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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 1, 2002
Contact: Patricia Fraga, Austin Public Library, (512) 974-7528
Fax: (512) 974-7442

Celebrate @ Austin Public Library, April 14-20

This year's National Library Week — the American Library Association's (ALA) annual celebration of our nation's libraries and librarians — kicks off April 14. First held in 1958, National Library Week celebrates the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians and promotes library use and support. Austin Public Library has a wide range of programs to encourage users to learn more about the exciting range of new and traditional resources available.

Austin Public Library is announcing and promoting two new technologies during the week:

• The Hampton Branch at Oak Hill 5125 Convict Hill Road will be participating in the 3M sixth annual Check-it-out Yourself day on Monday, April 15, 2002 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Anyone who visits the Hampton Branch at Oak Hill on this day and checks out their own library materials will help the library qualify to win cash prizes from 3M, headquartered in St. Paul, Minn. The Austin Public Library theme and celebration for the day is a "Chick it Out Eggs-travaganza" with a storytime—"Chicken Stew" at 10:30 a.m., and a puppet show "Vain Cuckoo Bird" by Hand to Mouth Puppet Theater at 4:00 p.m., special appearance by the "Bantam of the Opera," in addition to lots of fun and games.

The SelfCheck system enables patrons to become more self-sufficient at the library and creates additional time for library staff to assist customers one-on-one. "This is a fun way to promote our library, become eligible for a cash award, and meet more of our customers," said Irma Flores-Manges, Managing Librarian. "In addition, so much is changing at the library this is the perfect opportunity for children and adults to reacquaint themselves with all the Hampton Branch at Oak Hill has to offer."

• During this week the Austin Public Library will launch a new technology at all 21 library locations—automated receipt printers. The library receipt printers will allow for faster check out times for customers, and will aid in tracking items checked out. As part of this promotion the library will be giving to customers checking out items an APL Refrigerator Magnet to display their new receipt for quick reference.

Look for colorful National Library Week Banners at all 21 library locations with the slogan "Austin Public Library Your Door to the World." Additional programs for kids and adults are scheduled for the week. For a complete listing please call the Telephone Information Center at (512) 974-7400.

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