Libraries

Most of the COVID cases in the U.S. this August were the new Stratus variant. Our reporter Sean Ryan has more on the status of COVID-19 cases in Texas. Yesterday, the City of Lubbock cut the ribbon on a new Book Vending Machine at the Patterson Branch Library. Kids who participate in library programs will have the chance to win a token for a free book from the machine.

September is National Literacy Month and today is International Literacy Day. Our Sean Ryan reports on the nationwide and local push and to strengthen community learning. You can sign up for a card at any of the Lubbock Public Library locations or by visiting the website lubbocklibrary.com. Last week's budget discussion from Lubbock's city council ended with a 2.2% increase to the tax rate for homeowners. The council is expected to hold a final vote on the budget and tax rate in its meeting tomorrow.

SB 412 removes an established legal defense educators could use when it comes to inappropriate material in libraries and classrooms.

Last week, Texas Tech University’s president Lawrence Schovanec was named Big 12 Conference representative on the College Football Playoff Board of Managers. Our reporter Bishop Van Buren has more on what the position entails. Texas school districts have until September 1 to comply with Senate Bill 13. KERA’s Bill Zeeble explains the new library law, which critics worry could become a book ban policy.

The City of Lubbock libraries have partnered with Reliant Energy to open Beat the Heat cooling centers. They will formally begin when the National Weather Service forecasts three or more days in a row above 104 degrees. The centers will be at all four of Lubbock's public libraries during normal operating hours. Our reporter Sean Ryan has more on what the centers have to offer.

Yesterday was the last day of the 89th Texas Legislature. A bill was approved by the House and Senate to remove challenged books from public school libraries until a decision is made on if they are appropriate. The Texas Newsroom’s Lucio Vasquez reports on another public education bill which missed a key legislative deadline. The bill would have replaced the STAAR test for public schools. Drivers should be aware of temporary road closures and a large number of emergency personnel around Atkins Middle School during its emergency exercise this morning until noon.

With school almost out for summer, many students — in Plainview, Tahoka, and beyond — step out of the classroom and into the public library. Between summer reading programs and the year-round story times, events, and educational opportunities, public libraries are ever evolving to meet the needs of their communities.

The Lubbock county elections office reported around 1,000 voters for the first day of early voting. The single issue on the ballot for many Lubbock voters is the $290 million bond for Lubbock ISD. You can find voter information like polling times and locations at votelubbock.org. KTTZ's Samantha Larned reports the Lubbock city council authorized the purchase of the Godeke Branch Library.

Our Bishop Van Buren reports on the 8th annual first responders basketball game from Hub City Street Hoops. The event is tomorrow from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. at the Mae Simmons Dream Court at 2004 Oak Avenue. Last month, Lubbock public libraries relaunched a program giving the community an opportunity to chat with a social worker the first Friday of each month. You can stop by today from 1 P.M to 3 P.M. at the Godeke Branch located at 5034 Frankford Ave or schedule a meeting through the social worker tab on the libraries' website.

Education issues are top of mind for Texas lawmakers, who are meeting in Austin right now. The Texas Newsroom’s Blaise Gainey reports, House Speaker Dustin Burrows announced two related filings yesterday. Tomorrow, the Patterson Branch Library will host its 22nd Annual African American History Month Program, celebrating the impact of Black librarians here in Lubbock. The event is Saturday, 2-4 P.M. at 1836 Parkway Dr.