Libraries

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.

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.