Scroll to see the 2026 CTX Learning Festival schedule, or search by date, area, topic, etc!
Great Decisions: Ruptured Alliances and the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation
Great Decisions is a nationwide, non-partisan program sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association intended to broaden public involvement in foreign affairs. It was launched over 50 years ago, and today tens of thousands of participants take part in discussion groups each year. Our library is proud to be hosting our eighth year of participation in the Great Decisions Program. Eight topics have been selected this year for discussion. The Foreign Policy Association provides a Great Decisions Briefing Book if participants choose to read articles in advance, and each program begins with a video presentation outlining the issues of the evening’s topic. After the short video, a facilitator provides insight and leads a discussion. This free, in-person program will take place in the Lake Travis Community Library meeting room in Lakeway. There is no registration required.
Ruptured Alliances and the Risk of Nuclear Proliferation
U.S. alliance skepticism may drive countries like Japan and South Korea to reconsider nuclear options. What are the implications of the Trump administration’s rethinking of the U.S. alliance system for regional and global security? Will this new uncertainty alter the way allies and rivals in various regions make decisions about security and nuclear weapons?
Facilitator to be announced
No limit
Wheelchair accessible
Sober Minds Game Night
Whether you're sober through recovery, sober-curious, mindful about your relationship with substances, or simply choosing conscious living habits, you'll find authentic connections and meaningful conversations here in a fun-filled game night with like-minded friends.
Facilitator: J. Clark, St. David’s Foundation
No limit
Wheelchair accessible
Spicewood Springs Mystery Book Club
Calling all mystery book lovers! Come join us on the second Thursday of the month as we sink our teeth into a new title. This month's book is Under the Stars by Beatriz Williams.
No limit
Wheelchair accessible
Spin the SDG
Come join us in person for a fun and engaging event where teams will compete in a game in which they spin a wheel containing all 17 of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda, then answer relevant trivia questions to deepen the Austin community's awareness and commitment to the SDGs. Registration is recommended but not required.
Led by Abby Vandiver and Mya Duncan from Texas United Nations Young Professionals and the United Nations Association of Austin, and facilitated by Aditi Joshi from Austin Sister Cities
Limit 50 attendees
Click here to register (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spin-the-sdg-with-the-united-nations-young-professionals-tickets-1984774707579?aff=oddtdtcreator)
Wheelchair accessible
Adult Chess Club Open Play
Join fellow chess enthusiasts for a relaxed and welcoming weekly open-play session. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn or a seasoned player seeking friendly competition, this is the perfect environment to enjoy the game, improve your skills, and connect with others who share your passion for chess. This program is for ages 16 and up.
Facilitator: Sarah Foreman
No limit
Wheelchair accessible
Great Questions Community Seminar
Join members of our community in asking the Great Questions of humankind through discussions of transformative texts. Participants complete a reading assignment and consider how it helps them ask the Great Questions before attending the event and participating in a conversation with others who have done the same. Students, Faculty and Staff are all welcome to attend. Food and refreshments provided. See more on The Great Questions page of Austin Community College’s website (https://austincc.edu/thegreatquestions).
Limit 300 attendees
Register here (https://forms.gle/3quu4FAZ5Lk14orB7); registration is REQUIRED
Wheelchair accessible
TalkAbout — Signaling Light Jessica Mallios
Join us for a conversation in the gallery with exhibiting artist Jessica Mallios, art historian and curator Erina Duganne, and historian Sara Damiano who will discuss some of the many themes addressed in Mallios’ exhibition, Signaling Light.
TalkAbout is a program that facilitates thought provoking conversations with artists and the people who inspire them. This event is free and open to the public. RSVP strongly encouraged; click here to register.
Facilitated by exhibiting artist Jessica Mallios, art historian and curator Erina Duganne, and historian Sara Damiano.
No limit
Wheelchair accessible
Caregiving Connections
Kathy Palmer leads this caregiver support group. Funded by St. David's Foundation; for ages 18 and up.
No limit
Wheelchair accessible
The Astrology of Now
Join us for a free, ongoing monthly astrology class and community discussion exploring the astrological energies we’re living through right now. Each session blends big-picture transits with practical chart-reading techniques, using both the current sky and participants’ own birth charts. Beginners and experienced students alike are welcome to learn, reflect, and build fluency in astrology as a living, evolving practice.
Program will be conducted in English. *SUBMIT your birth date, birth time, & city/state of your birth to the link below to have your astrology chart printed in color for free at the start of each meeting.https://tinyurl.com/Astrology-at-the-Library
Questions? Contact Kelly.Overton@austintexas.gov
Facilitator: Kelly Overton
No limit
Wheelchair accessible
The Drawing Comics Workshop
Do want to make comics but don't know where to start? Or do you just want a place to work on comics in a different space?Join us for the Making Comics workshop! Local Comics Artist/self-publisher, Adam Kobetich will share the techniques he has learned from his experience as a Comics artist. We will be practicing our drawing and composition skills and panel layout. We will develop a story line together and create a one or two page comic on the spot. Depending on what we decide to draw, we will learn about creating the illusion of passage of time, or pacing out a scene, or closure and what happens between the panels and so much more! And yes, you can bring your kids.
Facilitator: Adam Kobetich
No limit
Wheelchair accessible
Teen Social
Teens 13-18 are invited to take a study break, have a snack, and relax with activities led by our group of teen volunteers!
No limit
Wheelchair accessible
ASL Practice
ASL Practice is not an American Sign Language class, but rather a place to fine-tune your ASL in a relaxed environment under the guidance of an ASL-signing facilitator. Participants will need to know a little ASL to participate.
No limit
Wheelchair accessible
Talk Time
Improve your English conversation. ¡Mejore su conversación en inglés!
Come to Talk Time to practice your English conversation skills with other English language learners and English-speaking volunteers in an informal and safe space. No registration is necessary.
Participe en Talk Time: Hablemos Inglés, un programa gratis de La Biblioteca Pública de Austin, donde usted puede venir a conversar en inglés y así practicar y sentirse más seguro. No es necesario registrarse. Este programa se ofrece a cualquier adulto que hable algo de inglés y que quiera practicarlo con otros en un lugar informal y sin presiones.
No limit
Wheelchair accessible
Irish Sauna Night
Join us for a night of celebrating the mysterious history of Irish sweathouses consisting of a 30 minute free sauna session with turf fire & Irish botanical water on hot rocks. 4 sessions will be held during this event.
In partnership with Austin-Limerick Sister Cities
Strict limit of 6 attendees per session
Click here to register (required)(https://crockpotsaunas.as.me/schedule/7c423cb8/?appointmentTypeIds[]=88923176)
*This location is not wheelchair accessible*
Adult Craft Night: Two-color Block Printing
Learn to carve rubber to create a 4"x6" stamp you can use again and again.
Facilitator: Bette McDowell
Limit 22 attendees
Click here to register (https://pflugerville.librarycalendar.com/event/adult-event-12145)
Wheelchair accessible
Austin Bike Bus Webinar
Join Get There ATX for an engaging session hosted by the Parents’ Climate Community in collaboration with the National Youth Bike Council. This meeting will introduce the Austin Bike Bus Program, a community-driven initiative that helps students bike safely to school in groups. We’ll cover:
- What the Bike Bus Program is and how it works
- Steps to become a Bike Bus Leader
- Insights from experienced Bike Bus Leaders who have completed the official training clinics
Guest Speakers: Current Bike Bus Leaders sharing their experiences and tips for success. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or cycling enthusiast, this is your chance to learn how you can make a positive impact on sustainable transportation and youth safety.
Online, click here to register (https://zoom.us/meeting/register/3sNBBRtuSqS5hYyudDA9uA#/registration)
No limit
Practiquemos Español
Join us to practice speaking, writing and reading in Spanish! Practiquemos Español is not a Spanish class, but rather a place to fine-tune your Spanish in a relaxed environment under the guidance of a Spanish-speaking facilitator. Participants will need to know a little Spanish to participate.
No limit
Wheelchair accessible
The Crafty Adult
Are you a crafter? Do you wish you were a crafter? We’ll focus on a different craft every month; we’ll learn the basics, we’ll learn the ins and outs, and then we’ll let loose. Come learn with us!
Relax, create, and connect with fellow adults at our library craft night! Supplies and step-by-step paper instructions are on us. All you need to bring is your imagination and creativity.
No limit
Wheelchair accessible
Family Storytime
Family storytime offers children opportunities to interact with the story time experience through songs, rhymes, movement rhymes, and stories.
Facilitator: Arlyn LaBelle
Limit 18 families
Wheelchair accessible
Brush & Beyond Miniature Painting
Join us as we paint miniatures from our favorite tabletop games. Minis, paints, brushes, and other supplies provided OR bring your own and hang out with us! Space may be limited, so arrive early if possible.
Attendance limited by space
Wheelchair accessible
Financial Wellness 101
Financial Wellness 101 is a five-part educational series designed to build practical money management skills and long-term financial stability. Participants learn budgeting and banking basics, credit management, fraud prevention, saving and investing strategies, and how to create a personalized financial roadmap. Each session provides clear, actionable guidance to help individuals make informed financial decisions, reduce risk, and build wealth over time. The series empowers participants with tools and confidence to strengthen their financial well-being and achieve greater economic security.
Presented by Bastrop County Cares
Facilitators: Noemi Guerra and Marissa Prieto
Limit 25 attendees
Click here to register (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf24dkAXohy0_EzVBMK62-hXiaztYS7pmj9WbbnuJbws-gScg/viewform?urp=gmail_link)
Wheelchair accessible
Japanese Mahjong Club
Join our Riichi Mahjong club for a fun and competitive environment where you can put your skills to the test! Whether you're looking to sharpen your skills or just enjoy playing with fellow enthusiasts, our club offers regular games and instruction!
Facilitator: Caitlin Foley
Limit 40 attendees
Wheelchair accessible
Family Film Night
Join us for a movie screening. Watch and discover new films at the Austin Public Library.
No limit
Wheelchair accessible
VICTORY Tutoring
Free one-on-one and small group tutoring. Homework, test prep, make-up work, and all core subjects offered. Please register at the link. Questions? Contact: Angel Toscano: angel.toscano@austinisd.org.
Tutoría gratuita individual y en grupos pequeños.
Tarea, preparación para exámenes, trabajo de
recuperación, y todas las materias principales
ofrecidas. Haga clic en el enlace para registrarse. ¿Preguntas? Envíe un correo electrónico a Ángel Toscano. angel.toscano@austinisd.org.
No limit
Wheelchair accessible
Hop Into Math! with Math Kangaroo USA
This interactive learning experience introduces children and families to joyful problem-solving through the Math Kangaroo USA approach. Participants will explore logic puzzles, number patterns, and critical thinking challenges designed to build confidence and curiosity in math. The session emphasizes thinking skills over memorization and shows how math supports real-life decision making, creativity, and future success. Activities are hands-on, age-appropriate, and welcoming for learners of all levels. This experience encourages children to think boldly, ask questions, and enjoy the process of learning.
Hosted by Math Kangaroo USA – Texas Region Facilitated by Anna Yelaun
No limit
Wheelchair accessible
Lego Lab
With Legos, you can build anything you can imagine and tell any story you can dream up. Come to the Lego Lab to hear, see, make, and create different stories, all while building with Legos provided by the Library! Program length can vary, please call branch for details.
No limit
Wheelchair accessible
Teens Create: 1920s Headbands
Austin Public Library is turning 100 this year and we're celebrating like it's the 1920s! Be the bee's knees by making your own 1920's flapper headband.
No limit
Wheelchair accessible
Buda Kids
Drop by the library anytime between 3:30-5:00pm on Thursdays for fun activities for children! Geared for children ages 7+. Children ages 5-6 welcome with an adult.
Facilitator: Caitlin Foley
Limit 24 attendees
Wheelchair accessible
Career Vision Boards
This free, art-based mindfulness workshop helps job seekers set intentions and discover new opportunities by creating a career vision board and collage. A career coach and counselor will be on hand to offer guidance and support throughout the process. All materials and refreshments are provided.
No limit
Wheelchair accessible
Get Your Local Business on Google Search and Maps
Join EGBI the Central Texas Learning Festival is a celebration of learners of all ages, featuring interactive workshops, engaging exhibits, resource fairs, and dynamic learning experiences throughout the region. Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI) is proud to participate in the Learning Festival for the third year in a row.
Learn how to Get Your Local Business on Google Maps, an interactive workshop presented in partnership with Grow with Google. Learn how to ensure customers can easily find accurate and updated information about your business on Google Search and Maps, no matter the device they use.
In this session, you’ll learn to:
Create or claim your Google Business Profile
Manage your business info across Google Search and Maps
Use your Business Profile to connect with potential customers
Facilitator: Monica Peña
Limit 30 attendees
Click here to register (https://CTXlearninggoogle.eventbrite.com)
Wheelchair accessible