Upcoming Programs
Join us at Laura’s Library for Austin Mosaic: The Photography of Camille J. Wheeler. This exhibit features digital photography with a focus on local subjects, in both black & white and color.
Veteran journalist Camille J. Wheeler is an Austin-based street and documentary photographer drawn to the faces and the stories of the marginalized: those people found in hidden pockets of diversity and those who slip between the cracks of society. She began a serious pursuit of photography in 2014. Wheeler searches for the narratives of the human experience as she explores Austin’s social architecture. Learn more on her website: https://camillejwheeler.com/.
Are you an artist interested in exhibiting your work at the library? Visit our Art at Laura’s page to find out more, see past shows, and submit your samples.
Qi Gong (pronounced chee gung) is an ancient Chinese health care practice that integrates physical postures and gentle movements, breathing and focused mind. “Qi” means vital energy or life force, and “gong” means accomplishment, or skill that is cultivated through steady practice. Together, Qi Gong means cultivating energy and is practiced for health maintenance, healing, and increasing vitality.
In this one hour class, we will learn the different qi gong movements that help reduce stress, increase vitality, and build stamina.
Sandra Medina Bocangel is a physician from Mexico with a specialty in physical medicine and rehabilitation, and a Master in Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture. Her offices are in Austin and San Antonio. She has been practicing meditation for 15 years, and is a Zen Buddhism student in Austin.
You’re never too young for storytime! Our littlest book lovers stroll in to Infant Storytime to hear fun songs, stories, and fingerplays, followed by open free-play with other wee ones. Designed for children from 0 to 12 months old.
As life brings its inevitable ups and downs, whether they be large or small, learn how to bring new awareness and perspective to these changes in this weekly book group facilitated by Elizabeth Hoisington.
This group will be discussing There’s a Spiritual Solution to Every Problem by Wayne W. Dyer. Book discussion will continue for 13 weeks, covering a chapter per week:
- 9.10 & 9.17: Chapter 1
- 9.24 & 10.15: Chapter 2
- 10.22 & 10.29: Chapter 3
- 11.5 & 11.19: Chapter 4
- 11.26 & 12.3: Chapter 5
Elizabeth Hoisington is a meditation facilitator, dedicated to assisting people in the journey of mindfulness. She has practiced meditation for the past 17 years, facilitates a weekly mindfulness meditation at the Westbank Library, Mindful Eating Workshops at the YMCA, in addition to yearly Children’s Mindfulness Programs in local Austin. Some former clients include The Graduate School of Integrative Medicine, Freescale, Central Health, and various health facilities.
Elizabeth brings mindfulness meditation into the workplace as well as having a private practice in Austin, where she works with clients on an individual basis. Elizabeth attended the University of Santa Monica, receiving a Masters in Spiritual Psychology. Prior she attended the University of Colorado receiving a Bachelors of Fine Arts. Additionally Elizabeth has been through the 8-week University of Massachusetts/MBSR (Mind-Based Stress Reduction) Course, and Certified through the Mindful Schools for K-12.
Make Mondays fun days! Meet up with your friends at the world’s best play date. Your kids can play with each other, make new friends, use their imaginations, and just be kids. Fun for all, and no clean-up for you – a great way to start your week!
Bring your little ones to stretch, sing, wiggle, and dance!
We will use rhythm instruments and other props to have some fun with music. This program focuses on developing gross motor skills and social skills. All ages are welcome, grown ups are encouraged to participate too!
Westbank Libraries is partnering with Austin Senior Resource Alliance to present a year-long series of candid conversations with local experts focused on the unique and complex issues facing Austin’s mature homeowners and families. Join us on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 10:30am at Laura’s Library to be part of the conversation. Check out each month’s topic below:
- January: The Truth About Living to be 100
- February: The Truth About Probate for Property Owners
- March: The Truth About Decluttering Your Home
- April: The Truth About “Advance Care Planning”
- May: The Truth About Avoiding Homeowner Scams
- June: The Truth About Communicating with Adult Children
- July: The Truth About 55+ Senior Living Options
- August: The Truth About Liquidating the Extra “Stuff”
- September: The Truth About Building, Buying, or Remodeling Your “Last” Home
- October: The Truth About Selling As-Is
- November: The Truth About Living, Dying, and Leaving a Legacy
- December: No Seminar
In October, Cyndi Cummings will be speaking about “Selling As-Is.” Cyndi is a Certified Senior Housing Professional (CSHP) who specializes in helping older adults (those 55+), senior citizens, and their caregivers navigate the unique challenges that face boomers and seniors when they contemplate a late-in-life move. She also serves as a Seniors Real Estate Institute master trainer, conducting classes for other real estate agents interested in becoming CSHPs. Additionally, Cyndi holds the designation of Senior Real Estate Specialist® (SRES) from the National Association of Realtors and is an approved trainer for SRES courses in Texas.
In addition to her real estate work, Cyndi is a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), as well as a founding member of the Austin Senior Resource Alliance, a collection of local, senior service businesses and groups focused on providing Austin seniors with information on area resources for older adults. In her spare time, Cindy serves as the Vice Chair for AustinUP, delivers meals to seniors via the Lions Club, sits on the board for Drive a Senior, is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Austin, and is a longtime supporter of Alzheimer’s Texas.
Our 20-minute lunchtime meditation is an opportunity to relax, breathe, and de-stress. Meditation can sometimes bring up emotions, and participants are invited to stay and share those experiences with the group following the meditation if they choose.
Elizabeth is a meditation facilitator, dedicated to assisting people in the journey of mindfulness. She has practiced meditation for the past 17 years, facilitates a weekly mindfulness meditation at the Westbank Library, Mindful Eating Workshops at the YMCA, in addition to yearly Children’s Mindfulness Programs in local Austin.
Elizabeth brings mindfulness meditation into the workplace as well as having a private practice in Austin, where she works with clients on an individual basis. Elizabeth attended the University of Santa Monica, receiving a Masters in Spiritual Psychology. Prior she attended the University of Colorado receiving a Bachelors of Fine Arts. Additionally Elizabeth has been through the 8-week University of Massachusetts/MBSR (Mind-Based Stress Reduction) Course, and Certified through the Mindful Schools for K-12.
Calling all gamers! Leave your quarters at home and join us for our monthly video game meet up at Laura’s Library! We’ll have a Switch for chucking Koopa shells at your friends in Mario Kart, a PS3 to spam fireballs in Street Fighter, and two Wiis for some old school fun. We’ll also have a six-station Minecraft LAN party.
No need to register!
Get help with all of your technology from a tech-savvy teen. Bring cameras, laptops, questions about social media, apps, or anything else that comes to mind! Our tech-savvy teens will provide one-on-one help with all your technology questions.
@ Westbank Library on Sundays from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m.
@ Laura’s and Westbank Library every Tuesday of the month from 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
Are you a teen interested in volunteering? Check out the volunteer page for more information.
Library News
Artisan Demo October 13
Our very popular Annual Artisans’ Market is coming up on November 10th at Laura’s Library, and this Saturday (October 13), we have a really special treat – an artisan demonstration featuring five of our local craftspeople. This is an [...]
October 8 programs
Schools may be closed on October 8, but we’ll be open! The day starts with Qi Gong at Laura’s (10 am) and infant storytime at Westbank (10:30). From noon till 6:30 at Laura’s we’ll have extended Free Play. The [...]
Keeping Ourselves Moving
The library is a great place to have fun, hanging out with friends and neighbors while playing and getting a bit of exercise! Sheng Zhen Every Saturday, acupuncturist and Qi Gong instructor Thomas Najar leads Sheng Zhen, a seated [...]