The Austin Public Library has more than a dozen branches around the city. | Photo by ATXtoday
Howdy y’all, City Editor Figi here. 👋
For the last two years, I’ve upheld a goal to read at least one book per month, so I’m at the central branch of the Austin Public Librarya lot. Did you know books aren’t the only thing you can check out at the library?
Austin residents can pick up a library card for the low, low price of free, while non-residents can get an eCard for $22. Here’s what that little green card can get you.
🌱 Gardening supplies
If you have a green thumb, you might want to check out APL’s seed library — located only at the Central branch — where you can “borrow” or donate seeds for free. Gardening tools, water usage meters, rakes, and extension cords are also up for grabs.
💻 Technology
You probably already know that the library has free Wi-Fi, but did you know you can take the connection home with you? APL allows card holders to check out laptops, tablets, and Wi-Fi hotspots for up to three weeks.
✏️ Tools for learning
Trying to learn a new language? Access Mango Language for free and get support on 70+ languages — including 20 ESL programs. Homework tutors are available from 2-11 p.m. through Brainfuse HelpNow. You can also learn more about your heritage and family line through the library’s Ancestry database. And for refugees or those seeking naturalization, the library offers citizenship classes + resources for immigrants.
🎮 Entertainment
For the film buffs who can’t find their favorite flick on streaming sites, the library’s virtual entertainment portal offers thousands of movies, documentaries, and TV shows. Through Electric LadyBird, even Austinites without a library card can stream local music. Last but not least, if you’ve exhausted your to-be-read list, ask a librarian for some personal picks.
But that’s not all the library has, bookworms. If your favorite library service isn’t on this list, let us know what we’re missing. Click here to find your local branch, and happy borrowing. 📚
Mushroom Gardening Workshop with Angel Schatz | Thu., Oct. 27 | 7-9 p.m. | Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd. | Free | Learn how to grow sustainable fungi with this workshop using recycled blocks. 🍄
Friday
Blue Man Group | Now-Sat., Oct. 29 | 8 p.m. | Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr. | $90+ | Catch the world-famous Blue Man Group perform music + art, play the drums, and splash blue paint around.
Slow North Walk-Up Candle Bar | Fri., Oct. 28 | 4-7 p.m. | The Driskill Hotel, 604 Brazos St. | $35 | Create your own custom candle using essential oils + soy wax at this walk-up workshop.
ZIKI Grand Opening Downtown | Fri., Oct. 28 | 4-6 p.m. | ZIKI, 102 W. 3rd St. | Look out for a hot pink food truck — the Greek + Mexican fast-casual restaurant known for delicious health-conscious food is celebrating the opening of its third location.*
Saturday
2022 Austin Weird Homes Tour | Sat., Oct. 29 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Multiple locations | $40 | Take a self-guided tour of Austin’s funkiest abodes. You know what they say: keep Austin homes weird. 🏘
The 5th Annual Halloween Bar Crawl - Austin | Sat., Oct. 29 | 4-11:59 p.m. | Parlor & Yard, 601 W. 6th St. | $9+ | Get boo-zy at Austin’s biggest Halloween bar crawl of the year, complete with a cash prize for best costume. 👻
The Rocky Horror Picture Show | Sat., Oct. 29 | 9-11:30 p.m. | Friends and Allies Brewing, 979 Springdale Rd. | $20 | Come for sing-alongs, elaborate sets, cabaret, props, and “Rocky Horror"-themed decor.
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
As Texans head to the polls, many of them will use voting machines to cast their ballot. Only two types are used in Texas — Hart InterCivic and Election Systems & Software — and neither are ever connected to the internet. Click here to read how they work. 🗳 (Texas Standard)
Development
Construction crews broke ground on a new, 318-unit affordable housingcommunity in southeast Austin. Called The Bridge at Estancia, the community was created with a 4% tax credit and bond partnership and is meant to ease demand for housing. (KXAN)
Real Estate
Austinites who rent are a growing class — according to a RentCafe study, 15 Austin ZIP codes have transitioned from having a majority of homeowners to a majority of renters. Rental-heavy ZIP codes include 78727, 78744, 78705, and 78741. (Austin Business Journal)
Opening
Pizza, and pasta, and salads, oh my!Dovetail Pizza is opening its doors in mid-November at 1816 S. First St., led by Present Tense Hospitality. You’ll be able to get a classic pie or try something new, like the crab + corn pie or smoked eggplant ‘za. 🍕 (Eater Austin)
JewBoy Burgers is slinging patties from a new location: A food truck called JewBoy Sliders located on 1111 E. Sixth St. The truck serves two types of non-kosher sliders, latkes, thin-cut French fries, and queso. (Eater Austin)
Farmers market favorite Mum Foods is opening a new deli in the Pecan Springs-Springdale neighborhood on 5811 Manor Rd. Starting Thurs., Nov. 10, you can get pastrami sandwiches, barbecued meats, local beer + wines, and desserts in the limited-service space. 🥪 (Eater Austin)
Concert
Lizzo and her eight Big Grrrl dancers graced the Moody Center on Tues., Oct. 25, with a 26-song set — you’re going to want to see the highlights. 🎤 (The Austin Chronicle)
Holiday
Is your Halloween costume basic? According to Google data, Americans are most likely to dress up as a character from “Stranger Things,” a witch, a pirate, Harley Quinn, Spider-Man, or a pirate. 🎃 (KXAN)
Stat
Location, location, location. Nationally, 32% of prospective homebuyers are willing to move out of state to get their dream home. Would you? 🏡 *
Shop
Looking to relieve muscle soreness without dropping $150+ a month on a deep tissue massage? Enter: the RENPHO massage gun. It has 17,000+ five-star reviews and is on sale for $99 (down from $249) for a limited time.*
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The Arboretum’s Boo + Brew has activities for adults and kids alike. | Photo by Ben Porter
Halloween is this Monday, so we’re pulling our skeleton (costume) out of the closet. 💀
All dressed up but nowhere to go? Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered with local Halloween parties.
Boo + Brew | Sat., Oct. 29 | 4-6 p.m. | The Arboretum | Free | This family-friendly event features a candy crawl, face painting, alcohol sampling, and plenty of vendors.
Brew Paul’s Drag Show | Sat., Oct. 29 | 9 p.m. | Meanwhile Brewing Co. | Free | Catch a Halloween-themed show from your local drag queens + participate in a costume contest with gift card prizes. Arrive early for a good seat.
Hall-o-Funky | Sat., Oct 29 | 10-11:30 p.m. | Geraldine’s | Free | Get freaky + funky with live music from Noella Gray and the Imaginary Band, themed cocktails, and a creepy ambiance.
Nightmare on Gibson Street | Sat., Oct 29 | 12 p.m.-2 a.m. | Gibson Street Bar | Free | Don your costume while you dance to a DJ + grab Halloween-themed cocktails.
Send us a photo of your Halloween costume, and we might include it in an upcoming newsletter.
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Figi.
Editor’s pick: I’ve gone by my last name for the majority of my life, but it hasn’t been easy, because I have to either spell or pronounce it for everyone I meet. I’m about to do the same for you, dear readers. My name is pronounced like the “figgy” in figgy pudding — suffice to say I’ve heard every nickname under the sun, from Fig Newton, to Figlet, to Fig tree, to Notorious F.I.G.
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