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PAST NEWS ARCHIVE
July 24, 2001
Contact: Patricia Fraga, Austin Public Library, (512) 974-7528
Fax: (512) 974-7442

Spicewood Springs Branch to Hold
Midnight Madness on July 27

What can transform the library from the quiet of reading, doing Internet searches, and using databases into a place filled with the delighted squeals of children playing basketball, percussion, and eating ice cream sundaes? The answer is Midnight Madness, a free annual family event held at the Spicewood Springs Branch of the Austin Public Library, located at 8637 Spicewood Springs Road in northwest Austin. This year it will be held on Friday, July 27, from 7:00 p.m. until 12:00 midnight.

Games, crafts, movies, and snacks will be provided for children ages 3 and older. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Last year 400 parents and children attended this event, which first began in 1991 at the former North Loop Area Branch as a Library Sleepover (from Friday evening until early Saturday morning) and finale of the annual summer reading program. The idea was that by opening the library doors in an unconventional way, school-age children would bond with the library, seeing it with new eyes, and become lifelong library users. The event brings neighborhood families together who would not otherwise meet, and gives them an opportunity to celebrate their unique mix of children and local library.

If you would like more information, please call Spicewood Springs Branch at 512/974-3800.

Visit the Library's Web site at http://www.cityofaustin.org/library/ for additional information about APL services.

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