Round Rock residents are encouraged to give input through a new community survey on how they use the Round Rock Public Library.

The gist: The library is gathering feed back as part of its five-year strategic plan, asking residents what improvements or new services they would like to see. The feedback will assist the library as it relates to budgeting, programming, collection and service delivery over the next five years.

Remember this: The Round Rock Public Library opened in January 2023, roughly 10 years after residents approved a bond to fund the facility. At 66,000 square feet, the facility cost around $37 million to build.

In addition to its book selection, the three-story library includes conference rooms, classroom space, a lounge, teen space, a computer lab, veranda and more.

As the city of Round Rock continues an expansion project at Old Settlers Park, construction recently began on the new Joanne Land Playground.

Overview: The playground, which is expected to open sometime this spring, will be the largest in the city’s inventory.

The structure is twice the size of the original playground and will feature integrated lighting to allow for visitors after dark. It also includes rubber surfacing and plastic components designed to minimize heat absorption, according to the city.

The playground is located next to the new Lakeview Pavilion and Stage—the latest milestone part of the city’s expansion project.

The Williamson County Republican Party will require voters to use a polling location in their specified precinct on election day for March primaries, a county official said.

This change will also require the Democratic Party to move to precinct-based voting in response, according to Williamson County Elections Administrator Bridgette Escobedo.

What you need to know: Historically, Williamson County voters have been able to cast their ballot at any county-run polling location. This will still be the case during early voting, which runs from Feb. 17-27, the official said.

However, on election day, March 3, voters must use a polling location in their specified precinct. An up-to-date voting precinct map can be found here. Residents can also check their voter registration card to determine which precinct they reside in.

Check out six upcoming, ongoing or completed transportation projects around the Austin metro. 

Upcoming projects
Hwy. 290 extension project
Project: project seeks to reduce congestion along 15 miles of Hwy. 290 between Hwy. 130 and Hwy. 95 South in Bastrop County
Update: public survey concluded Oct. 10

• Timeline: expected to complete first draft of schematic design mid-2026
• Cost: TBD
• Funding source: TBD

• Timeline: total project completion expected in 2026
• Cost: $612 million
• Funding source: federal funding, sale of roll revenue bonds, Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act funds

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar is officially welcoming diners with the soft opening of its newest Pflugerville location, ahead of a planned grand opening later this month.

Main course: The sushi bar blends traditional Japanese cuisine with an interactive dining experience. More than 100 menu items are served via a two-level conveyor belt system that delivers sushi plates directly to guests’ tables. The experience is enhanced by automated drink delivery robots and a prize system tied to plate returns. A grand opening is planned for Jan. 30.