About the Library
The award-winning Austin Public Library (APL) has been the community’s premier source of knowledge, technology, and inspiration for nearly a century. It provides library programs, technology, collections, and space through its state-of-the-art Central Library, Austin History Center, and 20 library branches. It also provides services and resources out in the community through outreach and partnerships.
Vision
Austin Public Library: A model of equity, inclusion, access, and diversity.
Mission
Inspiring all to discover, learn, and create.
Library Priorities
Library Priorities link
Intellectual Freedom
We work hard to engage residents from all walks of life in a safe and respectful environment – free and open to all in accordance with the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights.
Library Priorities
Our efforts and resources and the programs, services, and materials we offer are tied to these priorities:
- Literacy Advancement
- Workforce and Economic Development
- Digital Inclusion, STEM and Computer Training
- Outreach and Community Engagement
- Staff Development
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Executive Team
Executive Team link
Contact the Executive Team at: APLexec@austintexas.gov
Hannah Terrell
Interim Director of Libraries
Patti Fowler
Interim Public Services
Dinene Brown
Support Services
Joe Faulk
Information Systems
John Cabiya
Interim Finance
Baylor Johnson
Public Information & Marketing
Carmaleta McKinnis-Williams
Equity, Inclusion
Christian Riley
Chief Administrative Officer
Equity Diversity and Inclusion Statement
Equity Diversity and Inclusion Statement link
Austin Public Library (APL) acknowledges the United States, the State of Texas, and Austin’s long history of systemic racism and racial inequity that continues to this day, from the City of Austin’s Historic “1928 City Plan” as well as historical barriers to accessing library resources. Moving forward, APL aims to use an anti-racist and transformative approach to building a culture of equity and uplifting diversity. APL invites all voices to co-create impactful policies, practices, programs, and services that embodies “Library for All” rooted in humanity.
Equity: the intentional distribution of resources and tools for everyone to have the opportunity to succeed, especially for individuals and/or groups that have been historically underserved and underrepresented.
Diversity: Diversity is Quantity of diverse backgrounds, experiences, identities, and cultures.
Inclusion: Inclusion is Quality of participation across backgrounds, experiences, identities, and cultures.
The Austin Public Library integrates equity, diversity, and inclusion in the Library’s Six Priorities. This APL Equity Statement is a living document that will continue to evolve in our ever-changing world.