The Austin Public Library has more than a dozen branches around the city. | Photo by ATXtoday
It’s National Library Week and even if you’re not a bookworm, the Austin Public Library system offers lots to do, see, and check out.
Austin residents can pick up a library card for the low, low price of free — here’s what that lovely little card can get you.
Job services
If you’re looking for a new role, the library staff can help you find the best position. Find resources for creating a resume, writing a cover letter, getting job training, interview prep, and more.
Meeting + event spaces
Small rooms (up to 10 people) and large rooms (up to 125 people for non-commercial groups) are free of charge. Groups can also rent event spaces at the Central Library — like the rooftop garden, art gallery, and outdoor amphitheater — for fees starting at $300.
The library is a great place to work, read, or relax for free.
Photo by ATXtoday
Events
Ranging from educational to fitness and productive to just plain fun, there’s a library event for everyone to enjoy. Check the calendar frequently to find free happenings like yoga classes, ESL instruction, “Minecraft” meet-ups, guitar lessons, and coding crash courses.
“In Creative Harmony: Three Artistic Partnerships” | Now-Sunday, July 20 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Blanton Museum of Art | $15 | Explore the world of three pairs of artists who created new pieces together for the first time. Psst — admission is free on Tuesdays.
$10 Martini Tuesdays | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Hestia Bar | Cost of purchase | Try the upscale bar’s weekly special on its Hestia Martini made with Tanqueray gin + smoked blue cheese-stuffed Castelvetrano olives.
Wednesday, April 9
Moontower Comedy Festival 2025 | Times vary | The Paramount Theatre | $125+ | Your sides will be in stitches during performances from Tiffany Haddish, Hank Azaria, Aziz Ansari, and dozens of other comedians.
Hovvdy | 8 p.m. | Mohawk Austin | $20 | Hear this Austin-based pop duo’s fifth album live with special guest Runo Plum.
Thursday, April 10
“All For One” | Thursday, April 10-Saturday, April 26 | 8 p.m. | The Curtain Theatre | $22+ | Follow the story of three women who uncover a secret plot by Marie de Medici in 17th-century France.
“MotherTree” | Thursday, April 10-Sunday, April 20 | Times vary | The VORTEX | $15+ | Dance, music, and magic fuse together in this dynamic performance that explores the relationship between humans and trees.
Friday, April 11
Chris Distefano | 9:30 p.m. | The Paramount Theatre | $40+ | This big-time comedian will perform for Moontower Comedy Festival ahead of his third special’s release.
Colossal Biosciences — the pioneering de-extinction company with operations in ATX — has resurrected another animal: the dire wolf. Three pups (two boys and a girl) were born in October. The wolves, which were featured in “Game of Thrones,” haven’t walked the earth in ~12,000 years. (KVUE)
Opening
Get ready to shop like it’s the early 2000s, because a new women’s-only Abercrombie & Fitch store is coming to Domain NORTHSIDE. The iconic fashion brand will open its doors to shoppers later this year near Nordstrom. It will be Austin’s second location — the other is inside Barton Creek Square Mall.
Transit
The number of people driving to work alone has decreased by ~10% since 2019, according to Movability’s survey of 900 people in Williamson, Travis, and Hays Counties. At the same time, biking to work and working from home has increased by 10%. (KXAN)
Environment
H-E-B’s Our Texas, Our Future launched a new statewide cleanup campaign: Trash Free Gulf. Texas cities will host waterway litter clean-up events. Austin has three events to choose from — the first one is from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 26. Sign up here.
Trending
Did you catch “The White Lotus” finale over the weekend? While Leslie Bibb’s character, Kate, may live in Austin, the actor herself resides in upstate New York. We have plenty of star power in town — these 25 celebs call the Capital City home.
Network
The 2025 Austin ISD Summer Internship Program is seeking local businesses to take on high school interns from early June to late July. The Austin Ed Fund and Austin Chamber run the program, which provides students with a $2,000 stipend for participating. Businesses should sign up by Friday, May 9.
Answered
Thomas “Peg Leg” W. Ward and John “Rip” S. Ford were both the names of eral Austin mayors, but 46% of ATXtoday readers guessed that Timothy “Thneed” R. Sneed was a made-up name in our recent poll. Kirk Watson is also a real name — read our Q+A with the sitting mayor.
Sports
The Rangers currently have the best record in the American League West — what’s working for them? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Texas Rangers with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Ever wondered, “Why am I seeing this ad?” RAD Intel fixes that so brands get 3.5x better results and customers actually get seen (in a good way). Investors including Adobe, Fidelity, and insiders from Google and Meta. The company is pre-IPO and shares are $0.55. Invest before prices change Thursday, April 10.†*
Shop
Put your business’s product or service in front of 70,000+ locals in our upcoming Parents’ Gift Guide. Don’t wait — secure your spot just in time for Mother’s Day + Father’s Day celebrations.
Community
Do you have a favorite restaurant? What about a pet-friendly spot? We want you to use your voice + passion for local biz and vote for ATXtoday’s Best. Voting ends Friday, Apr. 25.
Category
Drink
🍹 One sip at a time
The small plates are inspired by regional cuisine across Mexico. | Photo by ATXtoday
Nothing beats a sunny afternoon with a happy hour margarita in hand, and Manuel’s is the perfect place to get it.
The 40-year-old concept — which has operated at its Jollyville Road location since 1998 — sports a spacious patio shaded by a 300-year-old live oak tree.
Happy hour runs from 3:30-6 p.m. Sunday-Thursday on the bar and patio, peddling a special menu and $2 off cocktails. Here are a few of our favorite drinks + dishes.
The “El Amado” spicy margarita made with Don Julio
The house margarita, which can be made with mango, strawberry, guava, prickly pear, pomegranate, or watermelon
Baja scallop sopes served on corn masa cake with cabbage and chipotle crema
Tostaditas de pollo en achiote with cotija cheese and pickled red onion
A cap sleeve V-neck tee with a tasteful ruching design. Crafted from soft, breathable fabric and available in 10+ colors, this shirt will become your go-to for spring and summer outfits.
City Editor Morgan and I wrote today’s newsletter from Mañana Dos, where we tried the coffee shop’s monthly Drink for a Cause. “The Ram” is made with Earl Grey espresso, cherry syrup, and housemade clarified milk.
Psst — $1 from each purchase benefits the Austin Parks Foundation.
‡Texas CUP License No. 0005. Please note: Legalities in your state may vary. Texas Original advises consumers to read the company’s terms and conditions. Patients must consult a physician and receive a prescription to purchase medical cannabis products. The information about providers and services contained in this newsletter does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by ATXtoday.
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