Please help save Recycled Reads from the proposed budget cuts by using this link to send an email that will go to the mayor and all the council members to KEEP RECYCLED READS OPEN: https://www.austintexas.gov/email/all-council-members
The latest proposed City budget once again is taking aim at Recycled Reads (RR), the city-owned used bookstore. As has so often been the case when we have a new library director or city manager that does not understand Austin, the new budget wants to eliminate the well-loved RR. With the proposed closure, RR would be shuttered sometime in the Spring of 2026. Since 2009 RR has kept TONS of books out of the landfill by offering books retired from the library shelves and from donations. The bookstore took the place of the annual Library Book Sale that the Friends of the Austin Public Library once held. (Well, except for a few years where it was discovered that APL was throwing them into the dumpster.) The reasons given are that RR operates at a loss and that services could be transferred to the other libraries in the system (although there is no explanation of what that would look like).
RR has been a mainstay for inexpensive books for many children, parents, teachers and others who cannot afford to purchase books at regular bookstores. RR not only recycles books but all sorts of media – bestsellers, collectables, DVDs, VHS tapes, prints, recorded material, games, puzzles, etc. The libraries do not have room for, nor do they want to manage, all the treasures one can find at RR. Besides, who can drive around to 22 different libraries to see if they have a copy of the book you are looking for? RR offers a one-stop service that could not be duplicated at the branches.
RR also has a passport photo service and a tool lending library. In addition, it offers a meeting place for musicians, crafters, bicycle repair sessions, poetry readings and other groups.
As for costs, we should not expect our public service programs to “make money”. We don’t ask this of our recreation centers, parks, and libraries. We don’t base our recycling program on whether it is profitable or not. Much of the work at RR is done by volunteers. Ironically in the proposed $6.3 budget, the city estimates it will save a mere $107,000 by closing RR.
It is a delight to visit RR and see young children counting out quarters for their own books and proudly leaving with them, to browse through the material never knowing what unexpected prize you might find all while listening to a group of people read their own poetry aloud. The services offered by RR represent what is good about Austin – fostering a love of books and reading, care for the environment by recycling material that is of value to many and community.
In the past public outcry has managed to save RR from the city budget ax. Council will approve the budget in mid-August. If you use RR or value the service to the community that it provides, please write to the mayor and each council member to ask them NOT to close RR. You can use this link to send an email that will go to the mayor and all council members: https://www.austintexas.gov/email/all-council-members