News Flash

Not Accepting Purchase Requests At this Time

All Abilene Public Library locations will be closed until further notice due to COVID-19.  During our closure we will be temporarily suspending all requests for purchases for items to our collection, including requests for digital eBooks and audi...

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

In an effort to proactively lessen the impact of the possible spread of COVID-19 in our community, as of Monday, March 23, all Abilene Public Library locations will be closed to the public. Staff will be on hand at each location from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. M...

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...

To Eat or Not to Eat? We Can Answer That Question!

There are a few things we all need to stay alive.  Eating is certainly one of them.  Nowadays, many of us are jumping on the bandwagon of making a conscious decision to eat healthily, which can mean choosing the lesser of two evils when ...

(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...

Black History Remembered at Abilene Library

The Abilene Public Library offers a vast collection of materials on African-American history and culture.  Available in print, electronic and audio/visual formats, the majority may be found in the non-fiction area of the Main Library but also at ...

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...

New "Squirrels & Shiny Things" Episode

Gear up for another solo show as Tremain Jackson takes the helm while Jessica Reyes is out on vacation.  There may be a little less banter, but we still have some great content to give to everyone including a lot of news coverage to make up for l...

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...

Join the Abilene Public Library's Online Social Soiree

In case you don’t know, you can keep up with your Abilene Public Library on social media.

The library maintains a presence on several of the most popular sites and can be accessed by visiting abilenetx.gov/apl. Look for the social media icons loc...

(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

Library Director Lori Grumet Retiring

Article from the Abilene Reporter-News on Wednesday, November 13, 2019 by Timothy Chipp

Change is coming to the Abilene Public Library, both in the short term and in the future.

While librarians and city officials continue working toward building and openin...

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...