Barons of Rhythm" at several Jubilee events. There was a watermelon spitting contest and just good old fashion ice cream eating during the summer months—now APL has just two Jubilees left for this coming winter month—December.

Yarborough Branch of the Austin Public Library, 2200 Hancock Drive celebrates on Tuesday, December 4, 2001 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with an evening of musical entertainment; the Capitol City Highlanders Pipe Band, Manchaca AllStars Blue Grass Band, and Cerronato a latin style jazz band. For the younger audience a magic show by Kent Cummins and balloon sculptures by Lilly's Balloons. There will be food and drink—come enjoy this Holiday festival at Yarborough!

The Hampton Branch at Oak Hill of the Austin Public Library, 5125 Convict Hill Road celebrates on Saturday, December 8, 2001 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Holiday storytelling with Lisa Baker from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, refreshments accompanied by Harp music from 12:00 Noon to 1:00p.m., and a puppet show by the Hand to Mouth Puppet Theatre will present "On the Bright Side." Come join in the festivities and be a part of our library celebration.

The events throughout the year have been sponsored by the Austin Public Library Foundation. All activities are free and the public is invited to attend.

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