Comic book specialty shops and libraries across North America give away comic books every year on the first Saturday of May -- Free Comic Book Day. We encourage you to visit the Library’s partner, Austin Books and Comics at 5002 North Lamar Blvd. and pick up a free comic book on Saturday, May 2. If you can’t make it on Saturday, drop by your nearest Austin Public Library location on Monday, May 7 2012 to get your free comic book. Comics will be available after 3:00 p.m. while supplies last.
While you’re at it, check out the Library’s graphic novel sections for adults (call number: GN), teens (call number: GNY), and children (call number: GNJ). We also host a Graphic Novels Book Club at 7:00 p.m. every 3rd Wednesday at Halcyon Coffeehouse, 218 W 4th St.
Free Comic Book Day reaches folks who may not be familiar with the comic book. It also salutes the rich history of the comic book as well as the medium's energy, vitality, and boundless creativity. Visit your local comic book shops and libraries and experience what comics have to offer!
I’ve always believed that books are a great way to bring people together. It’s great to share ideas, see the world through other people’s eyes and get a different perspective on life. This all is possible when you talk to someone about a meaningful book you’ve both read. One such book I’ve read is Walden by Henry David Thoreau. I love Thoreau’s total immersion in Nature, his wonder and deep philosophical musings on life. I recently brought up this title to a volunteer who had also read it and enjoyed it. Just talking about it magically brought both of us back to the world Thoreau created within the pages of that book. When you think about it, every book is its own tiny world in itself.
When:
When:
Never embroidered before? Never fear! Everyone can do a simple backstitch. Have some experience embroidering? Try something a little more advanced! We are in love with the book 
We will provide all supplies needed including a nice white muslin, heavy duty embroidery backing, fun patterned fabric to embellish, and lots and lots of colors of thread. We will also have hoops for you to borrow for the duration of the class.
Summer time in Austin, Texas cannot be defined by the temperature outside. If it were, then we wouldn't have a Fall or Spring. Instead, universities, teachers, parents, and especially students define it by the months-long reprieve from the daily obligations of school. Retailers and restauranteurs mark Summer as when the tourists come to town. For festival goers it is the time between SXSW and ACL. For myself, I like to honor its arrival by joining the Summer Reading Program at my neighborhood branch of the library. Because I continue to work full time during that period of the calendar I can't necessarily devote more time to reading. Therefore, I have adopted my own personal challenge. Each year I have a goal to use the summer months to try a genre I don't normally read. Last year it was graphic novels and the year prior was nonfiction. In doing so, I discovered that I rather enjoy graphic novels and that they include so much more than superheroes. I also learned that I mentally focus much better on nonfiction material when I listen to it rather than read it, especially when it's read by an enthusiastic and passionate author or actor. So far my favorite of these is Michael Pollan, most notably known for Omnivore’s Dilemma, and who has a new one out soon I look forward to trying. I haven't decided yet on this year's genre, but it will undoubtedly be a mind opening experience. The pretty great thing about APL is that no matter which subject matter or material type I choose, I will have tons of titles from which to pick. The other awesome thing about summer reading in Austin is being part of the 
