Libraries

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.

The City of Lubbock’s health department has been recognized for a second time by the National Association of County and City Health Officials for its emergency preparedness. Our reporter Samantha Larned has more. Yesterday, Lubbock City Council took steps toward a permanent facility for the Godeke Branch Library. The meeting also saw a second reading of two amendments requested by Lubbock Animal Services to tighten restrictions on pet ownership, while the ordinance change passed earlier this month, it failed upon second reading.

Midland County Commissioners on Tuesday adopted a new policy that will create a committee tasked with determining whether books at local libraries are appropriate for children and teenagers.

Yesterday, Broadway Festivals announced it will not be supporting this year’s 4th on Broadway celebration, after more than 30 years in downtown Lubbock. Tonight from 6 to 8 P.M., the Groves Branch Library will be hosting a Medicare education workshop at 5520 19th Street. Our reporter Samantha Larned has more on the program and what attendees can expect.

A majority of the panel voted to call on the Texas Legislature to pass a state law giving members the authority to determine age-appropriate books for students.

Dallas in particular is a hub for library-media collaborations.

More than 10,000 books are banned inside Texas prisons.

The Lubbock ISD Board of Trustees approved a new property tax rate yesterday. And Texas Public Radio's Camille Phillips reports The American Civil Liberties Union and several other organizations filed briefs this week in an ongoing lawsuit over books removed from the Llano County library.

Texas comes in last place for health coverage, access, and affordability for women, according to a new analysis. Texas Public Radio's Bonnie Petrie has more. And Lubbock Public Libraries are offering cooling centers with free water and air conditioning this summer.

Our Samantha Larned reports on Lubbock City Council's decision to renew the lease on the Godeke Branch Library, after an outpour of concern from residents. Concern that some council members say was unwarranted.