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APL Shop

512-974-9676
710 W. César Chávez St., 2nd Floor
Sunday: 12:00 pm-5:00 pm
Monday: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Tuesday: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Wednesday: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Thursday: 10:00 am-6:00 pm
Friday: 10:00 am-5:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am-5:00 pm

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The APL Shop sells Austin Public Library branded merchandise, book-themed products, and unique, locally sourced gifts. Each purchase supports Austin Public Library.

Contact Us
libraryshop@austintexas.gov

Local Author Consignment Program

Local Author Consignment Program link

Apply Now

Submissions are open from March 1 - March 31, 2025.

We are looking for books printed by an independent press or by the author*. We accept, for all ages, these formats: novels, non-fiction, art/poetry/zines, Austin or Texas history, and bilingual materials. We are only considering books written by authors who reside in the Austin tri-county area of Hays, Travis, and Williamson County.

When evaluating books for our Consignment Program, we refer to Austin Public Library's Materials Selection Policy and the IPBA Industry Standards Checklist. We will evaluate each book on a case-by-case basis.

Consignment details: 

  • If accepted into this program, you will be assigned a two-month consignment period to begin in the future. The next open consignment periods are May-June, July-August, September-October, and November-December.
  • Six copies will be consigned. The book's retail price is determined by the author (consignor) and sales tax will be added. The consignor will receive 85% of the retail price of each sale with APL Shop taking a 15% commission. Sales are not guaranteed.
  • At the end of the consignment period, a sales breakdown will be provided and an invoice will be requested. A check payment will be mailed within 30 days of receipt of the invoice.

Please allow up to one month for a response.

Austin Public Library is dedicated to equity and diversity. To learn more about the Library's Vision click here.

*Active City of Austin employees are not eligible to participate as consignors. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions link

What is your return and exchange policy?
Customers may return or exchange items within 30 days of purchase. Refunds and exchanges are processed via the original form of payment, so a receipt is required. Items must be unworn, undamaged, and in their original packaging.

Customers may exchange items up to (2) times within 30 days.

Do you have an online store? 
Not at this time.

Can I purchase an item over the phone and pick it up in-store?
No, all items must be purchased in person. 

Can I place an item on hold?
Yes, we can hold items for 4 days.

Do you sell used books? 
The shop sells a small selection of used books and media (CDs, DVDs). The main inventory of used books can be found at Recycled Reads, the Library's used bookstore, on Burnet Rd. 

Do you accept donations? 
Yes. For two grocery bags or standard boxes (e.g., copy paper or banker's) or less, we accept donations anytime during open business hours.

If you have a larger donation, please email us at libraryshop@austintexas.gov, and we will try to accommodate you.

Please ensure that all books are in good reading condition, CDs and DVDs are complete, and puzzles have all of their original pieces.

What we accept:

  • Books
  • CDs
  • DVDs
  • Puzzles + Games

What we do not accept:

  • Textbooks
  • Magazines
  • Materials that are in unsuitable resale condition

If you have materials that are not listed here, you may be able to donate them to the Recycled Reads Bookstore.

What is your pricing policy for used materials?
Unless otherwise priced:

  • Hardcover = $2
  • Paperbacks = $1
  • Youth = $0.25-$0.50
  • CDs/DVDs = $1

All sales are final.

Become a Vendor

Become a Vendor link

Vendor Submission

Are you a local maker/artist* interested in selling your items at APL Shop? Please read the criteria carefully before submitting your work for consideration:  

  • Items must relate to or promote: libraries, literacy, reading, cultural diversity, writing, books, authors, Austin, Texas, upcycling, and/or sustainability.
  • Items must be acceptable as to size, weight, price, quality of workmanship, materials, and salability.

If your items meet the criteria, send an email to libraryshop@austintexas.gov and include the following:

  • A brief description of you/your company and the products for consideration
  • If available, a line sheet and/or catalog with product images and pricing.

Please allow up to one month for a response.

Austin Public Library is dedicated to equity and diversity. To learn more about the Library's Vision click here.

*Active City of Austin employees are not eligible to participate as vendors.