Using reusable bags is not new for me. For a long time, my primary method of getting around Austin was biking, so having a backpack to get everything from groceries to library books to my home was essential. But even after I traded in my bicycle for a car and could therefore bring groceries home any way I wanted, my commitment to avoid single-use bags remained unchanged. Today I do everything from reusing bulk containers to having bags handy of nearly every size for my purchases, because really, why have retailers purchase something I plan on using only once before throwing away, contributing to rising consumer prices and excessive, overflowing landfills? When Austin voted to go bag-less, I took it in stride since providing my own was already a way of life for me. Here at the Library I have seen the city ordinance have an impact on those in the community for whom it’s been more of a lifestyle adjustment. For example, people who checked out many more books than they expected to and would have been helped by a plastic bag to carry them all, or when the rains suddenly grace our usually dry city and a bag to keep those selections dry would have been helpful. I can happily report though, that after a few months of growing pains, I see positive signs that people are catching on to this new trend. Many more people come into the Library prepared: backpacks, grocery sacks, beach bags, and even once a wagon have been used! I am proud to live in and work for a city that makes such an effort to be sustainable. We’re doing our part, too. When Austin Public Library sent out its press release for the Adult Summer Reading Program and the prizes included reusable bags, I was thrilled. What a great idea for a reward to help the prize winner and the planet, too!
Twin Oaks Branch
Twin Oaks Branch
The current Twin Oaks Branch, located at the corner of South Fifth Street and West Mary Street, was built to replace the former Twin Oaks Branch, which was located in a lease space since its inception in 1956. Since 1992, the Branch had been in a 5,360 square foot storefront space in the Twin Oaks Shopping Center located near the intersection of South Congress Avenue and Oltorf Street. In the 1998 City of Austin General Obligation Bond Election voters approved the funding to build a permanent 10,000 square foot branch to serve this area of the city. The new Twin Oaks Branch opened in August of 2010. This modern and sustainable Branch, designed by Hatch + Ulland Owen Architects and built by Jamail & Smith Construction, features a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) template that incorporates recycled bricks for the exterior, recyclable carpeting and furniture fabrics, and a sophisticated lighting system that automatically dims when there is sufficient day light. The Branch is equipped with a rainwater harvesting system and a 25.2 kW solar energy system that generates about 32,760 kWh annually (power sufficient for about three standard sized homes). The building also includes 15 huge timber trusses made of reclaimed Douglas Fir which saved about 30 large trees. The Twin Oaks Branch interior design scheme earned a First Place Commercial Interior Design Award for Sustainable Design in 2010.
Upcoming Events at the Twin Oaks Branch
Friday, June 21
Tuesday, June 25
Friday, June 28
Tuesday, July 2
Friday, July 5
Tuesday, July 9
Twin Oaks Branch Blog
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 Summer Reading Program. It is a great way to inspire kids to join the youth summer reading program and encourage people all over town to read by showing off your progress. I have seen whole families come in to pick out items they planned to read together. Now that makes me excited about summer!
