Austin Public Library

Most of Austin's cooling centers close around 6 or 8 p.m., when the heat is often still in the triple digits. High temperatures and heavy humidity can also persist overnight.

The change means an estimated 200,000 residents living in the areas outside Austin will have full access to the library’s many programs, services, and materials free of charge.

Feeling a nagging wanderlust but need your documents?

Anyone can get a card, but they're primarily intended for those can't obtain other forms of valid ID, including some people experiencing homelessness. The cards will be accepted by Austin Police, Austin Energy and Austin Public Health.

Supporters say it's an equity issue, noting the fines have a greater impact on lower-income residents — the same people who may need library services most.

Director Roosevelt Weeks said it's important for library workers to stand together to ensure people are not stopped from reading what they want.

The project, Legends Mosaics: Austin’s Courageous Female Leaders of Color, was produced by Latinitas, a bilingual STEM nonprofit, and local female artists.

Normally residents who live outside Austin have to pay $120 a year for an Austin Public Library card. Starting Friday, students who live anywhere in Travis County can get access to the library's offerings for free.

Aspiring youth poets in Austin now have a chance to dig deeper into the craft by applying for the Austin Youth Poet Laureate Program.

Twelve branches will reopen May 10; the rest will open June 28. The city says there will be capacity restrictions and COVID precautions in place.