Everybody has a story. Let’s celebrate yours!
At The Library Foundation, we believe every great story begins in a library.
That’s why we’re proud to invite you to STORIES 2025, our annual gala benefiting the Austin Public Library at the beautiful Austin Central Library. This year we are turning the page on something even more meaningful.
The night kicks off at 6 p.m. with a Cocktail Hour Reception in the Gallery, featuring the elegant sounds of the Barton String Quartet and the stunning exhibition “The Light That Grows Here” by Robin Kang.
At 7 p.m., Dinner & Program begins with an unforgettable evening of music, storytelling, and celebration. The Jeff Lofton Trio sets an elegant atmosphere as Emmy-winning journalist Hema Mullur takes the stage to share powerful stories of how the Austin Public Library transforms lives across our community.
Acclaimed actress Cyndi Williams performs winning works from our Badgerdog Forrest Preece Young Authors Awards, showcasing emerging literary voices that inspire and delight. Austin Poet Laureate Zell Miller III brings the power of spoken word, while Regional Branch Operations Manager Sharlissa Addison offers insights into the library’s expanding reach and impact.
The celebration continues at 8 p.m. on the Rooftop Garden, where the night truly comes alive. DJ Mahealani spins as guests mingle under the stars, while artists from Dasha S Illustration Studio capture the evening in live sketches you can take home as a keepsake.
Explore interactive experiences throughout the space. Create your own signature scent at our Library of Scents, presented by Libertine. Get an intuitive reading from Typewriter Tarot, where your fortune arrives freshly typed. Record your library story at our audio guestbook and become part of the institution’s living legacy.
Make your impact count. Browse our silent auction for unique items and experiences, then visit our giving stations to directly support the programs that strengthen our community. Every bid, every gift, every moment spent together helps write the next chapter of what the Austin Public Library can achieve.
Thank you to our STORiES 2025 sponsors
Thank you to our 2025 in-kind sponsors!
AmazingCo | Antonelli’s | Austin Film Society | Austin Playhouse | Austin Spurs | Austin Symphony | Blanton Museum of Art | BookPeople| Chick-fil-A| Crux Climbing Center| Dai Due| Hai Hospitality| High 5 Entertainment | Intero Restaurant | Kendra Scott | Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center | Lake Travis Zipline Adventure | Local Foods | Lone Star Riverboat | Moody Center | Natural Bridge Caverns | Odd Duck | Paramount Theater | Pluckers | Red Ash | River Place Country Club | Skydive Spaceland | Slow North | Susie Cakes | Texas Rangers | Tito’s Vodka | Total Wine & Spirits | Viva Day Spa | Waterloo Ice House | Zach Theatre
