Mesquite Heat Fire information and updates

 The City of Abilene is on standby to support and assist area agencies working to fight the Mesquite Heat Fire and protect the lives and property affected. At this time Abilene residents should remain calm but vigilant, and assist in the fire fig...

Updated: Disaster declaration for Taylor County & areas of mandatory evacuation order

Orders to mandatorily evacuate parts of Taylor County due to the Mesquite Heat Fire have been partially rescinded as of May 20, 2022.

Areas of Taylor County where evacuation orders are rescinded but residents are urged to continue to be on alert and ready ...

Urgent call for temporary foster homes for dogs

The Abilene Animal Shelter is looking for temporary foster homes for 36 dogs that are set to be flown to new forever homes at the end of May through the Dog is My Co-Pilot program.

By fostering one of these dogs, you'd help save lives by freeing up urgentl...

Tire Amnesty Days & rain barrel giveaway this weekend!

Abilene residents are invited to take advantage of the City's Tire Amnesty Days and a rain barrel giveaway this Friday and Saturday, May 20 and 21 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Environmental Recycling Center located at 2209 Oak Street.

During Tire Amnesty ...

Information on electric scooter operations within the city of Abilene

You may have noticed electric ride share scooters have returned to Abilene, and can be found in the downtown and college campus areas.

Bird, the company currently providing this service in our area, has complied with municipal code and paid the permit fee ...

Redbud Park restrooms temporarily closed after vandalism

Restroom facilities located at the Redbud Park playground are temporarily closed as repairs are made following a vandalism incident. Repairs are estimated to take approximately 3 weeks, at which time the restrooms will be reopened to the public.

On Wednesd...

Bat found in south Abilene neighborhood tests positive for rabies

The City of Abilene would like to advise residents living in south Abilene’s Mesquite Forest neighborhood and surrounding areas that a bat found on April 13, 2022 at a residence on Queen Ann’s Lace has tested positive for rabies.&n...

Abilene Zoo celebrates rare birth of giant anteater twins

The Abilene Zoo is pleased to announce the birth of twin giant anteater pups; a first of its kind birth for the zoo! The twins were born to their two-and-a-half-year-old mother, Demo, the morning of March 28, 2022. 

The giant anteater twins, one b...

Reconstructed North 18th Street bridge is now open

The City of Abilene is pleased to share that the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has completed the reconstruction of the North 18th Street bridge, and the bridge is now open to traffic.

The North 18th Street bridge over Catclaw Creek was first c...

City of Abilene celebrates the dedication of Tittle Lake

Zoo Lake Number 1 at Grover Nelson Park has been renamed Tittle Lake in honor of Jimmy Tittle, the original designer and architect of the Abilene Zoo.

Mr. Tittle is a founding member of the Abilene architecture firm Tittle Luther Partnership, and worked as...

Abilene firefighters are ready to help identify lost pets

Thanks to a grant from Best Friends Animal Society, Abilene Animal Services has delivered microchip scanners to each fire station across the city.

Now, lost pets that have been microchipped can be scanned and reunited with their families without ever needi...

Watch online: how to prepare for upcoming severe weather or emergency events in our area

City of Abilene Emergency Management Coordinator Vincent Cantu sat down to discuss how the City is working to learn and improve services since the February 2021 freeze, and how you can best prepare for severe weather and emergency events in our area.

Watch...

North Plaza Construction Continues

As of April 12, 2022, construction on the Convention Center's north plaza continues.

• At this time, please use the Conference Center Ramp to enter the Convention Center
• For events in the Auditorium, Exhibit Hall, Meeting Rooms, & Foyer, continue...

Sign up for Convention Center Calendar Alerts

Keep up to date with the Convention Center's events, shows, and concerts by signing up for event alerts!

Visit abilenetx.gov/accevents to view the events calendar. To sign up for alerts, simply click "Notify Me" to view all city calendar...

Structure Fire: 2700 Block of Pine Street

On May 17, 2022 at approximately 3:57 p.m. the Abilene Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire located on the 2700 block of Pine Street. AFD fire crews arrived to heavy smoke escaping from the attic of the residential structure. The fire...

Structure Fire: 1900 Block of Chestnut Street

On May 15, 2022 at approximately 10:00 p.m., the Abilene Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire in the 1900 block of Chestnut Street. Crews arrived to find nothing showing from the residence. Crews did a quick 360 of the residence and f...

Structure Fire: 1600 Block of Sandefer Street

On May 15, 2022 at approximately 6:00 p.m., the Abilene Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire in the 1600 block of Sandefer Street. Crews arrived to find a recreational vehicle in the backyard of the residence fully engulfed in flames ...

Structure Fire: 2600 Block of Nonesuch Road

On Friday, May 13, 2022 at approximately 2300pm, crews with the Abilene Fire Department responded to the 2600 block of Nonesuch Road in reference to a structure fire. On arrival, crews noted smoke coming from an apartment located on the upper level of the...

Wildfire Preparedness

Wildfire Prevention

Red Flag Warning

A Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidities, & stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger.

• Avoid driving & parking on grass
• Che...

Structure Fire: 2300 Block of Palm Street

On Sunday, May 8, 2022 at approximately 03:26 am, crews with the Abilene Fire Department responded to the 2300 block of Palm Street in reference to a residential structure fire. On arrival, crews observed a single story, single family dwelling with heavy ...

Structure Fire: 1300 Block of S. Crockett

On May 6, 2022 at approximately 3:00 a.m. the Abilene Fire Department responded to a structure fire located on the 1300 block of S. Crockett. AFD fire crews arrived to find fire and smoke coming from the structure and were able to quickly extinguish the f...

Structure Fire: 3100 Block of South 2nd

On Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at approximately 04:15 am, crews with the Abilene Fire Department responded to the 3100 block of South 2nd street in reference to a residential structure fire. On arrival, crews observed a single vehicle with flames coming fro...

Structure Fire: 3100 South 11th

On Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at approximately 13:55pm, crews with the Abilene Fire Department responded to the intersection of South 11th Street and Sunset Drive in reference to a residential structure fire. On arrival, crews observed a fence consumed by fi...

Structure Fire: 1400 Block of Green Street

On April 17, 2022 at approximately 3:40 p.m. the Abilene Fire Department responded to a structure fire located on the 1400 block of Green St. AFD fire crews arrived to find a fully involved storage shed in the backyard of a residence. A power pole near th...

Structure Fire: 6500 Block of Five Points Parkway

On Thursday, April 14, 2022 at approximately 16:29pm, crews with the Abilene Fire Department responded to the 6500 block of Five Points Parkway in reference to a commercial structure fire. During response, smoke was observed and a second alarm was activat...

Structure Fire: 5300 Block of Taos Drive

On Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at approximately 20:16pm, crews with the Abilene Fire Department responded to the 5300 block of Taos Drive in reference to a residential structure fire. Upon arrival, crews noted a single story, single family dwelling with smo...

Structure Fire: 2000 Block of North 10th

On Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at approximately 15:54 pm crews with the Abilene Fire Department responded to the 2000 block of North 10th in reference to a residential structure fire. On arrival, it was noted that heavy smoke and fire was coming from the re...

Structure Fire: 1200 Block of North 8th

On April 11, 2022 at approximately 8:52 p.m. the Abilene Fire Department responded to a commercial structure fire located on the 1200 block of N 8th. AFD fire crews arrived to find smoke coming out of the front door of the structure. A small contents fire...

Structure Fire: 300 Block of Sayles

On April 11, 2022 at approximately 12:00 a.m., the Abilene Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire in the 300 block of Sayles Boulevard. Crews arrived to find a detached garage at the rear of the property with heavy fire and smoke showin...

Structure Fire: 1900 Block of Victoria

On April 10, 2022 at approximately 9:00 p.m., the Abilene Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire in the 1900 block of Victoria Street. Crews arrived on the scene to find an apartment in the back of the property with heavy smoke and fire...

Structure Fire: 1600 Block of Vine

On April 9 th , 2022 at approximately 6:40 p.m., the Abilene Fire Department responded to a commercial structure fire in the 1600 block of Vine. Crews arrived to find heavy smoke pushing from the structure. An interior attack was made and the fire was ext...

Structure Fire: 1400 Block of Tanglewood

On April 6, 2022 at approximately 9:53 p.m. the Abilene Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire located on the 1400 block of Tanglewood Rd. AFD fire crews arrived to find smoke and flames showing from the roof of the attached garage. The...

Structure Fire: 3100 Block of Elm Street

On April 5, 2022 at approximately 4:15 p.m. the Abilene Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire located on the 3100 block of Elm St. AFD fire crews arrived to find smoke showing from a residential mobile home. The occupant of the structu...

Structure Fire: 2400 Block of Buffalo Gap Rd

On March 30, 2022 at approximately 10:54 a.m. the Abilene Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire located on the 2400 block of Buffalo Gap Road. AFD fire crews arrived to find light smoke escaping from a doorway of the two story apartmen...

Structure Fire: 4900 Block of Oaklawn Ct

On Sunday, March 27, 2022 at approximately 12:01 pm, crews with the Abilene Fire Department responded to the 4900 block of Oaklawn Ct. in reference to a residential structure fire. On arrival, crews observed a single family dwelling with smoke and flames ...

Structure Fire: 3300 Block of South 1st

On March 26th, 2022 at approximately 7:43 a.m. the Abilene Fire Department responded to a commercial structure fire located on the 3300 block of S 1st. AFD fire crews arrived to find smoke escaping from the rear of the structure. The fire was quickly cont...

Structure Fire: 800 Block of Cedar Street

On March 23, 2022 at approximately 7:45 p.m., the Abilene Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire in the 800 block of Cedar Street. Crews arrived to find a single family residence with heavy fire and smoke showing from the back of the re...

Structure Fire: 2200 Block of Old Ironsides

On 20 March, 2022, at approximately 6:29 PM Abilene Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire located on the 2200 block of Old Ironsides Street, Abilene Texas. The arriving crews found a single story single family residence with smoke comi...

Structure Fire: 1900 Block of North 2nd

On 20 March, 2022, at approximately 7:55 AM Abilene Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire located on the 1900 block of North 2nd Street, Abilene Texas. The arriving crews found a two story single family residence fully involved. A seco...

Structure Fire: 1900 Block of Portland Ave

On March 19, 2022 at approximately 0900, the Abilene Fire Department responded to a residential structure fire in the 1900 block of Portland Avenue. Crews arrived to find heavy fire and smoke from a shed next to the house and the house itself on fire. Cre...

Rainfall Reporting

How much did it rain? Each of our eight Fire Stations collect rainfall data and will post to our Rainfall Reporting news flash category. 

View current totals or sign up for notifications using NotifyMe today!

Rainfall past 24 hours 05-02-22

Rainfall past 24 hours 04-25-22

Rainfall past 24 hours 04-04-22

Rainfall past 24 hours 03-30-22

Rainfall past 24 hours 03-22-22

Public Health Week - Celebrate Life

Public Health Celebrates Life

Join us for all sorts of fun at the Health District during Public Health Week.

850 N. 6th st. April 4-8 from 9am-4pm

Class Schedule (below) will continue to be updated as we get closer to the day of the event. ...

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

During Winter, the risk of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning is higher. This is because CO is found in fumes produced by common items used during the winter months, such as stoves, fireplaces, gas ranges, generators and furnaces. 

Symptoms to watch for

CO ...

Let’s Have a Heart to Heart

If you’ve ever watched “The Notebook” you’ll recall the couple, Noah and Allie, who fall in love but become separated after a series of misunderstandings come between them. When they finally get on the same page, it...

Daily Heart Health

With heart disease as the leading cause of death for both men and women in the U.S. it is important to consider lifestyle choices that help prevent heart disease and stroke every day. Here are a few ways to do your part each day to prioritize your heart h...

Health Equity - What is it & Why is it important?

Health equity is when all members of society enjoy a fair and just opportunity, having equal access to resources, to be as healthy as possible. As we take the month of February to recognize and reflect on the historical struggles of the Black community an...

A Message from Dr. Goodnight (February Health Connection Newsletter)

A 60-some year old male rancher suffered a puncture wound from a rusty barbed-wire fence. A week later, I was helping with his ICU care from a jaw-breaking tetanus infection. A current tetanus vaccination would have prevented this.&n...

Abilene History: Dr. William Butler

Black History month is a time to look at our past, present, and future as a community; It is a time to celebrate the triumphs and recognize the struggles of all Black men and women throughout history. As we celebrate triumphs we at ATCPHD would l...

TXHC PRESS RELEASE FY2022

DATE: January 28, 2022        PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information please contact (Tyler Mitchell)        Email: tyler.mitchell@abilenetx.gov Phone Number: 325.437...

Slicing up '22: Make 2022 your best year with these wellbeing tips

The new year brings about a renewed sense of purpose for many. In fact, 25% of Americans who made 2022 New Year's resolutions say they’ve set a goal to live healthier this year. So, how can one make sure they stay on task? Here are thre...

Emergency Preparedness: Stay Safe During Winter Weather

Know your risk for Winter Storms. Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms. Listen for emergency information and alerts. 

Preparing for Winter Weather

Prepare your home NOW to keep out th...

Forming Healthy Habits

With the New Year comes new resolutions, and hopefully some new healthy habits. When forming new health goals, whether for the new year or at any time throughout the year it is important to remember some key steps to help support the goal and be more succ...

Health Literacy - What is it & why is it important?

Health literacy has been defined by the CDC as the degree to which individuals have the ability to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others. 

This is not necessaril...

A Message from Dr. Goodnight (January Health Connection Newsletter)

Resilience is the word that defines the Abilene Taylor County Public Health District in 2021 because it implies hope, faith and possibilities. While dealing with the sudden relocation of staff and services due to flood damage from burst pipes caused by th...

Health Misinformation -- Why does it get shared?

Health Misinformation -- Why does it get shared?

Social Media has increased the spread of health misinformation. Health misinformation is any information that is false, inaccurate, or misleading according to the best available evidence at the time. It can ...

Friends Seeking Volunteers for Book Sale

The Friends of the Abilene Public Library are gearing up for their Annual Book Sale, running June 16-19 at the Abilene Convention Center. As one of their major fundraisers for the Abilene Public Library, the entire community is invited to be a part of one...

New Display: "Reading, It's Your Only Hope"

Each month the Main Library sets up a new display of books to promote on the first floor near the circulation desk. What makes it unique is not only will you find a new theme promoted each month, you’ll also find a great selection of books and movies to c...

Our 'Friends' Reach Record High for Abilene Gives

When provided with the means to better nonprofit agencies within the community, none reaches them more than the Abilene Gives initiative started by the Community Foundation of Abilene. This initiative provides a 24-hour giving event where people are asked...

AISD Students Get Peek Into Summer Fun

The Abilene Public Library’s Summer Reading Clubs are headed your way next month. We have an exciting lineup of programs and activities planned for the community to take advantage of.

We’ll be spreading the word to our local elementary schools in AISD by d...

'Connect with Us' for National Library Week

This week, your Abilene Public Library (APL) encourages the community to come visit us in person, or online, to explore and access services and programs. APL offers a wide array of programs, classes, and resources available in person or from the comfort o...

Don't Miss Next Big Library Read, Apr 4

Your Abilene Public Library is exploring recent American history through a musical lens with a New York Times bestselling novel during Overdrive’s next Big Library Read, the world’s largest digital book club. Just in time for the National Library Week, fr...

City of Abilene Service Award

On Wednesday, March 16, 2022, Marianne Vadney was recognized at a library staff meeting for 15 years of employment with the Abilene Public Library in a full-time position. However, like many city employees, her work with the Abilene Public Library began a...

Virtual Reality to Offer Career Training

If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to work a certain type of job before you apply for it, or go to school for it, we’ve got a program for you. Partnering with Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas, the South Branch Libra...

Spring Break Activities @ Your Library

It’s Spring Break, the kids are out of school, and parents are starting to look for activities to keep them entertained and busy (without breaking the bank of course). If that sounds like you, we invite you to take advantage of your library&...

Libraries to Close at 6PM; 02-24-22

All Abilene Public Library locations will be closing at 6:00PM on Thursday, February 24 due to inclement weather.  All regularly scheduled programming and events have been cancelled.

If you must get out, please drive safe and take extra time getti...

New STEAM Kits Heating Up the Collection

STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) activities are a great way to stimulate a child’s critical thinking and creativity skills.  Incorporated into the classroom many years go, this type of learning encouraged youth to...

Read What Your Library Did in 2021!

The Abilene Public Library has released our Annual Report for FY2021, providing a summary of what we’ve accomplished over the past year. Copies of the report are available to be picked up at all library branch locations, or you may view the Annu...

Find Money for College with the FAFSA

A primary deterrent for many who wish to go to college is “how am I going to pay for it?” It’s a valid question as many don’t have families that can afford to fund a higher education and trying to work your way thro...

Participate in Nationwide Digital Book Club, Feb. 7

Your Abilene Public Library is joining over 16,000 public libraries and colleges, along with tens of thousands of readers across the U.S., in offering the latest award-winning Together We Read digital book club selection. From February 7 to 21, our librar...

Learn Irrigation Tips in Next Workshop Series

If you’ve been following our regular events being hosted at the library, you may have noticed a monthly series of workshops led by Texas Master Gardener John Geib. Sharing his knowledge with our patrons, he’s been hosting monthly progr...

Make the Switch to Libby in February

Effective February 23, 2022, the OverDrive app will no longer be available through any of the app stores for patrons to install and use for downloading eBooks and audiobooks. This is being done to push the Libby app as the primary app for use with the Ove...

Participate in Blind Date with a Book

Have you ever perused the library stacks in search of a book to read and found yourself doing that one thing we’re told not to? Judge a book by its cover? It’s hard for us not to because some books can have a cover that draws you in, b...

Snag a Study Room @ Your Library

Did you know your library offers study rooms and quiet spaces for you to study, host a small group for discussion, use our Wi-Fi for a Zoom meeting/interview/call, or any number of reasons? These spaces are available for adults to use, and they’...

e-File Your Taxes for Free @ Your Library

UPDATE: As of February 17, sessions will now run Wednesdays through Saturdays from 9:00AM to 2:00PM.

Your Abilene Public Library is pleased to be partnering again with American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) to offer the Free Tax Help program at you...

Book Meeting Room Space @ Your Library

Did you know all library branches offer spaces for groups to meet? Although we do not rent out our spaces for parties, birthdays, baby showers, etc., our rooms are available (when not in use by the library) for community-sponsored programs and meetings th...

Friends Temporarily Suspend Book Donations

Effective, Tuesday, January 11, the Friends of the Abilene Public Library will suspend receiving book donations for the Annual Book Sale. 

Volunteers are taking precautions due to the rise in COVID variants and numbers in the nation. They anticipa...

Crafting Made Easy with CreativeBug

The Pandemic. It kept many people around the world homebound and left many with more time on their hands than they ever had before. While many worked on their sourdough starters (so not me) others looked for hobbies they could do to occupy their time. &am...

Learn to Grow Vegetables in Free Workshop

After a successful presentation in December on Getting Started with Composting, Texas Master Gardener John Geib will return to the library to host a workshop on Getting Started with Vegetable Gardening.  Mark your calendar for Friday, January 14 ...

Personalize Your Mug with New Equipment

The Creation Station makerspace at your Main Library (202 Cedar St.) is picking up in its use by the community based on all the wonderful projects you can make utilizing our equipment.  One of the most popular tools we offer is the Cricut. As a c...

Get Footloose in New Library Series

Get ready to kick up your heels for an exciting new series coming to your Mockingbird Branch Library (1326 N. Mockingbird Ln.) in January as we launch Beginning Line Dance Lessons.  Sessions will be offered twice a month on the second and fourth ...

Introducing Changes to Libby Service

OverDrive has been the library’s most popular digital service for downloading eBooks and audiobooks. Having been introduced in 2008, we created our collection as a joint initiative with Tom Green County Library in San Angelo. This provided a col...

Foodies Unite with New Databases

Foodies of the world unite! The Abilene Public Library has purchased subscriptions to two new databases available for all library cardholders to use at no charge.  AtoZ Food America and AtoZ World Food are perfect for people of all skill levels. ...

Holiday Library Schedule

Please make note of the following changes to our hours of operation during the upcoming holidays.

The Main Library and Mockingbird Branch locations will be closed December 24-27.  The South Branch Library will be open from 10:00AM to 2:00PM on Dec...

New B.Y.O.Book Club Strikes in January

If you’re looking for a new book club to join, which will also get you out and about in our community, we’re pleased to announce the B.Y.O.Book Club starting in January. This club will not meet at the library each month, but instead, m...

Borrowing Extended to Dyess AFB

Borrowing privileges for Abilene Public Library cardholders had been extended, yet again, thanks to the Dyess Air Force Base Library.  With their own collection of titles for lending, they are now allowing public library cardholders to have acces...

Holiday Donation Schedule in November

As many of you know, your Main Library is your official drop off location for books you'd like to donate for the Friends of the Library's Annual Book Sale. We appreciate your donations as over 90% of what goes into the sale comes directly from the communi...

Be a Master Pumpkin Decorator

Your South Branch Library will be hosting its Annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest, and now’s the time to start planning your pumpkin creations. So get out to your local store or pumpkin patch, and while you’re picking one up to carve lat...

Join Us at Business Mercado & More

Mark your calendars and attend the Business Mercado (Market), happening at the Abilene Convention Center (1100 N. 6th St.) on Saturday, October 9 from 9AM to 3PM.  This annual event showcases businesses and services in the community, with the aim...

Celebrate TeenTober @ Your Library

October is TeenTober in the nation, an initiative started by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), to encourage teens to visit their local libraries to discover what they have to offer....

Vote for 2021's Teens' Top Ten!

It's time to vote for this year's Teens' Top Ten, a "teen choice" list where teens nominate and choose their favorite books of the previous years. This list is sponsored by the Young Adult Library Services Association, a division of the American...

Join Library in Celebrating National Night Out

If you’re looking for a great community event to attend with your family In October, look for attending the city’s National Night Out event, brought to you by the Abilene Police Department and running on Tuesday, October 5 from 5:30PM ...

Celebrate Your Freedom to Read: Banned Books Week!

Get ready for Banned Books Week, running September 26 through October 2, and this is the time where we, as readers, can come together to celebrate our simple freedom to read what we want.

Sponsored by a coalition of organizations dedicated to free expressi...

Register for Book-A-Librarian Online

In August, the library discontinued its popular TECH Time program, which connected the public with the library's technology staff to assist with troubleshooting issues with their smartphones, tablets, and laptops.  It was a great service...

Nominations Open for Librarian of the Year Award

Now's the time to submit your nominations for the 2021 Ricki Brown Librarian of the Year Award, made possible thanks to the Friends of the Abilene Public Library. This award was established in honor of Ricki V. Brown, former City Librarian who le...

Adopt a Pet at Your Library, Sept. 11

UPDATE 09-07-21: This event is no longer being hosted on September 11 at the Mockingbird Branch. We apologize for the inconvenience and will hopefully be able to reschedule this event for in the future.

If you’re looking to expand your family wit...

Storytime Lineup Changes on Sept. 1

School has started, Fall is just around the corner, and today is when your library will switch back to our regular storytime schedule. Storytimes are a staple part of the library programming for youth and local families, and our youth department staff wor...

National Library Card Sign-Up Month

September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month, a time when the Abilene Public Library joins the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide to remind parents, caregivers, and students that signing up for a library card is the first step...

Stories & More, Live on TV Channel 2

For regular viewers of the City of Abilene’s government channel, you may have noticed content airing from your library ending up on TV.  Such includes our popular Crafty Creations shows for youth and original programming hosted at your library an...

Cosplay Contest Arrives on October 9!

Lib-Con will make its return to the library after a 2-year hiatus due to the COVID-19. As we’ve gone so long since hosting this popular series, we wanted to jump on the opportunity of hosting a teaser event as soon as people started venturing out...

Cookbook Club Expands in September

The Cookbook Club at your Mockingbird Branch Library made its debut Tuesday, August 10.  Under the direction of branch manager Amy Watterman, 16 guests flooded the library’s activity room with dishes of appetizers. In no time, waves of ...

New Library Service: Book Club in a Box!

Janet Bailey, Technical Services & Interim Information Services Manager, has created a new service that makes its debut today, June 1, on the start of the Summer Reading Clubs at your library.  This new service is titles "Book Club in a ...

West Texas Library Systems Ramping Up for Summer Programming (Video)

Alyssa Crow was on hand to speak with MyFoxZone on the Summer Reading Clubs at your library.  This is a special time of the year where the library comes to life with programming and we encourage the entire community to come out and participate, e...

APL Summer Reading Clubs Start June 1 (Video)

South Branch Manager Alyssa Crow was a guest on this week's KTAB 4U segment where she was on hand to discuss the start of the Summer Reading Clubs at your library, starting June 1.  There is a club for all ages to participate in and we h...

Harry Potter and the Summer of Fun

We have a summer full of Harry Potter fun planned at the Abilene Public Library! First up, the Main Library (202 Cedar St.) is showing all eight Harry Potter films, one each week (except for CALF week).  Accompanying the movies will be Harry Pott...

Grow Your Own Food with Adam Andrews (Video)

Your Abilene Public Library is back to hosting regular activities for adults to enjoy, which includes a lineup of guest speakers and presenters. A recent program hosted at your Mockingbird Branch Library was a free workshop titled "How to Grow Your O...

Summer Reading Club Starts June 1 (Video)

Alyssa Crow, South Branch Manager, was on hand to talk about the upcoming Summer Reading Clubs at your Abilene Public Library.  This year's theme is Tails and Tales where it's all about living things with tails to stories and fa...

Your Library Promoting Literacy for Families (Video)

Alyssa Crow was on hand to be the featured speaker from the Abilene Public Library on literacy resources we have to offer to families to checkout.  We all know libraries have been a staple for being able to check out books and audiobooks for yout...

Activities & Events Coming Up @ Your Library (Video)

On our latest visit to the KTAB, Amy Watterman (Mockingbird Branch Manager) was on hand to represent the library in their latest KTAB 4U segment.  Feel free to watch as she addresses some of the programing coming up at your library, with an empha...

World's Largest Digital Book Club Adds Humor to Reduce Stress

Your Abilene Public Library is helping readers embrace humor to reduce stress during the next Big Library Read, the world's largest digital book club. From April 5-19, readers can learn stress-managing techniques from psychologist and stand-up co...

Dive Deeper Into National Library Week!

We're in the second day of National Library Week and there's still much more information to share than was first provided in the initial post.  Running April 4-10, the theme for this year is "Welcome to Your Library," ...

Celebrate National Library Week 2021!

Libraries are storehouses of information and knowledge, having been erected over time to spread information and access to that information through the written word. Dating back to 2600 BC, the public libraries we've come to know today have been v...

(Video) Mockingbird Branch Re-Opens Apr. 1

Watch as Amy Watterman, Mockingbird Branch Manager, sits down with our friends on KTAB 4U to tell you all about the re-opening of the Mockingbird Branch Library on Thursday, April 1.  They will resume their normal hours of operation, Mondays, Tue...

Library to Participate in Tornado Drill, March 31

The City of Abilene will issue a mock tornado warning through CodeRED® (free telephone emergency notification system) at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 31, 2021.

Staff at your Abilene Public Library will be reviewing our own best practices in what ...

Main & South Branch to Resume Regular Services March 10

The Main and South Branch locations of the Abilene Public Library will return to pre-COVID-19 operating hours beginning Wednesday, March 10. At that time, all library operational practices and services will return to normal. 

The Mockingbird Branc...

Get Crafty @ Your Abilene Public Library

The start of the New Year brings the usual start of resolutions and challenges. People look at things they want to start or stop in order to improve themselves. 

A brand new year is also a great time to try out and start new hobbies. Your Abilene ...

Fold Origami @ Your Library in New Monthly Series

For thousands of years, people have been folding paper into strange and wonderful shapes.  Each generation learning the old patterns and creating new ones.  You can be a part of this grand tradition by participating in the art of Origami...

Library Remains Closed, Feb. 16

UPDATE 02-18-21: The Main Library and South Branch locations will resume their regular hours of operation on Saturday, February 20.  The Main Library will operate from 9AM to 1PM, South Branch from 11AM to 6PM.  If you've had ho...

Promoting Diversity in Reading for Young Children

One thing you will always hear from librarians is how reading is fundamental. It's one of the staple accomplishments we can make in our early lives to set us on the road for being successful for the rest of our lives and it does so much for us. I...

Display Your Collectibles @ Your Library

Many of us collect items throughout our lives. Whether passed down to us by others, or picked up by ourselves, we collect antiques, tea sets, movie memorabilia, baseball cards, snow globes, spoons from around the world, the possibilities are endless.&...

Library Offers New Interactive Reading Collection

Libraries have always supported literature and literacy, and one of the main ways we foster that is by trying to reach youth while they're young.  We offer a wonderful collection of books and resources for families to utilize to help sup...

Tax Help Arrives Feb. 10

Update 01-28-21: The hours of this program has changed with sessions being offered Wednesdays through Fridays from 9AM to 3PM, Saturdays from 9AM to 12:30PM.

There aren't too many people around that jump at the opportunity to filing their taxes ea...

South Branch Closed, Jan. 10, 2021

Due to inclement weather, the South Branch Library, located in the Mall of Abilene, has closed for Sunday, January 10, 2021.  With more snow expected in our forecast for today, we'are asking that our patrons stay home and keep warm.

While...

Learn a New Language in 2021

2020 may have been a year many of us would rather forget, it did provide many of us with the opportunity to get healthy, learn a new skill, pick up a hobby, invest in DIY projects at home, and more. Well, we may not have all capitalized on this, but that ...

Library Maintaining COVID-19 Safety Measures

As a nation, we all have been following the progression of COVID-19. With numbers on the rise, as of recent, health officials are stressing the importance on ways to keep yourself safer when it comes to being exposed to the coronavirus.

When the Abilene Pu...

Library Annual Report Now Available

Each year your Abilene Public Library produces an Annual Report providing you with a recap of our activities over the course of the previous year.  We have put together our latest report and it is available for viewing online.  In this r...

Meet Library Director Julee Hatton

Julee Hatton is the City of Abilene's new Director of Library Services.  Hailing from Lincoln, Nebraska, as the former Assistant Director of the Lincoln City Libraries, she arrived in Abilene, TX and was ready to serve in the middle of a...

Bonus Borrows Returns from Hoopla!

Wonderful news all you users of Hoopla Digital, the streaming service we offer to connect you to a wonderful library of eBooks, movies, eAudiobooks, comics, music, and...even better, the materials are always available.  The great news is...

Get Car Repair Help Online with Chilton Database

Your library subscribes to a number of respected online databases available to all library cardholders at no charge.  Each month we will highlight a different database for you to get involved in using, to show you the wealth of information at you...

Join the Library's Virtual Classroom

Virtual Classroom (www.abilenetx.gov/apl/class) is a new feature found on our digital webpage on the Abilene Public Library’s website.  It made its debut introducing our Axolotl, Sir Lancelotl.  The Virtual Cl...

Strike a Superhero Pose to Win Cash Prize!

September is National Library Card Sign-Up Month, encouraging everyone to visit their local library to register for a library card and take advantage of the great services they offer.  As a national campaign, library cardholders across the nation...

Celebrate National Library Card Sign-Up Month

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month, a time when your Abilene Public Library joins the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide to remind parents, caregivers, and students that signing up for a library card is the first step on the ...

Teens Vote for Top YA Reads!

It’s that time of year again, when the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA, a division of the American Library Association), seeks out the input of teens to vote on the best YA reads from the previous year.  Known as the Tee...

rbDigital eAudiobooks Moves to OverDrive

Downloadables and streaming content are popular services at your Abilene Public Library, and free to all library cardholders.  rbDigital was a great service we offered that provided you with a selection of eAudiobooks that couldn’t be f...

Meet Sir Lancelotl the Axolotl (Video)

If you may not already know, your Abilene Public Library has a new pet.  Allow us to introduce you to our new axolotl, currently available to see at your South Branch library, but will later be moved to the Mockingbird Branch Library once it reop...

Library Gets a New Pet...See What It Is!

If you have been by the South Branch Library lately you might have seen our new friend, the axolotl.  Currently our axolotl does not have a name but anyone may suggest their favorite names and the top picks will be voted on later this month.

You m...

The March Continues, Legacy of John Lewis

When it comes to the names of the most influential people involved in the Civil Rights Movement, you’d be hard-pressed not to come across the name of John Lewis.  As one of the "Big Six" leaders, along with Martin Luther King ...

Farewell to "The Magic School Bus" Creator

The American writer of more than 250 books, however best known for The Magic School Bus series, Joanna Cole, has passed away on July 12, 2020 at the age of 75.  Her beloved series, illustrated by Bruce Degen since its creation, was what the autho...

Abilene Hunger Coalition to Provide Meals at Mockingbird

For the second year, the Mockingbird Branch Library will participate in the Free Summer Lunch program offered by the Abilene Hunger Coalition.  With the mission of providing food for Abilene during the AISD summer feeding gap, this year will be d...

Choose Your Own Adventure at the Library

Choose Your Own Adventure Books are a unique series of books where the reader chooses what happens next in the story.  These books are great for reluctant readers because of how engaging the stories are and how they immerse the reader.  ...

Annual Mini-Con Pushed to 2021

Lib-Con has been an annual event at your Abilene Public Library for years, offering the community with a series of events and activities celebrating anime, manga, fandoms, comics, and more.  After much discussion, the Lib-Con committee is saddene...

Library Welcomes New Director, Julee Hatton

The City of Abilene is excited to announce the hire of Julee Hatton, Abilene’s first Library Director. Ms. Hatton joins the City’s executive management team from Lincoln, Nebraska, where she most recently served as Assistant Director o...

Summer Reading Club Fun Kicks Off Today!

The Summer Reading Clubs kick off today, Monday, June 15 at your Main Library and South Branch Library locations.  As a reminder, the Mockingbird Branch Library will remain temporarily closed throughout the reading club months.  ...

Virtual Club to Offer More Summer Fun at Your Library

COVID-19 has changed the way public libraries had to offer services.  Even now when our facilities are open, we’re still not back to our regular hours and services quite yet. There are still guidelines we must follow when facing how to ...

Weekly Storytimes Returning in July!

The Summer Reading Club is approaching, running June 15 - August 8 at your Main Library and South Branch locations.  At that time, feel free to stop by your library to start picking up your reading club packets, or start viewing summer activities...

Abilene Public Library Enters Phase 2 of Services

The Main Library and South Branch locations re-opened its doors on May 18 after our closing due to COVID-19.  At that time we opened to limited to services to adjust to a "new normal" to practice social distancing and clean high-use are...

Welcome Back to Your Library!

Two locations of your Abilene Public Library are opening their doors today as we welcome our patrons back under a limited service plan. The Main Library will be open to the public Monday through Friday from 9:00AM to 6:00PM and 9:00AM to 1:00PM on Saturda...

2020 Friends of the Library Book Sale Postponed

The Board of the Friends of the Abilene Public Library have made the difficult decision to postpone their 2020 Annual Book Sale until June 2021.  The 31st annual sale, which would have been held on June 18-21, was determined to be too logisticall...

Library to Open May 18 with Limited Services, Reduced Hours

Monday, May 18, the Main Library and South Branch locations will open their doors to the public.  We appreciate everyone who has taken advantage of our digital services during our COVID-19 closure, but now you’ll have the opportunity to...

Record Numbers are Checking Out the Library Online

Abilene Public Library has great online resources, and the citizens of Abilene have apparently enjoyed having them during the month of April! Our digital circulation has far surpassed any other month in our history, with more than 23 thousand circulations...

Future Abilene Heritage Square Brightens Up as Crew Power Wash Exterior

As Published on the Abilene Reporter-News on Wednesday, May 6 by Brian Bethel

The future looks bright for the future site of Abilene Heritage Square, and now so does the exterior of the former Lincoln Middle School/Abilene High School.

The building&rsqu...

Learn Skills at Home with Your Library's Help

As we all stick closer to home these days and with so many ‘normal’ activities limited until further notice, many people are taking the time to brush up on old skills, or learn new things. Cooking is now a must-have skill, exercise rou...

Travel the World from Comfort of Home

This time of year is often when families begin to plan their summer vacations - what exciting destinations can be picked? What will appeal to everyone? Staycation, or go somewhere you’ve always wanted to go? Unfortunately, COVID-19 may squash th...

Let the Abilene Public Library Help with Homeschooling

With the uncertainty over whether schools will reopen before the end of the semester, parents and teachers are working hard to make sure their K-12 children have the resources they need to keep up to grade level. Your Abilene Public Library can help! We h...

Learning is at Your Fingertips with a Library Card

Last time we talked about some of our leisure reading online resources for all ages, but your Abilene Public Library has much, much more than that! Students of all ages have access to online courses that can earn Continuing Education Units, as well as tes...

Not Accepting Purchase Requests At this Time

Update May 16, 2020: The Abilene Public Library will no longer be accepting requests for purchasing materials for the remainder of our fiscal year, which ends September 30, 2020.  This includes requests for purchases of books, a...

Get Live Help with Library Lessons Online Series

The physical collection at your Abilene Public Library may be closed to the public, but that doesn’t mean you’re without access to great resources.  As long as you have a valid Abilene Public Library card, we encourage you to ...

Enjoy Live Online Storytimes During Library Closure

Social distancing is a common phrase we’re hearing often due to the fast spread of COVID-19.  Your Abilene Public Library will close its doors to the public, effective Monday, March 23, in the city’s attempt of lessening the p...

Abilene Public Library Closed to Limit Potential Spread for COVID-19

UPDATE 4-3-2020: Limited staff will operate out of the Main Library (202 Cedar St., PH: 325-677-2474) only effective Monday, April 6.  Staff will operate out of this location Mondays through Fridays from 8:00AM to 5:00PM.  If you are in ...

Pre-Construction Happening at Future Abilene Heritage Square

As Published in the Abilene Reporter-News on Sunday, March 15, 2020 by Brian Bethel

Contractors’ trucks have been surrounding the entrances of Abilene Heritage Square for a several days as pre-construction activities commence.

Housed in t...

Reserve This Week's Best Sellers

Everyone always looks out for popular reading material at the library, and each week we like to put a spotlight on the popular materials from the week compiled from the New York Times Best Sellers lists for Hardcover Fiction and Nonfiction titles. &nb...

AARP Suspends Tax Aide Until Further Notice

Abilene Public Library has been informed by the AARP that the Tax Aide programs at our Main and Mockingbird libraries have been suspended indefinitely due to COVID-19.  The statement on their website www.aarp.org reads, in part: "As...

Digital Bookmobile Tour Abilene Stop Canceled

The Digital Bookmobile Tour event scheduled for the South Branch of the Abilene Public Library on Tuesday, March 17 has been canceled. Library staff were informed around 3:30 p.m. this afternoon with the following statement from OverDrive. 

&l...

(Video) Library Partners with Girl Scouts to Encourage Young Volunteers

The Abilene Public Library is looking to spark a volunteering spirit in young people. We learn about their partnership with The Girl Scouts to get young people involved.

Abilene Public LibraryMain Library- 202 Cedar St.South Branch Library- Mall of Abilene...

(Video) Create Your Look for Library's Cosplay Contest!

No matter how young or how old one may be, getting dressed up in fun costumes to become your favorite superhero or villain is just fun.  This is at the heart of the Cosplay Contest that’s hosted every year at Lib-Con at your Abilene Pub...

South Branch to Host Digital Bookmobile National Tour

As Published by Brian Bethel of the Abilene Reporter-News on Tuesday, March 10, 2020

The Digital Bookmobile National Tour will make a stop at the south branch of the Abilene Public Library in the Mall of Abilene on Tuesday, March 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m....

(Video) Learn About Women's Right to Vote at Local Workshop

Librarian Amy Watterman set up a great program for the community on the history of Women’s Right to Vote.  Honoring this month’s designation as Women’s History Month, this topic was well-received by those who attende...

(Video) Prepare Yourself for Lib-Con in April

In the latest Inside the Library series from your Abilene Public Library, you’ll learn about the upcoming Lib-Con events coming in April.  This is the library’s annual series of specialized programming that gives you a mini-co...

Reserve This Week's Best Sellers

Everyone always looks out for popular reading material at the library, and each week we like to put a spotlight on the popular materials from the week compiled from the New York Times Best Sellers lists for Hardcover Fiction and Nonfiction titles. &nb...

Newly Visible Changes at Abilene Heritage Square

Covered by BigCountryHomepage on Thursday, March 6, 2020

Contractors’ trucks have been surrounding the entrances of Abilene Heritage Square for several days now.

Here’s a rundown of the activities going on inside and outside the project:...

(Video) West Texas Homeless Network Holds Free Monthly Coffee Meetings

Appeared on KTAB 4U with Adam Singleton on Wednesday, March 4, 2020

The West Texas Homeless Network tells us about their monthly coffee meetings where anyone is invited to learn about the help available for those in need.

FREE Coffee & Conversations!Wes...

(Video) Come Aboard the OverDrive Bookmobile

Your Abilene Public Library is pleased to host the OverDrive Bookmobile as it makes a stop at the South Branch Library during its national tour.  Stop by on Tuesday, March 17 from 11AM to 3PM and you’ll see the bookmobile in the parking...

Reserve This Week's Best Sellers

Everyone always looks out for popular reading material at the library, and each week we like to put a spotlight on the popular materials from the week compiled from the New York Times Best Sellers lists for Hardcover Fiction and Nonfiction titles. &nb...

The Robots are Coming...to the Abilene Public Library

Don’t be alarmed folks; there is no impending danger from Skynet or other sapient machines. But the library has received an awesome set of Cue robots by Wonder Workshop as well as several sets of the award winning electronic learning tool, Snap ...

Reserve This Week's Best Sellers

Everyone always looks out for popular reading material at the library, and each week we like to put a spotlight on the popular materials from the week compiled from the New York Times Best Sellers lists for Hardcover Fiction and Nonfiction titles. &nb...

(Video) Library Offers Week of Fun for Spring Break

Segment by Adam Singleton, KTAB 4U, Posted on Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Spring break is just around the corner and if you’re still looking for something fun for the kids the Abilene Public Library has plenty to offer.

Spring Break at The Librar...

Participate in Run4Reading Fundraiser

The Abilene Public Library and Chick-fil-A have had a great and growing partnership over the past few years.  We’ve conducted regular storytimes at their restaurants while they’ve provided children with treats and incentives f...

Reserve This Week's Best Sellers

Everyone always looks out for popular reading material at the library, and each week we like to put a spotlight on the popular materials from the week compiled from the New York Times Best Sellers lists for Hardcover Fiction and Nonfiction titles. &nb...

(Video) Inside the Library: New Printing Kiosks

In our latest Inside the Library video, Alyssa Crow (South Branch Manager) will be on hand to introduce you to the new Print Kiosks at your Abilene Public Library.  It’s the fastest way to pick up your print jobs using a self-service pr...

View 2019 Annual Report from Your Library

The Abilene Public Library’s Annual Report is now available for the public to view.  It’s a great way to chart our progress over the past year, and what an exciting year it was.  Within the report you’ll rec...

(Video) Inside the Library: Free Tax Assistance

The Free Tax Assistance program at your Abilene Public Library is one of the great services we’re pleased to host every year.  Open to the community to participate in, this is your chance to be able to visit your library and e-File your...

Calling All Local Performers to Open Mic Night Series

If you have a talent you’ve been waiting to showcase before your friends and neighbors, your Abilene Public Library has just the thing!  We are hosting monthly open mic nights where you can show off your skills onstage at the South Bran...

Reserve This Week's Best Sellers

Everyone always looks out for popular reading material at the library, and each week we like to put a spotlight on the popular materials from the week compiled from the New York Times Best Sellers lists for Hardcover Fiction and Nonfiction titles. &nb...

All Library Locations Closed February 5-6

Update 02-05-20 at 5:00PM: All library locations will remained closed through Thursday, February 6, as well as City Hall and city offices with the exception of essential personnel.

All Abilene Public Library branch locations will be closed on Wednesday, Fe...

(Video) Inside the Library: Open Mic Night

The new Open Mic Night series at your South Branch Library kicked off with a bang.  40+ guests came out to support the talent that bravely took to center stage to entertain everyone.

Singing was the most popular form of entertainment for the eveni...

Ep. 48: Squirrels & Some Frozen Moles

It’s February...Black History Month...the Month of Love...whatever you choose, we’re here for another episode where Tremain will tell you about a Black History experience in Starbucks and Jessica has a frozen mole she wants to keep as ...

Read the Book Before You See it on Screen

I hope you enjoyed the column last week, and since 2020 will be chock full of book-to-movie adaptations, here are even more titles. So take a quick look at some more offerings and check in with your Abilene Public Library to start reading, since we all kn...

View this Month's Bibliofiles Newsletter

The Abilene Public Library hosts a wide range of events and activities for the entire community to enjoy.  With programming developed for youth, teens, and adults, there’s always something for everyone to get involved in.

Feel free to pe...

Reserve This Week's Best Sellers

Everyone always looks out for popular reading material at the library, and each week we like to put a spotlight on the popular materials from the week compiled from the New York Times Best Sellers lists for Hardcover Fiction and Nonfiction titles. &nb...

Ep. 47: Squirrels & Some Drag Power to the People

We’re back for more podcast fun with Tremain and Jessica at your Abilene Public Library.  First off, we apologize for the technical difficulties with the audio, but we never noticed Jessica’s microphone went out after about 20...

(Video) Inside the Library: Annual Children's Workshop

Tremain Jackson sits down with Alyssa Crow to discuss the Annual Workshop coming up at your Abilene Public Library on Monday, March 2.  This all-day event is designed for area wide librarians, school librarians, school library aides, and other pr...

See If the Book Was Better at Your Library

Unsurprisingly, 2020 holds an avalanche of books being adapted for film and television. So take a skim through some of the new year’s latest offerings and check in with your Abilene Public Library to decide if, indeed, the book is better than th...

Reserve This Week's Best Sellers

Everyone always looks out for popular reading material at the library, and each week we like to put a spotlight on the popular materials from the week compiled from the New York Times Best Sellers lists for Hardcover Fiction and Nonfiction titles. &nb...

Construction Work Begins on Former Lincoln Middle School Building

As covered by Joey Hollingsworth of KTAB/KRBC on Tuesday, January 22, 2020

Work has begun on the old Lincoln Middle School in Abilene, as crews prepare to transform the building into a new, high-tech hub.

According to a social media post from Abilene Herita...

(Video) Abilene Public Library to Begin Free Tax Assistance Program in February

Segment by Adam Singleton, KTAB 4U on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 

Filing your own taxes? The Abilene Public Library tells us how they can help for free.

Free Tax AssistanceFebruary 5th – April 11th10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Main Library...

Ep. 46: Squirrels & Something Wicked This Way Comes from Missouri

January is almost over, but the podcasting fun continues with hosts Tremain & Jessica from the Abilene Public Library.  On today’s show you’ll hear about the struggle with claustrophobia, how our thoughts are still with Au...

Reserve This Week's Best Sellers

Everyone always looks out for popular reading material at the library, and each week we like to put a spotlight on the popular materials from the week compiled from the New York Times Best Sellers lists for Hardcover Fiction and Nonfiction titles. &nb...

Ep. 45: Squirrels & Seeing Clear in 2020

Join Tremain Jackson & Jessica Reyes for a fresh episode for the new year, and since the year is 2020, let’s kick off the year with trying to see things a little more clearly. Today’s show will be shorter than our usual shows, but ...

Learn to Make Lunch on the Go

Everyone’s busy, especially during the school year.  Because of this, school lunches for the kids may consist of a lunchmeat sandwich with chips, an apple or snack cake and a soda.  The same may appear in the lunchbox of any adult who ta...

Reserve This Week's Best Sellers

Everyone always looks out for popular reading material at the library, and each week we like to put a spotlight on the popular materials from the week compiled from the New York Times Best Sellers lists for Hardcover Fiction and Nonfiction titles. &nb...

(Video) Know Your Rights: Home Buying 101

Your Abilene Public Library hosts regular "Know Your Rights" sessions in partnership with our friends from Legal Aid of Northwest Texas.  Usually conducted on a monthly basis, each features a different topic in the legal field for the c...

(Video) Abilene Public Library to Host Open Mic Night January

Segment by Adam Singleton, KTAB 4U on Wednesday, January 8, 2020

Have a talent you’ve been waiting to showcase? The Abilene Public Library is hosting an open mic night where you can show you best skills.

View the full event listing by Clicking Her...

Abilene Wide Open: Fandom Dance Party

You know, it's fine that the librarians danced the most. After all, Friday evening was the first after-hours Fandom Dance Party at the Abilene Public Library's Main Branch.

Not everyone knew what to expect, so hesitancy at cutting the rug in a new environm...

The Baker Street Irregulars are on the Case at Your Abilene Public Library

Your Abilene Public Library is beginning the new year with a new club for fans of one of the English speaking world’s most beloved literary figures. On Thursday, January 9, the Baker Street Irregulars: Abernetty Family of Abilene, Texas will hold their fi...

Find a New Hobby with the Abilene Public Library's Help

No matter how young we are, or how old we get, taking the time to relax with a favorite hobby, crafting activity or recreational pastime is something all can benefit from.  These things help us to reduce stress, spend time with family and friends...

Dance the Night Away in After Hours Library Event

If you enjoy any fandom, cosplay, geeky, or nerdy things - and you love to dance and meet new people - join us at your Main Library (202 Cedar St.) for our first ever Fandom Dance Party.  We'll host the event in the auditorium, located on the sec...

Reserve This Week's Best Sellers

Everyone always looks out for popular reading material at the library, and each week we like to put a spotlight on the popular materials from the week compiled from the New York Times Best Sellers lists for Hardcover Fiction and Nonfiction titles. &nb...

Ep. 44: Squirrels & Some Love for Mariah

Join Tremain Jackson & Jessica Reyes for a fresh episode just before the holidays.  Jessica's loves the holiday season, but Tremain's a bit indifferent; however, congratulations to Mariah Carey and her hit Christmas Song "All I Want for ...

Perform in Library's New Open Mic Night Series

Are you a singer, poet, comedian, musician, or performer with the urge to entertain a captive audience?  If so, we incite you to you join in on the South Branch Library’s new Open Mic Night series where you can share your talent with others. &...

Broaden Your Holiday Horizons at Your Library

The Holiday season is a time when cheer and goodwill abound.  All things seem possible, perhaps because it brings out the child in all of us.  We once again feel capable of the creativity, the imagination, and the joyful, courageous aban...

Register for Conversational Spanish Series

Start the new year off right by signing up for a free, six-week class titled Let’s Talk: Conversational Spanish, hosted at your Mockingbird Branch Library.  Did you know over 400 million people worldwide speak Spanish?  That ma...

Reserve This Week's Best Sellers

Everyone always looks out for popular reading material at the library, and each week we like to put a spotlight on the popular materials from the week compiled from the New York Times Best Sellers lists for Hardcover Fiction and Nonfiction titles. &nb...

Abilene Council Cements Agreement for Heritage Square, New Library

The Abilene City Council Thursday approved an agreement to donate the former Abilene High School/Lincoln Middle School property on South First Street to a nonprofit that plans to renovate the structure.

Once that project is done, expected to be around 2023...

New Abilene Librarian Needs to be Creative, Passionate, People-Oriented

Abilene City Manager Robert Hanna says he plans to start the search for a new city librarian in the new year. 

Hanna is looking for the right person who can take the Abilene Public Library to the next level, someone to shepherd the transition from...

Council to Vote on Abilene High/Lincoln Middle School...

The Abilene City Council will vote to donate the former Lincoln Middle School to the Abilene Heritage Square project at its regular evening meeting Thursday.

The council plans to also vote on a lease agreement with the new owners to use space within the re...

Cook Up Some Fun with a Culinary Mystery

Good books and good food can go hand in hand, particularly during the holiday season, and books that mesh the two together have created a niche in the  mystery genre that continues to be popular at your Abilene Public Library.  I’m refer...

Reserve This Week's Best Sellers

Get a look at the top 15 books in Hardcover Fiction & Nonfiction titles from the New York Times Best Sellers List.

(Video) Abilene Police Need to Identify Suspect

Abilene police need help identifying a suspect accused of stealing from the library.

The suspect was caught on camera taking merchandise from the Mockingbird Branch of the Abilene Public Library on December 5.

He was wearing a black sweatshirt and khaki sho...

(Video) Let's Build an Igloo!

The South Branch Library has already built an igloo in the past, and Branch Manager Alyssa Crow wanted to do so again.  Collecting well over 200 emptied and cleaned milk jugs, she got to work constructing her second igloo for the season. &nbs...

(Video) Viva Strings! Mini-Concert at City Sidewalks

Watch the full performance as recorded on Tuesday, December 2, 2019 at the Main Library's auditorium.

(Video) Abilene Public Library Hosts Gingerbread House Workshop

Segment by Adam Singleton, KTAB 4U

Next week you can build your very own gingerbread house at The Abilene Public Library. Here is how you can join the fun.

Gingerbread Houses WorkshopAbilene Public Library202 Cedar St.Monday, December 16th5:00 pm(325) 676-6...

New "Squirrels & Shiny Things" Episode

Tune into another episode of the library's podcast where we dish on library programming to attend this week, new DVD releases to look out for, and more. Catch our show here, or subscribe to us on the major podcasting platforms.

Catch a Dream at Your Abilene Public Library

These days everyone "knows" what a dream catcher is.  It's that hoop with webbing and feathers that people use to decorate their homes or put on their keychains.  Actually it is a Native American craft with meaning attached to ...

Reserve This Week's Best Sellers

Get a look at the top 15 books in Hardcover Fiction & Nonfiction titles from the New York Times Best Sellers List.

Tune Into New "Squirrels & Shiny Things" Episode

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS LATEST PODCAST EPISODE

Hello everyone, it's Tremain Jackson & Jessica Reyes coming at you, post-Thanksgiving, for some library talk to dish on some holiday selections you might want to ease into as well as all of our fun library to...

Remember Your Downtown Library this December

December is a wonderful time, full of holiday cheer and sooooo many things to do!  Your Abilene Public Library has many great programs all across our system, but I'd like to draw your attention to some we'll be hosting at the Main Library downtow...

(Video) What to Expect at the Abilene Public Library This December

There’s a plenty of fun coming up as the year winds down at The Abilene Public Library. We find out some of what you can look forward to.

Abilene Public Library202 Cedar St.(325) 677-2474abilenetx.gov/aplFind them on Facebook

Catch new "Squirrels & Shiny Things" Episode

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS LATEST PODCAST

In our latest episode, Tremain Jackson & Jessica Reyes are tackling the following topics when it comes to the library world:

• Library Events: None to cover this week because it's the week of Thanksgiving. May you all s...

(Video) Harvesting Family History with ACU

The Abilene Public Library loves partnering with local professionals to lead programming and workshops available to the public.  On Thursday, November 14, 2019, Mac Ice & Amanda Dietz, archivists at Abilene Christian University, were our gues...

School Library Journal Releases Top Picture Books

If there's one thing families can always count on finding at your local library, it's a great selection of reading materials for their children. The juvenile collection of the library remains the most circulated item type. Sometimes you might be looking f...

(Video) Preliminary Plans Solidified for Old Lincoln Middle School

Story by Jessica Ranck with KTAB/KRBC on November 12, 2019

While things may be quiet at the old Lincoln Middle School now, it won’t be long before the familiar sounds of books being stacked and checked in echo off these historic walls.

“...

(Video) Fall Fun Coming Soon at South Abilene Library

There are some fun programs and events coming up at the South Branch of The Abilene Public Library. We learn what you can expect.

Abilene Public Library South BranchMall of Abilene4310 Buffalo Gap Rd.Abilene, TX 79606PH: (325) 698-7565

New "Squirrels & Shiny Things" Episode Available

Listen to Episode #39: Squirrels & Some Textual Healing

In our latest episode, Tremain Jackson & Jessica Reyes are tackling the following topics when it comes to the library world:

• Library Events to Attend: Hear about some great events for adults to...

Redbud Park restrooms temporarily closed after vandalism

Restroom facilities located at the Redbud Park playground are temporarily closed as repairs are made following a vandalism incident. Repairs are estimated to take approximately 3 weeks, at which time the restrooms will be reopened to the public.

On Wednesd...

Girls Night

Girls Night

It's time for a girls night, IN! Party in your pj's with us at Rose Park Recreation Center. Bring your friends, moms, grandmas, aunts, or female role models to this fun all-girls event. We will have "spa" crafts, a m...

Lifeguard Shallow Water Certification Classes

Become a Certified Shallow Water Lifeguard! 

This class provides entry-level participants the knowledge & skills to prevent, recognize & respond to aquatic emergencies in shallow water up to 5 feet & to provide care for breat...

Adventure Cove Opening Day

The City of Abilene Parks & Recreation Department announces the opening of Adventure Cove for the 2022 Summer season will be on Saturday, May 28th at 11:00 am. The cost of admission is $4 for kids under 48” tall, $6 for kids 48” an...

SUMMER CAMP 2022

Summer Camp 2022

Summer Camp is HOT HOT HOT- A Summer of fun June 6th - August 12th

Summer Camp 2022 is open to campers ages 6-13 yrs and is held in two-week sessions. Each day starts at 7:30 am and ends at 5:30 pm. Cost is $85 per session for each camper a...

Motorcyclist Dies from Injuries Sustained in Crash a Week Ago

ABILENE, TX – A motorcycle rider involved in a crash in North Abilene on May 5 has passed away from injuries sustained in the crash. 72-year-old Daniel Randolph of Abilene passed away at the hospital on Thursday, May 12, a week after the crash.

&...

Suspect Arrested for Stealing Airport Truck and Evading Police

ABILENE, TX – Police arrested a 40-year-old Abilene man for stealing a truck and leading police on a low-speed chase. Joseph Lee Dosson of Abilene was taken into custody just before 5 a.m. on Thursday, May 12, 2022. 

 A call of ...

Fatal Crash Interstate 20, Mile Marker 292

ABILENE, TX – First Responders responded to a major motor vehicle crash on Interstate 20 at mile marker 292 just after 4 p.m. on Monday, May 9, 2022. Two people are confirmed deceased and one person remains in critical condition at a lo...

Fatal Crash Highway 83/84

ABILENE, TX – On Sunday, May 8, at 5:20 p.m., Officers of the Abilene Police Department Patrol and Traffic Division responded to a major motor vehicle crash in the 6000 block of US Highway 83/84. A 2003 Ford F-150 was entering the southbound lan...

Fatal Vehicle Crash Kills Two

ABILENE, TX – A head-on crash claimed the lives of two Abileneans on Wednesday, May 4, 2022. Police received several calls just after 9 p.m. saying a vehicle was traveling south on Highway 83/84 in the wrong lane near Kirby Lake. Witnesses say s...

Fatal Crash in South Abilene – T&P Lane

ABILENE, TX – A single-vehicle crash in South Abilene claimed the life of a 36-year-old Abilene man.

 On Tuesday, April 26, at approximately 6:04 pm, the Abilene Police Department responded to a major accident in the 600 block of T&P...

UPDATE – Fatal Crash in South Abilene – E Hwy 80

ABILENE, TX – UPDATE – Next of kin notification has been made.  Both of the deceased have been identified, They are, 46-year-old Jason Michael Rigstad and 32-year-old Rebecca Mae Barker, both of Abilene.

 ORIGINAL RELE...

Multiple People Stabbed in North Abilene at Festival Celebration

ABILENE, TX – The Abilene Police Department responded to a call of multiple victims suffering from stab wounds in north Abilene, just after 9 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, 2022. The initial reports indicated that a 19-year-old male stabbed multipl...

Abilene Man Arrested for Sexual Assault of a Child

ABILENE, TX – Abilene Police Department Special Victims Unit detectives arrested 32-year-old Eleno Silva III on an outstanding warrant for Second Degree Felony Sexual Assault of a Child. Detectives worked with the United States Air Force Special...

Abilene Man Arrested for Sexual Assault of a Child

ABILENE, TX – The Abilene Police Department arrested a 31-year-old Abilene man for sexually assaulting a child. Slade Dean King (31yoa) was taken into custody on Friday, April 15, 2022. He is charged with Second Degree Felony Sexual Assault of a...

Two Abilene Teens Arrested for Multiple Crimes

ABILENE, TX – On Tuesday, April 12, detectives with the Auto Crimes Task Force arrested two Abilene teens on multiple charges stemming from several crimes in Abilene over multiple days. 19-year-old Devontay Dee Wayne Don Lamb and a 16-year-old j...

Coleman County Man Identified for Abilene Two Robberies

ABILENE, TX – The Abilene Police Department Major Investigations Bureau has identified a 22-year-old Coleman County man for two robberies in early February. Trenton Paul Thompson of Coleman County is accused of robbing two convenience stores. On...

Abilene Man Arrested on Fraud Charge

ABILENE, TX – In February, agents with the Narcotics Unit of the Abilene Police Department began an investigation of a former school principal at Bonham Elementary with the Abilene Independent School District. On Monday, April 4, 2022, 40-year-o...

Homicide Suspect Charged

UPDATE 2: Abilene Police Detectives with Major Investigations have charged 20-year-old Aashaud McVea of Abilene, with Homicide and Aggravated Assault this afternoon, in connection with the homicide on south La Salle. He is also charged with Aggravated Ass...

Detectives Arrest Suspect in South Abilene Bank Robbery

UPDATE: The Abilene Police Department’s Major Investigations along with the Federal Bureau of Investigations working on the bank robbery of the Chase Bank, put Fernando Enriquez, with a New Mexico address, into Federal custody for the robbery. E...

Detectives Investigating Bank Robbery in South Abilene

ABILENE, TX – On Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at 9:30 a.m. police responded to a bank robbery at a bank located in the 3200 block of Rebecca Ln. A Hispanic male entered the bank, displayed a weapon, demanded money, and fled the scene with an undiscl...

Pedestrian Killed by Train

ABILENE, TX – A 41-year-old Abilene man was killed when he was struck by a train on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, just before 11 a.m. The incident happened on the train tracks just east of the Leggett St. crossover. Initial reports indicate the male ...

Suspect Arrested for Multiple Robberies and Thefts

ABILENE, TX – The Abilene Police Department’s Major Investigations Bureau has arrested a Winters, TX man. 31-year-old Wyman Cameron Burson III is behind bars for two counts of Second Degree Felony Robbery. Detectives are working on fiv...

Pedestrian Killed by Train

ABILENE, TX – A 35-year-old Abilene man was killed when he was struck by a train on Thursday, March 10, 2022, just after 7 p.m. The incident happened near E. Highway 80 and the Judge Ely underpass, along the train tracks. Initial reports indicat...

E Hwy 80 Fatal Crash Investigation

ABILENE, TX – On Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at 7 p.m., dispatch was called regarding a single-vehicle crash in the area of East Highway 80 and the underpass of Loop 322. A 2002 Toyota Tacoma 4-door pickup was heading east on East Highway 8...

UPDATE: Fatal Interstate 20 Crash Investigation

UPDATE: Initial reports were that there was one person in the cab of the truck at the time of the crash. After further investigation, it was discovered that a second person was also in the cab of the truck. Next of kin notification has been made,...

Update: North Abilene Shooting Death Investigation

UPDATE: The female in this incident, was taken off life-support this morning. Next of kin notification has been made. The female is identified as 24-year-old Chyanne Villarreal of Lubbock. The male is identified as 30-year-old Sedrick Braxton Jr....

Abilene Man Arrested for Online Solicitation

ABILENE, TX – Abilene Police detectives arrested 23-year-old Joseph Wesley Bertelson of Abilene for 3^rd Degree Felony Online Solicitation of a Minor, and State Jail Felony Sexual Performance by a Child. Detectives with Cyber Crimes conducted an ...

Fatal Interstate 20 Crash

ABILENE, TX – On Sunday, February 27, 2022, at 7:55 a.m., dispatch was called regarding a crash involving a semi tractor-trailer at mile marker 286 in the east-bound lane of Interstate 20. The caller said a semi-truck that was headed ea...

Aggravated Assault, Death Investigation Underway

ABILENE, TX – On Sunday, February 27, 2022, just after 6 a.m. Abilene Officers were called to a hotel located in the 3500 Block of West Lake Road in North Abilene for a call of an injured subject. Police arrived to find a male deceased ...

North Abilene Shooting

ABILENE, TX – An Abilene man is in the hospital recovering from a gunshot wound after an altercation at a North Abilene residence.

 On Friday, February 18, at 11:38 p.m. Police were called to a large house party in the 2100 Block of Linc...

Transient Man Arrested for Injury to a Child

ABILENE, TX – Police have arrested 45-year-old Sheldon Lee Bramblett of Abilene and charged him with 3^rd Degree Felony Injury to a Child.

 On February 14, at approximately 7:30 a.m., officers of the Abilene Police Department were contact...

APD Promotion & Recognition Ceremony

ABILENE, TX – The Abilene Police Department will host a promotion and recognition ceremony at the Abilene Police Department, 4565 South First, on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at 3 p.m. in the main conference room. The ceremony will recognize ou...

Police Investigating Homicide in North Abilene

UPDATE - Police Investigating Homicide in North Abilene

ABILENE, TX – UPDATE - The Abilene Police Department is actively looking for 35-year-old Brack Earl Daniels who has been identified as a Person of Interest in this investigation. Daniels is ...

Police Investigating Homicide in South Abilene

ABILENE, TX – On Thursday, January 20, 2022, at approximately 12 a.m., the Abilene Police Department responded to an injured subject call in the 200 block of Miss Ellie Lane.  The calling party, a 32-year-old stabbing victim, indicated ...

Abilene Police Searching for Robbery Suspects

Police Searching for Robbery Suspect(s)

ABILENE, TX – The Abilene Police Department is working on a string of four robberies that took place in a span of three hours. On Wednesday, January 12, 2022, dispatch received calls from four sep...

Death Investigation

ABILENE, TX – The Abilene Police Department’s Major Investigations Bureau is investing the death of a 45-year-old Abilene man. Christopher Carrion was taken to the hospital on Monday, January 3, 2022, due to injuries sustained in a fig...

Notice of General Election on May 7, 2022

NOTICE OF GENERAL ELECTION ON MAY 2, 2020

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a general election will be held within the City of Abilene, Texas, on Saturday, May 7, 2022, between the hours of 7:00 am. and 7:00 p.m., as provided in Resolution No. 18-2022 calling th...

Public Notice per Govt Gode 2254

Public Notice

In association with Resolution No. 118-2021

This notice is given pursuant to Tex. Gov’t Code § 2254.1036.

A. The City of Abilene, Texas (“City”) intends to pursue claims for monetary damages, declaratory r...

Street Projects for 05/16/2022

Alley Maintenance

• Citywide Complaints

Partial/Full Depth Patch Repair

• Bridge Avenue
  • Closed from Ambler Ave to North 18th
• Lillius Street
  • Closed from North 14th to North 12th
• North 11th Street
  • Closed from Bel Air Dr to Minter Ln
• 1469 Ross Ave
• 1625 Ross Ave
• South 15th ...

Street Projects for 05/09/2022

Alley Maintenance

• Citywide Complaints

Partial/Full Depth Patch Repair

• 3201 Buffalo Gap Road
  • Closed from Monterrey Circle to South 33rd
• 1910 South 21st Street
• 5133 South 7th Street
• 3001 South 9th Street

Repair Potholes

• Citywide Complaints 

Street Projects for 05/02/2022

Alley Maintenance

• Citywide Complaints

Crack Seal

• Glenwood Drive
  • Closed from Ivanhoe Lane to South 23rd Street
• North 3rd Street
  • Closed from Grape Street to Mockingbird Lane

Partial/Full Depth Patch Repair

• 3201 Buffalo Gap Road
  • Closed from Monterrey Circle to South ...

Street Projects for 04/25/2022

Alley Maintenance

• Citywide Complaints

Crack Seal

• Sayles Boulevard
  • Closed from South 11th to Buffalo Gap Road

Repair Potholes

• Citywide Complaints  

Street Maintenance

• Ambler Avenue & Pine Street
  • Repair concrete & asphalt patch

Street Projects for 04/18/2022

Alley Maintenance

• Citywide Complaints

Crack Seal

• Sayles Boulevard
  • Closed from South 11th to Buffalo Gap Road

Repair Potholes

• Citywide Complaints  

Street Projects for 04/11/2022

Alley Maintenance

• Citywide Complaints

Crack Seal

• Sayles Boulevard
  • Closed from South 7th to Buffalo Gap Road

Repair Potholes

• Citywide Complaints  

Street Projects for 04/4/2022

Alley Maintenance

• Citywide Complaints

Crack Seal

• Sayles Boulevard
  • Closed from South 7th to Buffalo Gap Road

Repair Potholes

• Citywide Complaints  

Street Projects for 03/28/2022

Alley Maintenance

• Citywide Complaints

Partial/Full Depth Patch Repair

• 8319 Cimarron Tr.
• 8320 Horseshoe Ridge
• 3702 Nobles Ranch Rd.
• 6302 Ryan Circle
• 5125 Ryan Circle
• 5101 Ryan Circle
• 3800 Timber Ridge
• 3809 Timber Ridge
• 6549 Todd Run

Repair Potholes

• Citywide Complaints&...

Street Projects for 03/21/2022

Alley Maintenance

• Citywide Complaints

Partial/Full Depth Patch Repair

• 8319 Cimarron Tr.
• 8320 Horseshoe Ridge
• 8300 Ridge View
• 8325 Ridge View
• 8333 Ridge View
• 8334 Ridge View
• 3800 Timber Ridge
• 3809 Timber Ridge

Repair Potholes

• Citywide Complaints  

Abilene Zoo celebrates rare birth of giant anteater twins

The Abilene Zoo is pleased to announce the birth of twin giant anteater pups; a first of its kind birth for the zoo! The twins were born to their two-and-a-half-year-old mother, Demo, the morning of March 28, 2022. 

The giant anteater twins, one b...