Next Chapter: One Year Together —
and the Story’s Just Beginning 

Happy 1st Birthday to the Award-Winning Cedar Park Public Library

A Note from Belle

Hi friends,

🎉 It’s our very first birthday!

On November 1, we celebrate one unforgettable year since the new Cedar Park Public Library opened its doors — and what a year it’s been.

From my perch above the playscape, I’ve seen it all — tiny feet racing toward storytime, wide-eyed wonder at the front doors, quiet moments of connection over books and shared laughter.

In just 12 months, we’ve welcomed more than 650,000 visitors. One recent Sunday alone brought over 5,000 people through our doors. And since January, 11,254 new cardholders have joined the Library family.

If you’re one of them: welcome!
If you’ve been with us from the start: thank you for helping make this possible.

And if you’re wondering who’s writing to you — I’m Belle, the Library’s 23-foot-tall, story-loving mockingbird. I perch outside the front doors and bring you the latest from your Library and the Foundation that helps it soar.

In this issue of The Next Chapter, you’ll meet some of the people behind our progress — and discover how small, steady support is helping us meet record-breaking demand with creativity, care, and heart.

Oh — and one more fun way to celebrate: we just launched our limited-edition “Meet Me at the Library” T-shirts! They come in several cozy colors (including a beautiful blue I’m partial to), and a portion of proceeds supports the Library Foundation.
👉 Order yours here before November 13.

Here’s to one amazing year — and the many chapters ahead.

With feathers fluffed and full of pride,
Belle 🐦
Your Library Mockingbird

P.S. New to our newsletter? The Next Chapter comes from the Cedar Park Public Library Foundation — the nonprofit behind the scenes that helps the Library grow beyond its walls. We help fund the books, programs, and technology that make this Library extraordinary.

P.P.S. Want to catch up on what you’ve missed? Read past newsletters here.

In just one year, the Cedar Park Public Library has become more than a place to check out books — it’s become the heartbeat of our city.

Every day, families, students, seniors, and job seekers walk through our doors not just to borrow, but to belong.

“CPPL was central to our family’s routine this summer — and continues to be as we go into the fall.”
— New Cedar Park resident & Summer Reading parent

Behind the storytimes, study spaces, and community connections, there’s a quiet force making it all possible:
The Cedar Park Public Library Foundation.

We’re the Library’s fundraising partner — a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that turns bold ideas into meaningful moments. While public funding covers the basics, the Foundation helps the Library reach beyond what’s expected.

When there’s a gap, we fill it.
When there’s a dream, we help it take flight.

Your support powers more than books and technology — it turns the Library into a beacon for all.

When the need exceeds the budget, the Foundation steps in — so the story keeps growing.

This year brought record-breaking footsteps, storytime squeals, and quiet moments of connection — all made possible by neighbors who believe in the power of community.

And the need keeps growing.

Behind every Makerspace moment, every book borrowed, every audiobook downloaded from home, there's something more:

A circle of monthly donors who give so others can belong.

“When we moved to Cedar Park last spring, the Library was one of the first places that made us feel at home. Joining the Chapter Society was my way of giving back — and helping others feel that same welcome.”
— Chapter Society donor

That’s what the Chapter Society is all about.

For as little as $10/month, you can:
📚 Put books in young readers’ hands
💻 Support tech that connects and empowers
🎨 Fund programs that spark curiosity and build belonging

We’re aiming for 100 monthly donors — and this November, we hope to welcome 15 more.

Start the season of giving with purpose.

He didn’t just borrow books—

he opened doors.

From a book-loving kid in Rhode Island to a city leader in Cedar Park, Phil’s journey proves what one library card — and one life of purpose — can build.

He helped shape a library that’s now the heart of a city. And his story? It just might reshape yours.

They didn’t just build the Library—they built a legacy.

With care in every beam and heart in every detail, JE Dunn helped shape a space where learning, laughter, and belonging now bloom.

For their team — many of them local — this project wasn’t just professional.
It was personal.

The new Cedar Park Public Library was featured in Bloomberg as part of a national story on how libraries are reimagining community, connection, and civic life.

It’s a reminder: libraries aren’t fading — they’re leading.

And ours is one to be proud of.

Great Reads. Great Prices. A Great Cause.

Thousands of gently used books, DVDs, and more —

perfect for winter reading, holiday gifts, or refreshing your shelf.

Every purchase supports Library programs like Books for Babies, STEM kits, and the Summer Reading Club.

👜 Shop in style!

Purchase your official Library Foundation tote bag today and pick it up at the Library.

We're thrilled to announce our next event, Run for the Roses, at Golfinity! Please reach out to director@cedarparkbooks.org to explore sponsorship opportunities.

More magic is on the horizon — and your support helps it bloom.
Want to get involved? Let’s talk sponsorships!
— Belle 🐦

“The library is not just a place for books — it’s where community begins.”

That one wasn’t written by me, but I sure do believe it.

— Belle