The library announced that the “Centennial Celebrations” will run through Dec. 23.

AUSTIN, Texas — The Austin Public Library (APL) is marking its 100th anniversary with a yearlong series of “Centennial Celebrations” honoring the library’s history and service to the growing Austin community.  

The library announced on Monday, Feb. 16, that the Centennial Celebrations will run through Dec. 23.  

“For 100 years, Austin Public Library has grown alongside this city, supporting readers, learners, creators and families in every generation,” Library Director Hannah Terrell said. “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.”  

Austin’s first public library opened on Feb. 16, 1926, in a rented upstairs room at 819 Congress Ave., with 500 donated books. Later that year, on Dec. 23, 1926, the first permanent building opened at West Ninth and Guadalupe streets – a 1,800-square-foot frame structure built for $4,190.  

The library system has since grown alongside the city. Today, the system includes 20 neighborhood branches and the award-winning Central Library, which serves as a global leader in public library design and community engagement.  

Centennial events planned across the city this year include:  

Roaring ’20s-themed library programs celebrating APL’s founding era History and genealogy events highlighting Austin’s pastBirthday celebrations for branches marking milestone anniversariesA community “History Harvest,” inviting residents to share memories, photos and stories for preservation at the Austin History CenterA Centennial “Adventure Book,” encouraging visitors to complete activities across library locations for a chance to win prizes

The signature event is set for Oct. 17, 2026. It will be a free party at the Central Library featuring programming and activities across all six floors. Officials say more details will be announced in the coming months.  

APL will also have a card design contest inviting Austinites to create new library card artwork. Categories will include children, teens and adults, with winning designs debuting in September 2026 for National Library Card Sign-Up Month. More details on the contest will be released this spring.  

For a schedule of events and updates on APL’s Centennial Celebration activities, click here.