Upcoming Programs
Click here to join First Friday Genealogy, a live virtual program happening first Fridays at 10am.
Whether you are a beginner just starting to explore your ancestors or deep in your research, in this group you can explore databases, trade knowledge and tips, and share wonderful stories with each other. Join Susan Marking, our amateur experienced genealogist, who facilitates this group on the first Friday of each month at 10:00 a.m. at Laura’s Library.
Below are just a few resources to get you started on your research:
- Family Tree Magazine
- Our catalog
- Databases: https://www.westbanklibrary.com/databases/
- America’s Genealogy Bank
- HeritageQuest Online
- Ancestry Library *accessible through only our libraries’ computers
Ground rules for genealogy meetings
Click here to join Daytime Book Group, a live virtual program happening at 4pm.
If you’re having difficulties, please refer to Zoom’s support information. Westbank Library is unable to provide tech assistance during the program. Please contact questions@westbanklibrary.com if you would like to schedule tech help or if you would like additional information regarding this library program.
Daytime Book Group comes together once a month to discuss books that explore life from many angles – from the author’s viewpoint, from the characters’ experiences, and from the group members’ personal perspectives. The group reads both fiction and non-fiction, and participants engage in lively discussions on the topic. Members usually meet after the book discussion at a nearby restaurant for social talk and visiting.
2021 Reading List:
- January 3: House Made of Dawn by N. Scott Momaday
- February 7: A Long Petal of the Sea by Isabel Allende
- March 7: Once a Girl, Always a Boy by Jo Ivester (Jo will join us for the discussion)
- March 28: The End of October by Lawrence Wright
- May 2: Fifty Words for Rain by Asha Lemmie
- June 6: The Round House by Louise Erdrich
- June 27: Be Water, My Friend by Shannon Lee
- August 1: Unsheltered by Barbara Kingsolver
- August 29: The Second Mountain by David Brooks
- October 3: The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
- November 7: Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall
- December 5: Very Good Lives by J.K. Rowling
Please read these ground rules ahead of the conversation:
- Please keep your camera on for the discussion and provide your name.
- Mute if there is background noise.
- Respect the privacy of others by not reporting what you hear in this conversation with any specificity or attribution.
- Be respectful and listen when others are speaking.
- Allow everyone’s voice to be heard that wants to be heard.
Celebrate Hanukkah by crafting your own Menorah at Westbank Library! We’ll be in the backyard with music and gelt (chocolate coins!). Recommended for ages 3 and up.
This week, the Writing Workshop is being offered simultaneously online and in-person from 5:00 to 6:30pm. This is a trial of this new format, which we may start offering once a month. Check the calendar for updates.
Click here to join the program online, or come to Laura’s Library to join us in-person.
If you’re having difficulties, please refer to Zoom’s support information. Westbank Library is unable to provide tech assistance during the program. Please contact questions@westbanklibrary.com if you would like to schedule tech help or if you would like additional information regarding this library program.
Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, you are welcome to join the Westbank Writing Workshop. Meet with other writers, and try your hand at some writing prompts.
Please read these ground rules ahead of the conversation:
- Please keep your camera on for the discussion and provide your name.
- Mute if there is background noise.
- Respect the privacy of others by not reporting what you hear in this conversation with any specificity or attribution.
- Be respectful and listen when others are speaking.
- Allow everyone’s voice to be heard that wants to be heard.
Click here to join Storytime, a live virtual program happening Tuesdays at 10:30am.
If you’re having difficulties, please refer to Zoom’s support information. Westbank Library is unable to provide tech assistance during the program. Please contact questions@westbanklibrary.com if you would like to schedule tech help or if you would like additional information regarding this library program.
Join Ms. Cristen and Ms. Maureen for Storytime every week. This program develops early literacy skills through books, music, and more. Bring an item to share with the group, if you like. All ages welcome!
Click here to join Heartfulness Meditation, a live virtual program happening Tuesdays from noon-1pm.
If you’re having difficulties, please refer to Zoom’s support information. Westbank Library is unable to provide tech assistance during the program. Please contact questions@westbanklibrary.com if you would like to schedule tech help or if you would like additional information regarding this library program.
Heartfulness Meditation can help you to live a heart-centered life, manage your emotions, and find inner peace and balance. When we become mindful of our feelings, we can let them inspire us. This practice awakens our potential for a simple, joyful existence.
Want to learn more? Check out the book The Heartfulness Way or go to heartfulnessatwork.eventbrite.com to participate in other events.
In Austin, this is the time of year to enjoy the outdoors! Join us for Backyard Storytime at Westbank Library. This program develops early literacy skills through story sharing and songs. All ages welcome!
Discovery! Kindness Books
We’ve all heard the expression, “It’s the thought that counts” about gift-giving. Today at Laura’s, that saying has never been truer. We will be writing and drawing sweet thoughts about someone we care about – memories, observations, compliments, and well wishes. We’ll assemble these notes and drawings into a small book, a kind gift for the person you wrote and drew about!
Click here to view Prime of Life Yoga, a live virtual program happening Wednesdays at 6pm.
Please contact questions@westbanklibrary.com if you would like to schedule tech help or if you would like additional information regarding this library program.
Prime of Life Yoga™ focuses on the contemporary teachings of yoga for Westerners, especially benefiting men and women 40 years and beyond. Safe, conservative and user friendly, this is an intelligent approach focusing on moving with the breath in dynamic and static movements, which helps to make the body-mind connection as well as warming up the joints and muscles. Modifications are demonstrated to suit the individual. This creates a noncompetitive atmosphere which is more comfortable for everyone.
Lisa Galizia is a Registered Yoga Teacher® with the Yoga Alliance and a Certified Health and Wellness Coach. Galizia teaches group and custom private yoga and wellcoaching. For more information, please visit beecaveyoga.com.
This month’s board meeting will be held in person at Laura’s Library. More information on the Board Notices page.
Library News
Current Library Services
Updated 11/8/21 Beginning November 9, library hours will be 10am-7pm, Mon-Thurs and 10am-5pm Fri-Sat. Services On-site services Browse the collection, sit and study/read or meet with a tutor, use a computer, print and make copies, and enjoy our backyard. [...]
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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information
Data updated 12/2 Austin/Travis County is at Risk Stage 3 as of October 12. Officials are urging vaccines and masks. Dashboards Texas case counts Texas hospitalizations and positivity Travis County also (mobile version) Travis County key indicators also (mobile [...]