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• Community

  Kids

  Afterschool Lego Lab

  The library provides the blocks, so kids just have to bring their imaginations.

  Second & fourth Tuesdays, 3:30-5pm. Free.  

  rsvp

  Old Quarry Branch Library

• Community

  Events

  Electronics Repair Workshop for Teens

  I had a dream once that involved me taking apart my laptop to repair it while I lived in a beach house with Sting. And the most unbelievable part of the dream was fixing my own laptop. If I open this thing up, won’t I die? But somehow the Austin Public Library is saying teens can learn to do this. Young’uns ages 13-18 are welcome to join Fix-It Austin and members of the city’s Community PC Program to demystify these magical electric books and get some hands-on learning about troubleshooting repairs. And they even supply the laptops and tools! – Kat McNevins

  Tue., July 16

  Milwood Branch Library

• Community

  Events

  Healthy Snack Workshop

  Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center is still under construction, but they are continuing their programming at alternate locations. This free cooking demo with Common Threads, a nonprofit with a mission to improve community health through nutrition, offers a chance to learn about some nutritious and tasty snacks while meeting some neighbors. Make chili-lime popcorn, sweet plantain chips, and watermelon agua fresca at this one, and register by Friday, July 12, so they’ll know how many supplies to bring. – Kat McNevins

  Wed., July 17

  Central Library

• Music

  Lucas Miller, the Singing Zoologist

  Fri., July 19, 10am

  Twin Oaks Branch Library

• Music

  Lucas Miller, the Singing Zoologist

  Fri., July 19, 1pm

  Yarborough Branch Library

• Community

  Events

  Podcasting Workshop

  Who among us hasn’t thought, “I bet I’d be pretty good at podcasting if I had the necessary training, access to equipment, and limitless funds?” Enter Austin Public Library, which is offering the first two – and at no cost to you – which we’ll take as a sign that it’s time to unleash your inner podcaster. At Central Library’s fifth-floor Innovation Lounge, an instructor will lead the class in the basics of audio recording and editing, then you’ll get to try your hand at editing on the Digital Makerspace’s provided computers. Space is limited so be sure to register ahead of time; all skill levels welcome. – Kimberley Jones

  Tue., July 16

  Central Library

• Arts

  Books

  Summer at Austin Public Library

  Hurrah! It’s the only good thing about summer – sorry to summer-enjoyers – come back once more. Austin Public Library’s summer reading program runs from June 1 until Aug. 10 and challenges readers of all ages to get 20 minutes of reading done a day. They’ve also got activity badges you can earn – fun biz like using APL’s seed library, making a DIY nature journal, attending any of APL’s free events. Finish 10 reading hours and three activity badges to earn prizes like a free book (kids 0-17) or a camping mug (adults). But isn’t the real reward the great books you read along the way? – James Scott

  Mondays-Sundays. Through Aug. 10

  All library locations

• Community

  Events

  Write Club

  As Amy Poehler’s character Susie advises about musical theatre in Wet Hot American Summer, “Your craft is a muscle; you have to exercise it.” If your craft is writing, consider Write Club your gym sesh. At this monthly meetup, participants are given a prompt or exercise, then everyone will write and share. Don’t be shy; this is a supportive environment filled with folks who are also writers, aka some of the most insecure people on the planet. Have a stretch, crick your neck, and get those writing muscles absolutely ripped. – Kat McNevins

  Third Tuesday of every month

  Central Library