Lakeway Arts + Culture Calendar

Join us at the Lake Travis Community Library to kick off their Summer Reading Program! All ages are invited to participate in a scavenger hunt, take pictures at the photo booth, and pick up a summer reading log or punch card. Please visit the LTCL SRP page for details and more fun events!

All are invited to play American Mahjong at the Lake Travis Community Library on Monday afternoons. Please bring cards and sets if you have them and join in the fun! This is a free play, open session without a dedicated instructor.  New to American Mahjong? Learn the basics in Mahjong 101. About Mahjong: Mahjong (mah-JONG) is a tile-based game that was developed in China during the Qing dynasty that has spread throughout the world since the early 20th century. It is commonly played by four players. The game and its regional variants are widely played throughout Eastern and Southeastern Asia and have become popular in America and other Western countries too. The game has also been adapted into popular online entertainment. Similar to the Western card game rummy, Mahjong is a game of skill, strategy, and calculation with a degree of chance. Courtesy of Mahjong Culture.

The Lake Travis Community Library announces the return of its popular Great Decisions program for its seventh year. This free, in-person series, sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association, offers community members an opportunity to delve into critical international issues. Starting March 13th and continuing through June 19th, 2025, the program will convene on alternating Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM in the library’s meeting room. No registration is required, making it accessible to all interested participants. Great Decisions, a nationwide initiative with over 50 years of history, aims to foster public understanding and engagement in foreign affairs. The Lake Travis Community Library is proud to facilitate this vital program, providing a platform for informed dialogue. This year’s series will explore eight carefully selected topics. Each session will commence with a video presentation that outlines the evening’s focal issue. For those who wish to prepare, the Foreign Policy Association offers a Great Decisions Briefing Book containing relevant articles. Following the video, a knowledgeable facilitator will offer insights and guide a thoughtful discussion, encouraging participants to share their perspectives. The Great Decisions program at the Lake Travis Community Library provides a valuable opportunity for individuals to expand their knowledge of global affairs and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow community members. 2025 Topics America at a Global Crossroads Thursday, March 13 at 7pm Facilitated by Rodger Baker The U.S., polarized and divided, faces a world overflowing with challenges, dangers, and uncertainties. Conflict and disorder have become the defining features of world politics. The Evolution of U.S. Leadership in the Global Economy: Dilemmas and Choices Thursday, March 27 at 7pm Facilitated by Rachel Wellhausen Over the past two presidential terms, the U.S. has strongly pivoted away from neoliberalism as a foreign economic policy approach. Competition, Cold War, or Conflict? Navigating U.S.-China Relations in Tense Times Thursday, April 10 at 7pm Facilitated by Zhizhen Lu There is one thing that people can actually agree on across the aisle in Washington, DC: The United States is in a strategic competition with a rising China that poses a range of economic, political, and military security challenges. India: Between China, the West, and the Global South Thursday, April 24 at 7pm Facilitated by Rodger Baker As the Republic of India marks its 75th anniversary in January 2025, the world’s most populous nation and largest democracy continues to defy simple categorization. International Climate Cooperation in an Era of Geopolitical Turmoil Thursday, May 8 at 7pm Facilitated by Michael Mosser Over the past 30 years, climate change has become one of the central global challenges of the modern era, one that has hugely important consequences for the livability of the planet. The Future of NATO and European Security Thursday, May 22 at 7pm Europe is frightened and frightening for the first time really since the 1980s, when nuclear sabers were rattling as the Soviet Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) both deployed contending intermediate range missiles along the dividing line of the military alliances. With Russia’s continued barbarity in Ukraine there is no escaping that Vladimir Putin intends not to be “European.” AI and American National Security Thursday, June 5 at 7pm Facilitated by Matthew Bey Artificial intelligence (AI), especially generative AI, is often claimed as an emerging technology that will disrupt all facets of society. American Policy in the Middle East: Taking Stock and Looking Ahead Thursday, June 19 at 7pm Facilitated by Matthew Bey Analysts of American policy in 2025 have the unusual advantage of being able to assess the new president’s likely policies against the backdrop of what he did in his first term, four years earlier. 

All are invited to play American Mahjong at the Lake Travis Community Library on Monday afternoons. Please bring cards and sets if you have them and join in the fun! This is a free play, open session without a dedicated instructor.  New to American Mahjong? Learn the basics in Mahjong 101. About Mahjong: Mahjong (mah-JONG) is a tile-based game that was developed in China during the Qing dynasty that has spread throughout the world since the early 20th century. It is commonly played by four players. The game and its regional variants are widely played throughout Eastern and Southeastern Asia and have become popular in America and other Western countries too. The game has also been adapted into popular online entertainment. Similar to the Western card game rummy, Mahjong is a game of skill, strategy, and calculation with a degree of chance. Courtesy of Mahjong Culture.

Rolling Video Games ATX brings the gaming fun right to the library! Players can access a mobile trailer outfitted with TVs, Xboxes, PS5s, Nintendo Switches, a catalog of over 100 games, plus a game coach to assist and supervise! This event is part of the library’s Summer Reading Program. Please visit their SRP page for details and more fun events!

Join us for live music at the library! Musician Trevor Helt will perform guitar music spanning a timeline of music written two centuries ago up to contemporary pop. Trevor is an Austin based guitarist whose style spans from the country fingerpicking of Chet Atkins to the flamenco stylings of Paco DeLucia. What ties it all together is a funky and percussive groove that can be danced to. Trevor is also a studio musician, mixing engineer, and producer.     

World Wide Knit in Public Day is the world’s largest knitting event. The Lake Travis Knitters will celebrate by holding small knitting groups throughout the Lake Travis Community Library. Bring your yarn stash and see you there!

All are invited to play American Mahjong at the Lake Travis Community Library on Monday afternoons. Please bring cards and sets if you have them and join in the fun! This is a free play, open session without a dedicated instructor.  New to American Mahjong? Learn the basics in Mahjong 101. About Mahjong: Mahjong (mah-JONG) is a tile-based game that was developed in China during the Qing dynasty that has spread throughout the world since the early 20th century. It is commonly played by four players. The game and its regional variants are widely played throughout Eastern and Southeastern Asia and have become popular in America and other Western countries too. The game has also been adapted into popular online entertainment. Similar to the Western card game rummy, Mahjong is a game of skill, strategy, and calculation with a degree of chance. Courtesy of Mahjong Culture.

Every 3rd Tuesday of the month, you are invited to knit and crochet together at the Lake Travis Community Library (or via Zoom)! All experience levels are welcome to bring their own knitting project to receive tips and guidance from club members. Please email Pat at patzepp@gmail.com for the unique Zoom meeting link or join the group in the library’s meeting room.

Get crafty with us! Join LTCL Adult Crafts at the Lake Travis Library for unique and creative projects each month. Check library listings for details.  

The Lake Travis Community Library announces the return of its popular Great Decisions program for its seventh year. This free, in-person series, sponsored by the Foreign Policy Association, offers community members an opportunity to delve into critical international issues. Starting March 13th and continuing through June 19th, 2025, the program will convene on alternating Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM in the library’s meeting room. No registration is required, making it accessible to all interested participants. Great Decisions, a nationwide initiative with over 50 years of history, aims to foster public understanding and engagement in foreign affairs. The Lake Travis Community Library is proud to facilitate this vital program, providing a platform for informed dialogue. This year’s series will explore eight carefully selected topics. Each session will commence with a video presentation that outlines the evening’s focal issue. For those who wish to prepare, the Foreign Policy Association offers a Great Decisions Briefing Book containing relevant articles. Following the video, a knowledgeable facilitator will offer insights and guide a thoughtful discussion, encouraging participants to share their perspectives. The Great Decisions program at the Lake Travis Community Library provides a valuable opportunity for individuals to expand their knowledge of global affairs and engage in meaningful conversations with fellow community members. 2025 Topics America at a Global Crossroads Thursday, March 13 at 7pm Facilitated by Rodger Baker The U.S., polarized and divided, faces a world overflowing with challenges, dangers, and uncertainties. Conflict and disorder have become the defining features of world politics. The Evolution of U.S. Leadership in the Global Economy: Dilemmas and Choices Thursday, March 27 at 7pm Facilitated by Rachel Wellhausen Over the past two presidential terms, the U.S. has strongly pivoted away from neoliberalism as a foreign economic policy approach. Competition, Cold War, or Conflict? Navigating U.S.-China Relations in Tense Times Thursday, April 10 at 7pm Facilitated by Zhizhen Lu There is one thing that people can actually agree on across the aisle in Washington, DC: The United States is in a strategic competition with a rising China that poses a range of economic, political, and military security challenges. India: Between China, the West, and the Global South Thursday, April 24 at 7pm Facilitated by Rodger Baker As the Republic of India marks its 75th anniversary in January 2025, the world’s most populous nation and largest democracy continues to defy simple categorization. International Climate Cooperation in an Era of Geopolitical Turmoil Thursday, May 8 at 7pm Facilitated by Michael Mosser Over the past 30 years, climate change has become one of the central global challenges of the modern era, one that has hugely important consequences for the livability of the planet. The Future of NATO and European Security Thursday, May 22 at 7pm Europe is frightened and frightening for the first time really since the 1980s, when nuclear sabers were rattling as the Soviet Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) both deployed contending intermediate range missiles along the dividing line of the military alliances. With Russia’s continued barbarity in Ukraine there is no escaping that Vladimir Putin intends not to be “European.” AI and American National Security Thursday, June 5 at 7pm Facilitated by Matthew Bey Artificial intelligence (AI), especially generative AI, is often claimed as an emerging technology that will disrupt all facets of society. American Policy in the Middle East: Taking Stock and Looking Ahead Thursday, June 19 at 7pm Facilitated by Matthew Bey Analysts of American policy in 2025 have the unusual advantage of being able to assess the new president’s likely policies against the backdrop of what he did in his first term, four years earlier. 

Introduction to Rangoli Art Join Preeti Choudhri for a demonstration on drawing freestyle Rangoli. Rangoli is an ancient Indian art that draws geometric patterns or freestyle art on the floor or any stable surface. Traditionally, it is drawn on the floor at the entrance of the home. Although it is mainly drawn on festivals and special occasions in more recent times, in olden times, women drew some form of the rangoli almost daily in front of their homes. In addition to pleasing the eyes, the drawings or patterns symbolized various auspicious elements and forms of welcoming gods into the homes.

All are invited to play American Mahjong at the Lake Travis Community Library on Monday afternoons. Please bring cards and sets if you have them and join in the fun! This is a free play, open session without a dedicated instructor.  New to American Mahjong? Learn the basics in Mahjong 101. About Mahjong: Mahjong (mah-JONG) is a tile-based game that was developed in China during the Qing dynasty that has spread throughout the world since the early 20th century. It is commonly played by four players. The game and its regional variants are widely played throughout Eastern and Southeastern Asia and have become popular in America and other Western countries too. The game has also been adapted into popular online entertainment. Similar to the Western card game rummy, Mahjong is a game of skill, strategy, and calculation with a degree of chance. Courtesy of Mahjong Culture.

Join us for a relaxing Sound Bath meditative experience in which musical instruments like singing bowls are used to relax, realign and re-energize the body and mind. Participants gather around these musical instruments while the instructor guides her students into a deep, calming state. The term “bath” is used because participants are bathing in the sound as well as the vibrations the sound waves put off. These vibrations are incredibly calming as well, with the goal being to help stimulate your body into restoration as well as clearing out any negative emotions or energies that serve you no purpose. Please bring a mat and any other items you might need to feel comfortable such as a pillow, blanket, or eye mask.  

Join us for a live presentation of reptiles around the world with Austin Reptiles!

Jon Parmentier plays melodic and relaxing instrumental music on the acoustic guitar that is inspired by nature. He uses the strings to paint pictures and elicit emotions where words fall short. Join us for live music in the library!

All are invited to play American Mahjong at the Lake Travis Community Library on Monday afternoons. Please bring cards and sets if you have them and join in the fun! This is a free play, open session without a dedicated instructor.  New to American Mahjong? Learn the basics in Mahjong 101. About Mahjong: Mahjong (mah-JONG) is a tile-based game that was developed in China during the Qing dynasty that has spread throughout the world since the early 20th century. It is commonly played by four players. The game and its regional variants are widely played throughout Eastern and Southeastern Asia and have become popular in America and other Western countries too. The game has also been adapted into popular online entertainment. Similar to the Western card game rummy, Mahjong is a game of skill, strategy, and calculation with a degree of chance. Courtesy of Mahjong Culture.