Austin Public Library Kicks Off Centennial Celebrations Marking 100 Years of Service

Yearlong series of events, community art, history programs, and a citywide celebration honor a century of inspiring all to discover, learn, and create

Austin, TX – Austin Public Library is proud to announce the launch of Austin Public Library Centennial Celebrations, a commemoration of the library’s 100 years of inspiring all to discover, learn, and create. Beginning February 16, 2026, and continuing through December 23, 2026, the Centennial Celebrations will honor Austin Public Library’s rich history while looking boldly toward its second century of service to the Austin community.

“For 100 years, Austin Public Library has grown alongside this city, supporting readers, learners, creators, and families in every generation,” said Hannah Terrell, Director of Austin Public Library. “This Centennial is both a celebration of where we’ve been and a springboard into our next century of innovation, inclusion, and service to the communities we serve.”

A Century of Service

In 1925, Grace Delano Clark persuaded the Austin Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) to take on a project to establish the first public library in Austin. Austin’s first public library opened on February 16, 1926, in a rented upstairs room at 819 Congress Avenue, with just 500 donated volumes and Clark serving as Volunteer Librarian. Later that year, on December 23, 1926, the city celebrated the opening of its first permanent library building—a modest 1,800-square-foot frame structure at West 9th and Guadalupe Streets, built at a cost of $4,190.

In the decades that followed, Austin Public Library expanded as the city grew. Today, APL includes 20 neighborhood branches and the award-winning Central Library, serving as a 21st-century global leader in public libraries—connecting residents to knowledge, technology, culture, and community across Austin.

Centennial Celebrations Across the City

As part of the Centennial Celebrations campaign, centennial-themed programming will take place at every Austin Public Library location, book-ended by the 100th anniversaries of the first temporary and permanent library openings. From February 16 through December 23, Austinites can enjoy:

· “Roaring 20’s”-themed library programs celebrating the time of APL’s founding

· History and genealogy programs highlighting Austin’s past

· Birthday celebrations for branches marking their own milestone anniversaries

· A community “History Harvest,” where residents can share memories, photos, and stories about APL for preservation by the Austin History Center

· A Centennial “Adventure Book,” guiding customers through activities at multiple locations with opportunities to win prizes

Centennial Celebration at Central Library – October 17, 2026

The signature event of the Centennial year will be a free, all-ages celebration at the Central Library on October 17, 2026. The event will feature activities and programming across all six floors of the building, bringing together the many facets of Austin Public Library in one vibrant day of community celebration. Additional details about the party at the Central Library will be announced in the coming months.

Centennial Library Card Art Contest

As part of the Centennial, APL will invite local artists to help shape the next chapter of the library’s story. A Centennial Library Card Art Contest will select new library card designs created by Austin artists, with separate categories for children, teens, and adults. The winning designs will debut in September 2026 in celebration of National Library Card Sign-Up Month.

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For a full schedule of events and updates on Austin Public Library Centennial Celebration activities, visit https://library.austintexas.gov/100.