Bee Cave City Council: Library Drama Unfolds, Capitalism Ensues

Oh, the Bee Cave City Council is at it again, folks. At their Oct. 8 meeting, the Capital Improvements Plan subcommittee dropped an update about the new library building. They're out here trying to find savings, aka pinching pennies, to lower construction costs. The size and location are major $$ drivers, so they're scoping out alternative sites. Democracy in action, right? They'll eventually present their recommendation to the City Council for a public hearing and an official vote. Can't wait for that showdown!

Meanwhile, the Bee Cave Library is still killing it with award-winning programming and friendly customer service. It's like the one place where everyone can connect over books and not argue about politics. Imagine that.

Rolling Sculpture Car Show: Capitalism on Wheels

Gear up, folks! The Rolling Sculpture Car Show is coming to town on Sunday, Oct. 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hill Country Galleria. This family-friendly event is basically a parade of rich people's toys, but hey, it benefits the Friends of Bee Cave Public Library, so we can't complain too much.

Expect to see sports cars, exotics, modern classics, hot rods, art cars, and all sorts of motorized eye candy. It's free to spectate, and they'll be fundraising through sponsorships, registration fees, and selling T-shirts and raffle tickets. This year, you could win a kid-size Lamborghini with a remote-control override for helicopter parents. All proceeds go to the library, because nothing says "literacy" like a tiny Lambo.

Since 2008, this glorious display of capitalism has raised $114,000, funding the library’s Summer Reading Program, the Books and Bees Festival, and scholarships for teen volunteers. Check out the sponsors here.

New this year is a "Trunk or Treat" sponsored by the city. Dress up the kids and snatch some candy from the participating cars near Dillard’s. Enjoy live music from the Clutch Kings, browse the Bee Cave Farmers Market, and shop at the Galleria's stores and restaurants. Celebrity announcer Bob Fonseca and Jonny "O" Olsen will be handing out trophies. It's like the Oscars, but with more horsepower.

Family Place Workshop: Playtime is Over (for now)

The library’s bi-annual Family Place workshop, 123 PlaySmart, is wrapping up. This certified program connects parents and caregivers with local resource specialists and lets toddlers run wild, I mean, "explore play stations." Stay tuned for the next workshop in early 2025.

Bee Cave Public Library’s Family Place program was featured in the fall 2024 issue of "Children and Libraries", because even the American Library Association knows what's up.

Fall Programs: Something for Everyone (except racists)

• Bee Creative (Oct. 16, 5 p.m.): Adults and teens, decorate ceramic coasters with alcohol-based ink. Finally, a use for alcohol that doesn't involve drinking!
• BeeTweens Fear Factor (Oct. 19, 2 p.m.): Kids in grades 3-5, face your fears with fun, gross challenges. Because why not traumatize them young?
• Diwali Storytelling (Nov. 2, 3-4 p.m.): Learn about Diwali with Peerbagh. Cultural education FTW!

Regular storytimes are on hiatus from Oct. 18 until after the election due to early voting. Because democracy always disrupts nap time.

For more info, visit beecavelibrary.com or call 512.767.6620. The library is inside Bee Cave City Hall in the center of the Hill Country Galleria.

Barbara Hathaway is the director of the Bee Cave Public Library, and probably deserves a raise.