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🌱 Patch AM: Which books topped Austin Public Library’s checkout list last year?

Coming up: The International Gem & Jewelry Show - Austin, TX (January 2026) on the Austin Patch calendar

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Hello again Austin! We’re bringing you the latest town highlights. Don’t miss out, keep going! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Which books topped Austin Public Library’s checkout list last year?
  • Why an Austin woman’s lawsuit could reshape APD accountability
  • How could Watson’s new audit plan reshape Austin’s tight 2026 budget?

Also on today's calendar: The International Gem & Jewelry Show - Austin, TX (January 2026) and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Austinfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did the hammer say after getting an A on a test? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Austinfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Wednesday: Mostly cloudy and very warm, with a high of 79 and low of 67 degrees.
  • Thursday: Breezy and very warm, temps: high: 81, low: 60.
  • Friday: A thunderstorm in spots, with a high of 73 and low of 45 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. What is Austin reading? Austin Public Library shares the top reads of 2025 (cbsaustin.com) — Austin Public Library just revealed which books Austinites checked out most in 2025, highlighting a big year for physical, digital, and audio reading. The system is also gearing up for its 100th anniversary in 2026, with celebrations and events planned at branches citywide and a major October bash at the Central Library.
   

2. Woman sues former Austin PD officer, city after traumatic brain injury from 2024 police encounter (fox7austin.com) — An Austin woman is suing the City of Austin and a former Austin police officer, alleging she suffered a traumatic brain injury after being thrown to the ground during a 2024 arrest downtown. The officer has been indefinitely suspended, and both APD leadership and the police union are preparing for arbitration while the city reviews the yet-to-be-served lawsuit.
   

3. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson says reviewing city spending a major focus of 2026 (kxan.com) — Austin Mayor Kirk Watson says his top priority this year is tightening the city’s budget and launching a citywide efficiency audit. As Austin faces another tight fiscal year, he’s pushing an ordinance by February to review spending across all departments and reduce reliance on outside funding while preparing for long‑term growth.
   

4. Multiple cars reported stolen from same south Austin apartment complex (kxan.com) — Multiple vehicles were recently stolen from the same south Austin apartment complex near South Lamar and Mary Street, including a resident’s Ford F-150. While Austin police say overall auto thefts have dropped sharply since 2023, they’re still tracking targeted thefts of popular models like Hyundais, Kias, and full-size pickups.
   

5. Austin police chief targets Club Rodeo after deputy's fatal shooting, cites past incidents (cbsaustin.com) — Austin police are ramping up scrutiny of Club Rodeo after an off-duty Caldwell County deputy constable was fatally shot while working security at the Austin nightclub on Sunday. Chief Lisa Davis says APD is developing a legal strategy to address repeated violent incidents tied to the venue, including prior shootings in 2022 and 2025, amid growing safety concerns.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Here are the first two mandala coasters my special needs friend did today.
    Her first ones. She hopes to start a small business using mandalas she's colored for coasters, trivets, t-shirts, suncatchers or whatever. She's… (Nextdoor Valley View Acres)
  • Found puppy by dumpster in apartment off Harris Ridge...
    need rescue or foster ASAP. Animal Control/Austin Animal Center will not help me.. i have three dogs myself and can't keep her.. Please help me!! … (Nextdoor Harris Ridge)
  • Commissioners Court approved a sponsorship and use agreement between Williamson County and Lone Star Soccer Club of Austin, Inc. to upgrade multiple... (X: wilcotxgov)
  • Honored to present a proclamation yesterday recognizing Urban Austin Reads Day and celebrating two years of building a more inclusive, informed, and... (X: CMZoQadri)
  • Whataburger posted a job opening for Restaurant Porter - Unit # 884 in Austin. Apply here.
  • YMCA of Austin posted a job opening for Afterschool Counselor in Austin. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Austin here.

Ok Austin! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I nailed it!
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