The Library Foundation is proud to have received a $7500 grant from Humanities Texas for our Mayor’s Book Club program this year.
Our annual citywide reading initiative, presented in partnership with the Mayor’s Office and the Austin Public Library, boosts a vital community experience through reading and discussion. When people read the same book, it helps build connections and encourages a deeper understanding within the community.
Mayor’s Book Club programs are offered at library branches around Austin, and culminate with an event featuring the selected book’s author at Austin Central Library — a free high-profile happening and celebration.
“We likely wouldn’t be able to bring in these authors from around the country here to our library and to discuss these titles on a very personal basis with Austin readers,” said The Library Foundation Executive Director Tim Staley in a recent interview with KVUE about federal funding cuts to Humanities Texas
“It’s Humanities Texas funding that allows us to provide that for the community.”
The 2025 Mayor’s Book Club features two books that explore our place in the natural world.
“We Loved It All” is a personal memoir by New York Times best-selling author and Pulitzer Prize finalist, Lydia Millet who shares a poetic and informed assessment of nature’s inspiration and how we may enhance our relationship with the natural world.
“You Are Here: Poetry in the Natural World,” edited by U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón, features 50 new poems by some of the country’s most accomplished poets that reflect upon our essential connection with the natural world. The anthology includes Austin poets Carrie Fountain, Cecily Park and Roger Reeves.
And with two Mayor’s Book Club books, we’re offering two special author events!
Pulitzer Prize-finalist Lydia Millet in conversation with ocean scientist Juli Berwald
Reserve free tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1262837052619
Reading and Conversation with Carrie Fountain and Cecily Parks, Austin poets featured in You Are Here: Poetry in the Natural World
Reserve tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1262952628309
The Mayor’s Book Club is an initiative of The Library Foundation in partnership with the Mayor’s Office and the Austin Public Library to encourage a community experience through reading. This year’s program is supported in part by Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program, do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities or Humanities Texas.
