News from Round Rock & Williamson County NEWS BRIEFS Usage rises at new Round Rock Public Library
From February 2022 to February 2023, patronage of Round Rock Public Library services and facilities has increased.
READERSHIP SURGES
BY BROOKE SJOBERG
over the last two years at the older facility, according to the city. Weekday visits also saw increases of 29% compared to the previous year. Saturday visits increased by 48%, and Sunday visits jumped by 49%. Regarding digital services including e-books and e-audio books, usage jumped by 50% or more year over year in February, according to city documents. From February 2022 to February 2023, the number of library patrons e-books and digital audiobooks jumped 134% from 4,856 to 11,364.
2022 2023
Following the grand opening of the $27 million public library Jan. 28, the patronage of the facility and the use of its digital collection services have increased, according to city data. The new library building saw over 60,195 visitors in its first month of operation with 73,867 items being checked out. During that time, an average of 89 patrons with library cards visited the facility, compared to the average of 27 per day sustained
6,210
+10%
Ebooks
6,832
3,540
+28%
Eaudiobooks
4,532
4,856
+134%
New patrons
11,364
SOURCE: CITY OF ROUND ROCK/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Water conservation district in WilCo hits roadblock
SAVING WATER The Aquifer Conservation Alliance is seeking to annex a portion of Williamson County to create a water conservation district.
BY GRANT CRAWFORD
property tax of $0.05 per $100 valuation on Williamson County residents living within the pro- posed district, including all Round Rock residents west of I-35. The ACA has pushed for increased protections of the Trinity Aquifer by establishing a groundwater conservation district in Williamson County, or joining an adjacent district that would
help oversee the use of the region’s underground water resources. However, the ACA stated in a March press release it withdrew its petition due to circumstances beyond its control. Ellison said the ACA is evaluating additional paths forward and will continue its pursuit of a water conservation district in Williamson County in the coming months.
The Aquifer Conservation Alliance withdrew its petition to the Clearwater Underground Water Conservation District to annex a large portion of Williamson County into its jurisdiction, ACA President Keith Ellison said. The ACA withdrew the petition March 9. If created, the district would have levied a maximum
Conservation district
35
195
183
29
79
45 TOLL
620
N
130 TOLL
290
71
21
35
In Business Since 1936. 183
Round Rock Branch Grand Opening! 130
Come Meet Your New Neighbors. 10
Everyone is welcome! Wednesday, April 19, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM 104 Sundance Pkwy. Round Rock, TX 78681 Activities will include games & prizes, live music, photo op with RR Express mascot Spike, complimentary food & beverages and much more!
Scan the QR Code to RSVP.
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