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Photo courtesy of Austin Public Library

This is a dream come true for Austin bookworms. The Austin Public Library system could be seeing a huge expansion with the recent adoption of a plan by Austin City Council.

The Austin Public Library Comprehensive Library Strategic and Facilities Plan creates new goals for the library system that includes expanding current branches and constructing new ones. With the ever-growing population in the city, the “library square foot per capita” has fallen behind neighboring cities. The facilities plan addresses this growth disparity by proposing four new library branches in addition to expanding, replacing, or relocating over half of the pre-existing branches.

Austin Public Library Director Roosevelt Weeks said in a press release that this new plan will allow the library system to continue providing necessary creative and learning resources to all community members.

“Five and a half years ago, Austin opened a new world-class Central Library in downtown, and that building remains the crown jewel of the city,” he said. “However, our neighborhoods deserve world-class library facilities too. The plan adopted by the City Council today lays out a vision for growing and updating our entire library system to meet the needs of the rapidly changing, dynamic city we serve.”

The Strategic and Facilities Plan was a year in the making, thanks to plenty of community outreach tactics. Successful methods included a survey that received over 5,400 responses, several pop-up events throughout Austin, and “listening sessions” with library staff and stakeholders.

The plan also introduces new mission and vision statements for the library, as well as five community-based strategic goals. The new library mission statement is: “Inspiring all to discover, learn, and create” and the new vision is to be “a model of equity, inclusion, access, and diversity.”

The five strategic goals include:

  • Provide community-centric programs and services
  • Design and develop spaces for community connections
  • Foster stakeholder relationships
  • Expand library access
  • Engage staff

“On behalf of everyone at the Austin Public Library, I am excited that the Council has adopted this vision for the future of our community’s libraries,” said Weeks.

More information about the Strategic and Facilities Plan can be found on the Austin Public Library’s website.

Courtesy of KVUE

Austin City Council passes official vote to fire City Manager Spencer Cronk

City Manager

After initial reports that Austin City Council would move forward with a vote to fire City Manager Spencer Cronk, a final decision has been made. The Austin City Council on Wednesday voted to fire Cronk following his response to the winter storm earlier this month.

The council voted 10-1, with only Natasha Harper-Madison (District 1) voting against Cronk's firing.

Cronk's termination is effective Thursday, February 16. He will receive a one-year severance of $463,001.50, under a City ordinance in which he was hired in 2018. Former city manager Jesus Garza will serve as interim city manager.

Austin Mayor Kirk Watson and three councilmembers had placed on Wednesday's agenda paying Cronk a severance of a one-year salary. The council was set to discuss a "transition plan for an interim city manager."

When he initially announced the council would be evaluating Cronk's employment, Watson said that the City's response to the winter storm was "unacceptable."

"The management of this situation and the lack of clear, timely and accurate communication has left our community in the dark. It is unacceptable. The City of Austin can do and will do better," Watson said, adding, "While the members of the City Council answer to the people of Austin, the City Manager answers to us."

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Read the full story and watch the video at KVUE.com.

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Check out these 6 Austin hotels for a swanky summer staycation

Stay, Don't Go Away

Summer is in full swing, and you know what that means – time to staycation!

We've already rounded up some of the best Austin hotel pools for a summer day pass, but when you're needing max relaxation, here are some of the best Austin hotels for a more extended stay.

For the traveler who just wants peace, quiet and good food.
If you're eager to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Austin, head over to the Omni Barton Creek for authentic rest, relaxation, and a good meal or two at the Blind Salamander. When we say it's quiet out at the Omni Barton Creek, we're not kidding. With an incredible full-service spa, a gym that makes Lifetime look flimsy, multiple pools and restaurants, and a golf course, the Omni Barton Creek is the ideal getaway for solo travelers seeking solitude, couples wanting privacy, or foodies wanting to take a culinary tour of the hotel's seven, yes, seven, in-house restaurants.

For the traveler who wants a side of history with their hotel booking.
Did you even visit Austin if you didn't take a photo on the iconic Driskill Hotel staircase? Originally established by a rich cattle baron back in the 1800s (yes, his name was Colonel Driskill), the Driskill Hotel has become the historic hotel to stay at in downtown Austin. In addition to the decadent interior design. and iconic restaurants, the Driskill has also played host to a vast array of festivals like the Austin Film Festival and the ATX TV Festival. Do yourself a favor and order a Batini from the Driskill Bar when a festival is going on at the hotel — you might just spot a celebrity or two.

For the traveler seeking a bonafide Instagram-worthy experience without leaving their hotel.
Lavaca St is home to the Hotel ZaZa, a boutique hotel that has a variety of themed suites (from a log cabin room to a suite that looks like a rockstar designed it), the Za Spa, and in-house dining experiences like Group Therapy and the picturesque cabana bar. So put on your best Austin outfit, order yourself an Audrey Hepburn Timeless Rita from Group Therapy, and live your best Instagram-worthy life at the Hotel ZaZa.

For the traveler that wants to be close to all the action and have access to one of the best rooftop bars in town.
The Thompson Hotel Austin is centrally located in downtown Austin on San Jacinto Blvd, with all the luxury amenities that the Thompson brand is known for, in addition to the gem that is their rooftop bar — Wax Myrtle's. The view of the Austin skyline at Wax Myrtle's can be paired perfectly with one of the bar's many signature cocktails. Don't forget to bring your bathing suit because there will more than likely be a rooftop pool party happening at Wax's during your stay!

For the traveler wanting the best views (and also peace and quiet).
Rounding out our list is the Hotel Loren, an elegant getaway with stunning views of Lady Bird Lake and Nido, a rooftop restaurant that has gone viral on social media. The Hotel Loren definitely has some of the best views in town, and while it's a bit further away from downtown Austin than the Thompson or the ZaZa, it's still relatively close by. The Hotel Loren also has the Milk + Honey spa, a pool and fitness center, and of course, a coffee shop.

For the traveler wanting to feel like a local celeb
The Fairmount Austin literally has a Gold experience for this very reason! Get the full VIP treatment at the Fairmount without having a single movie credit to your name. This hotel is a Forbes Travel Guide four-star property, with a heated swimming pool, seven bars and restaurants (Garrison for example, is a quintessential dining experience), and a spa.

5 Austin shops to keep you looking cool this summer

RETAIL THERAPY

Who doesn't love a bit of retail therapy? Especially now that it's finally time to break out the breezy tops, the fun sun hats, and a well-fitting pair of sunglasses.

If you need help deciding where to find a summer gift, outfit, or skincare item, we've gathered a few Austin shops that will have you looking too cool to let the summer heat get to you.

Chicago-based convenience store Foxtrot opened its new Austin flagship location at the corner of South 1st and West Annie Streets on June 6. Think of it as a combination between a bodega and your neighborhood café, wine bar, and gift shop. And we can't forget about its spacious indoor-outdoor covered patio. The South 1st location is the second of four planned stores throughout Austin; their Burnet Road store opened in February 2023.

If you need a new pair of glasses or sunnies to go with your summer 'fits, Warby Parker's refreshed Summer 2023 Collection debuted June 6 to bring you new designs and color palettes. Whether you try online or visit one of their three Austin locations, eye-catching frames such as Lottie in green tea crystal or sophisticated Keiko in polished gold are sure to bring on the compliments with any outstanding outfit you put together.

Speaking of summer releases, Austin's favorite vodka Tito's has launched their Tito's X Summer accessory line just in time for your next trip to Town Lake or your favorite pool. Their Floating Cabana Bar in collaboration with luxury pool float makers Funboy is sure to catch the attention of fellow day-drinkers and fun lovers at any function. You can shop online or in person at their storefront on Lavaca.

A local, BIPOC, women-owned "anti-beauty" beauty brand is working to keep your skin healthy in the Austin summer sun.Daybird's 4-in-1 Tinted Skincare combines a sheer foundation with a serum, moisturizer, and mineral SPF 50. It's also vegan, Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free, and the product container is fully recyclable. The Tinted Skincare, which is currently their only available item from their line, can be found on their website, Urban Outfitters, and Poosh.

Contemporary womenswear boutique Estilo's first Estilo Kids (stylized estilo KIDS) store opened in Tarrytown at the beginning of May. Owner Stephanie Coultress O'Neill has had her clothing boutique for 18 years, and expanded her brand to include menswear in 2020. Now, the new children's boutique will offer gifts and clothing for children aged three through 14. Estilo is located at 2727 Exposition Boulevard in Tarrytown's Casis Village.

Plan a summer play-cation in Frisco for golf, pools, music, and more

The City That Plays

Looking to take a play-cation this summer? Obviously Frisco, The City That Plays, is the perfect fit. It offers so many activities to fit every interest, from sporting events and unique golf activities to kid-friendly attractions and pools.

Summer sports
Watch a Frisco RoughRiders baseball game like never before from the in-stadium lazy river, or tour The Star, the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters, to take in some NFL history and see where the pros call home.

While you are visiting The Star, you’ll find shopping and dining, with everything from sushi at Sushi Marquee to sweets at Cow Tipping Creamery.

Pro tip: if you love America’s team, plan your trip in August to get a pre-season glimpse of the Dallas Cowboys at training camp, open to the public at Ford Center.

PGA Frisco awaits with its two championship courses, a short course and putting green that’s lit at night, an entertainment district full of shops and dining options for the whole family, and the newly opened Omni PGA Frisco Resort, where it’s easy to cool off in one of the four pools.

Frisco offers golfers a range of play options, including The Fazio Course at The Westin Stonebriar Golf Resort & Spa, Frisco Lakes Golf Club, Plantation Golf Club, The Trails of Frisco, and the unique indoor option of the Swing Suite Lounge by Topgolf.

Cool tunes
Now that Frisco is officially designated a Music Friendly Texas Community, there’s plenty of live music to enjoy over the summer.

Friday nights in June are for listening to live music at Frisco Square during the free outdoor Summer Concert Series on the lawn in front of City Hall.

Visitors can get into the groove anytime at one of Frisco’s many venues that host live music and entertainment throughout the summer.

Happy 4th
Frisco celebrates the Fourth of July big, too. Mark your calendar for two major events with food, music, games, and fireworks: Frisco Freedom Fest and The Independence Day Celebration at Omni PGA Frisco Resort.

Kiddo time
Escape the Texas heat with a visit to Frisco’s unbelievable new library. The bright, open design has spaces to inspire, create, innovate, and collaborate, plus you can say hi to Rexy, the 20-foot-tall T-Rex dinosaur skeleton.

Check out the high-tech Makerspace and active learning spaces like Tiny Town, for kids up to age 5, and Kid’s Club, for kinder through 5th graders.

Take a dip
Cool down poolside in Frisco. With rooftop views, cabanas, adults-only, splash pools, and the Frisco Water Park, families, couples, and friends can all find the right place to cool down during your visit.

Whatever your summer style is, rest your head at one of Frisco’s 26 hotels while experiencing a weekend play-cation with things to do for visitors of all ages.

Soak up all Frisco has to offer this summer — visit the website for more vacation ideas.

Lazy River at Riders Field in Frisco

Photo courtesy of Visit Frisco

See a baseball game from the water at Riders Field.