News Flash

Complete the Summer CALF/Library Challenge

Your Abilene Public Library is partnering with the Children’s Art & Literacy Festival (CALF) to offer youth another special challenge to participate in during the Summer Reading Club. We’ll have six buttons for you to earn througho...

Access Abilene Historical Newspapers 24/7

Your Abilene Public Library is thrilled to announce the addition of a new database that will forever change your ability to search through the Abilene Reporter-News. Available now, for all library cardholders, we invite you to take advantage of the Histor...

Get Ready for the Dog Days of Summer

If there’s one thing libraries across the nation wish to promote, it’s the joy of reading and literacy for everyone. It’s always great to see patrons visit the library and devour the books we have on our shelves…es...

Outdoor Summer Series for Youth

Update: The June 3 session of Stories in the Garden has been cancelled due to inclement weather.

It’s become a tradition with the South Branch Library to host activities outdoors when the weather is nice. We're pleased to announce Storie...

Beyond the Books with New Collections

Since the beginning of libraries, we’ve had a reputation for providing the public with access to the written word in books. It’s been a staple at public libraries and has served us well with offering great materials to borrow for the c...

Friends' Updated Donation Schedule

As the Friends of the Library’s Annual Book Sale approaches, we’d like to make you aware of some changes to the donation schedule coming soon.  The Friends’ will temporarily stop receiving donations starting Friday, ...

Summer Reading Clubs Starting Soon

Summer is just around the corner and so is the start of the Summer Reading Clubs at your Abilene Public Library. Mark the day for Wednesday, June 1 as that’s when we’ll be celebrating with this year's summer theme of Oceans of...

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...