Written by Alana Hughes, Digital Marketing Intern.
Our brand-new Home STEAM blog series highlights the super cool STEAM stuff that happens in our beloved home town—Austin!
Before getting lost in your next book, you’re going to want to get lost in Austin Public Library’s brand-new Austin Central Library. With vast windows and reading patios overlooking Lady Bird Lake as well as aisles and aisles of books, you may never want to leave this reading wonderland.
Last month was the grand opening of the brand-new Central Library located at 710 W. César Chávez St., in the heart of Austin. The new state-of-the art library features six floors that hold more than half a million books. This sleek and beautiful building is filled with natural light and plenty of places to read, work and play with the whole family.
The library’s children section has a vast selection of books for all reading levels, as well as a screened-in children’s porch with plenty of seating for families. Kids can also play games and even check out binoculars to get a closer look at the city and the lake.
Besides books, visitors can check out laptops and tablets to be used inside the building and can even try out virtual reality and participate in interactive displays.
But the fun doesn’t end there, the library also contains a gallery featuring art from local and national artists. The current exhibit—Lance Letscher: Books—displays more than 35 art pieces made up of old books, letters, recipes and other printed/written materials.
Next time you head to the library, look out for some of our favorite children’s books! (Love ’em a lot? Pick them up in the Thinkery Shop!)
Cassandra and the Night Sky
Cassandra and the Night Sky was written by Amy Jackson, the founder and director of Starry Sky Austin. The book tells the story of a nine-year-old princess named Cassandra who grows up in a land without stars. Discover the magic and legends of the night sky as the brave Cassandra works to bring back the stars for everyone to enjoy. Author Amy Jackson’s lifelong dream is to be an astronaut and she has worked as an educator in Texas for many years. Jackson is currently working with Starry Sky Austin to bring hands-on astronomy education to the Austin community. Cassandra and the Night Sky is inspiring readers everywhere to look up at the night sky and wonder.
Pirate, Viking & Scientist
Pirate, Viking & Scientist was written and illustrated by Jared Chapman. Chapman tells the story of a kid scientist who is best friends with a Viking and a pirate that don’t get along. The scientist works to prove his theory that you can have more than one best friend. Using the scientific method, he conducts an experiment to learn more about the science of friendship. The book even includes a list of scientific terms and definitions to teach kids all about the scientific method. Chapman grew up in Texas and currently resides in Northeast Texas.
Stripes for Eliana
Stripes for Eliana was written by Ana Camelo Jackson and published by Cuentos, an Austin-based publishing company. Stripes for Eliana tells the story of a girl who chooses to be brave and have courage when she discovers that she is different from the other kids at school. The story is all about embracing Mexico and currently lives in Austin. Jackson was inspired to write this story because of her own experience raising a daughter with a rare genetic disorder known as 5p- syndrome.
To check out books at the library, all you need is a library card—which is free for all Austin residents. Click here to learn more about applying for you library card.
What are you waiting for? Go check out the awesome new library today!