Assistance League of Austin (ALA) is celebrating 50 years in Austin and the 10th year of its AISD summer book bus program. They recently announced the donation of a new book van, nicknamed ALVAN, to AISD to enhance the district’s summer reading program. ALVAN will serve students in Title 1 schools and areas of East Austin where access to reading materials is limited. The ALA thrift store is located at 4901 Burnet Road and is open for shopping and receiving donations Wednesday–Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm.
Upgrade Labs 5th Street held its grand opening at 1611 W 5th St #125 on September 21st. The facility provides high-tech innovations to measure fitness, establish goals, and provide solutions for improving biology. Utilizing advanced technology, they provide enhanced recovery and performance tools that help people stay younger longer with efficiency at the forefront. Founding membership rates are now available for a limited time. Free Cell Health Analysis ($50 value) and one Free Service ($55 value) are available at the end of the introductory tour. Visit upgradelabs.com/5th-street/ for more information.
Movin’ Melvin Brown will perform at Austin Scottish Rite Theater, 207 W 18th Street, on November 8th at 8:00 p.m. The performance will showcase snippets of Melvin’s career and life, as well as Black History, storytelling, and comedy. It has received rave reviews worldwide. Known for his singing, tap dancing, and joyful expression, he comes from the very roots of “Soul” and R&B. Tickets are available at www.movinmelvin.com
Pease Park Conservancy will hold its annual fall fundraising event at Kingsbury Commons, 1100 Kingsbury Street, on November 2nd, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The event will feature Mediterranean comfort food, music, and an immersive light experience. Funds raised will support the Conservancy’s ongoing operations, maintenance, and programming of the 84-acre greenspace within Pease Park. Community members are invited to become sponsors or purchase tickets to attend. Visit www.peasepark.org/luminarium for more information.
Magellan International School invites the community to its annual International Festival on its Bull Creek Campus at 7501 North Capital of Texas Hwy on Saturday, November 9th, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The event celebrates the rich tapestry of cultures from around the world. This year’s festival will showcase the vibrant history, culture, and cuisine of Costa Rica, Bolivia, Greece, Cameroon, Vietnam, and Fiji. It will feature interactive games, live performances, and educational opportunities for all ages.
Birdhouse Books and Gifts opened recently at 5925 Burnet Road, and will host local author Susan Johnston Taylor on Saturday, Nov. 2, at 11 a.m. Taylor is the author of “Animals in Surprising Shades.” Birdhouse Books and Gifts features an inclusive selection of books for adults and children of all ages, as well as a nook of used books and the season’s spooky books. See @birdhousebooksatx
Mayors Book Club 2024 reads Tommy Orange’s new book, Wandering Stars. This annual citywide reading campaign encourages a community experience through shared books. Sponsored by Library Foundation, City of Austin Mayor’s Office, and Austin Public Library. Copies of the magical realism novel of generations of a Native American family are available at Austin Central Library and branch libraries, including Howson on Exposition and Yarborough on Hancock.
Parker+Scott at 2113 West Anderson Lane will host Boo Bash 2024 on Oct. 26. This ghostly gathering for kids is in its third year at “Austin’s General Store,” and will run from 11 a.m. till 1 p.m. The first 100 kids get a custom tote to fill with goodies, and all the kids will get a chance at the temporary tattoo booth and creative crafts. RSVP at ParkerandScott.com for this free event.
Texas Book Festival is Nov. 16-17, centered at the State Capitol and its grounds, and spreading through the central city. The free event features hundreds of books and authors, many of the authors in conversation about writing, politics, culture, and history. Over nearly three decades Texas Book Festival has donated more than $3 million to Texas public libraries and given more than 166,000 books through Reading Rock Stars and Real Reads programs. Texasbookfestival.org for details
Vote Early through Nov. 1, at several locations in West Austin: Westminster Presbyterian Church at 3208 Exposition, Northwest Recreation Center at 2913 Northland Dr, Riverbend Centre at 4214 N Capital of Texas Hwy, Ben Hur Shrine Center at 7811 Rockwood Ln, Randalls Flagship West Lake Hills at 3300 Bee Caves Rd. And on Nov. 5, vote all over Austin wherever you see a Vote Here sign.