Austin Public Library celebrates 100 years with a centennial birthday bash
A century of stories, memories and community connections! Austin Public Library is officially turning 100, and the entire Austin community is invited to celebrate!
Baylor Johnson from Austin Public Library joined Sierra Waggoner to preview the Centennial Party at Central, happening Saturday, October 17, from 10 AM to 5 PM, and reflect on a century of bringing Austinites together.
Baylor Johnson from Austin Public Library joined We Are Austin to preview the Centennial Party at Central, happening Saturday, October 17, from 10 AM to 5 PM, and reflect on a century of bringing Austinites together.
Watch the full video above for a preview of the centennial celebration!
From one small space to a century of community
Austin Public Library first opened in 1926 in a rented space on the second floor of a Congress Avenue storefront.
“As the city has grown and changed, Austin Public Library has grown and changed with it,” Baylor shared.
Today, the library system has grown to 20 neighborhood branches and the Central Library downtown.
“As the city has grown and changed, Austin Public Library has grown and changed with it,” Baylor shared.
A century of stories, memories and community connections! Austin Public Library is officially turning 100, and the entire Austin community is invited to celebrate!
The centennial celebration honors the stories, experiences and people who have shaped the library’s first 100 years.
A birthday party packed with Austin fun 
The centennial celebration honors the stories, experiences and people who have shaped the library’s first 100 years.
The Centennial Party at Central will feature a full day of free, family-friendly activities and entertainment, including:
Austin PBS Family Fest, featuring activities especially for younger visitorsLive music performances throughout the dayHands-on crafts, printing presses and typewritersAustin History Center exhibits exploring the library’s historyA live edition of KUT’s ATXplained, exploring what makes Austin uniqueTeen-created film screenings and live performances from young musicians and bands
Baylor is especially excited about bringing live music into the library.
“I think a lot of people have this idea of libraries as, you know, the ‘don’t make a noise,’ but we’re celebrating the role of libraries as a community space,” he explained.
Turning the page to the next 100 years
As Austin Public Library enters its second century, Baylor hopes its role as a welcoming community gathering place will continue to grow.
Austin Public Library first opened in 1926 in a rented space on the second floor of a Congress Avenue storefront.
“You don’t have to buy anything. It’s open to everybody,” he said.
From books and digital resources to art, music and creative spaces, the library continues to offer opportunities for Austinites of every generation to connect, learn and explore.
“As the city has grown and changed, Austin Public Library has grown and changed with it,” Baylor shared.
Join the centennial celebration!
What: Austin Public Library Centennial Party at Central
When: Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 10 AM–5 PM
Where: Austin Central Library
For more information about the celebration and Austin Public Library programs, visit Library.AustinTexas.gov.
For more information about the celebration and Austin Public Library programs, visit Library.AustinTexas.gov.