Locally owned and operated bookstore BookPeople celebrated its 55th anniversary on Nov. 11.

The specifics: The independent bookstore has spent the decades making sure Austin's readers have a one stop shop for books ranging from nonfiction and fiction to children's literature and more.

In addition to books, the space features gifts, planners, calendars, puzzles, socks, games and trinkets. The space also hosts a diverse array of events including storytimes, book clubs and book signings.

603 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin

City Council members plan to set new guidelines for their offices' spending policies in early 2026.

The details: A proposal to enact a new set of financial accountability and transparency measures for council member spending was supported by all city officials this fall. Since then, Mayor Kirk Watson has led the effort to consolidate and clarify Austin's rules for officeholder expenses.

A draft framework released in December outlines allowable and prohibited expenses, and clarifies when spending like travel is permitted in the public interest. It also calls for internal oversight and regular public releases of council expense reports.

Council's financial committee will discuss the expanded policies in mid-January before adopting the new rules as soon as Jan. 22.

Mantle Thermal Haus, a new indoor-outdoor thermal wellness destination, opened in East Austin in late December.

The details: The wellness center features a hot sauna and natural-stone cold plunge pool alongside a fire-lit lounge, red-light recovery lounge and coffee and smoothie bar.

The membership-based business offers mindfulness and wellness programming, including meditation, yoga, workshops, IV therapies and community meetups.

• 2204 Curtis Ave., Austin

Here are the top Community Impact stories in the Austin area from Dec. 29-Jan. 1:
1. Kohl’s will not open new store in Bastrop
2. Bastrop Sprouts seeks 82 new hires ahead of spring opening
3. Austin ISD names principals for schools affected by closures and turnaround plans
4. AI guardrails, tax rates after disasters: New Texas laws take effect Jan. 1
5. Bastrop concludes $3.5 million Agnes Street extension project
6. Austin Energy planning for 'tremendous strain,' possible billing impacts from new data centers