Bee Cave librarian: Despite challenges, library offerings continue
At the Bee Cave Public Library, we are looking forward to a new year of reading, learning and community engagement despite the challenges omicron and other forces keep throwing our way.
The library is open five days a week for regular services so stop by to browse or let us help you find that next great book to read or movie to watch. We also offer contactless pickup for anyone who prefers to get their library materials that way. We offer a mix of in-person, virtual and hybrid programs (those with an in-person and Zoom option combined). Please check our online calendar, Facebook and Instagram for the most up-to-date announcements about any program you are interested in, or just give us a call at 512-767-6620.
New time for Outdoor Storytime
We are pleased to announce that Bee Cave Public Library’s outdoor “Storytime at the Park with Ms. Meliss” will resume meeting at a new time. Beginning on Jan. 18, the winter session of Storytime at the Park will meet Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. in the large pavilion at Bee Cave Central Park, weather permitting: that is, if the temperature is at least 50 degrees and it’s not raining. This lively and interactive program of stories, songs, and movement lasts about 20 minutes. Masks and social distancing are encouraged, and no registration is required. After Storytime, enjoy playing at the park or make your way to the library to check out books, audiobooks and more to take home.
Bee Tweens Returns
For the first time in nearly two years, we are resuming our programming for kids in grades 4-6. Bee Tweens will take place the third Saturday of each month from 2 to 3 p.m. in person at the library. We will encourage mask-wearing and social distancing at this fun program where tweens can build social skills through engaging programs and activities.
On Jan. 15, we invite our tweens to spend a Saturday afternoon building a blanket fort as big as their imagination, and then have them grab a flashlight and cozy up with their favorite reads. We’ll provide everything they need to build their own book nook.
On Feb. 19, we’ll celebrate the Winter Olympics with our own Bee Cave Public Library Olympics. There will be games, crafts, prizes and more. Contact librarian Melissa Slaughter at slaughtermk@beecavetexas.gov for more information.
Teen Advisory Board
Teens in grades 7-12 can earn service hours by joining the library’s Teen Advisory Board (TAB) where they will meet teens from other schools in the area who are interested in advocating and advising the library on how best to serve teens. The board meets the first Saturday of each month from 2 to 3 p.m. to work on programs and service projects in a fun setting. Check our website for details or contact librarian Melissa Slaughter at slaughtermk@beecavetexas.gov for more information. The next TAB meeting will be Saturday, Feb. 5 at 2 p.m.
Library programming for adults
Our popular speaker series for adults, “What’s New Wednesday,” is held the first Wednesday of each month from 1 to 2 p.m. On Feb. 2, we welcome back baker extraordinaire Mindy Sepeti of Mindy’s Bakeshop to learn all about decorating Valentine’s Day cookies. Participants will get the chance to try piping and flooding with royal icing as they decorate cookies to take home. We encourage you to wear a mask and we’ll do our best to spread everyone out. Because this program is so hands-on, there will not be a Zoom option, and participation is limited to adults. On March 2, we’ll have an introduction to the Japanese art of chigiri-e, torn paper collage. Our presenter, Surapsari, was born and raised in Japan and then lived in Bali for many years and studied the healing arts in India. A resident of Driftwood, Sari teaches Asian-themed mindful art classes.
Our books club for adults continues to meet in-person with a Zoom option at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. January’s featured title is "The Anthropocene Reviewed" by John Green, and on Feb. 10 the group will discuss "The Henna Artist" by Alka Joshi. The Bee Cave Book Club chooses an eclectic mix of fiction and nonfiction across multiple genres each year. Readers are encouraged to visit for a particular title or come every month and share their thoughts about the featured book.
Digital collections and services
Have you been meaning to try out our digital collections? Are you looking for free ebooks to read or downloadable audiobooks to listen to? We can help! Our digital specialist Megan can help you learn how to use the Libby app to access the library’s OverDrive collection of more than 31,000 titles. Or visit the eResources page of our website for tutorials on how to use Libby and other tips. A world of books and audiobooks awaits.
The library also added a streaming video service this past year called “Access Video on Demand” that gives our patrons access to more than 42,000 titles including documentaries, series and indie films from PBS, the BBC, HBO, and many more sources. “Access Video: Just for Kids” is the child-friendly version with popular series like Reading Rainbow, Arthur and many others, as well as interactive and educational games. Grab your library card (or come see us to get one) and start binge-watching. Call us at 512-767-6620 if you have questions or need help.
Library hours
The library is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday. During these hours we invite you to come in and browse, check out books and other materials, use the public computers or copier, pick up a take-home kit or ask a librarian to suggest a new book to read. We continue to offer contactless front door pickup service if you prefer that to visiting in person. For more information, call us at 512.767.6620 or email library@beecavetexas.gov.
Barbara D. Hathaway is the director of the Bee Cave Public Library.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Bee Cave librarian: Despite challenges, library offerings continue
