ATX-LLH: Impact 10/23/2025

An independent and woman-owned bookstore has launched in Leander, providing resources for parents, teachers and homeschooled children.

What to know: Owned by Ann Kimura, The Kids Bookshop is a children’s bookstore which sells gently used books for a range of children from toddlers to teenagers. In addition to its children’s selection, visitors can find sections with classic literature, Christianity, social emotional learning books and a specific section for moms. The business also highlights local authors and new book releases with a dedicated section. In November, the shop will stock a Christmas book section.

What else?: The shop sells vinyl stickers which can be purchased at five for $1 and used plush animals available for $5 and less.Customers can enjoy the small play area and beanbags throughout the shop for quiet reading. Regularly priced books are sold for $2 for softcovers and $3 for hardcovers.

• 11880 Hero Way W., Bldg. 702, Leander

From new dining spots to places where baseball players can perfect their swing, here are seven new business updates for Liberty Hill.

Now open
1. Infinite Hitting
The 8,000-square-foot sports facility offers several batting cages and dedicated training areas for players looking to improve their game. The staff also provides personalized coaching for all skill levels. Interested players can book a free swing evaluation on the company's website.

• Opened Oct. 7
• 4701 FM 3405, Ste. 400, Georgetown

• Opened Oct. 21
• 13900 W. Hwy. 29, Liberty Hill

Williamson County property owners will receive their 2025 property tax statements soon, after they were mailed out beginning Oct. 21, according to a county news release.

Most property owners should see the statements arrive the following week.

What you need to know: Property taxes are due upon receipt of the statement, and become delinquent, incurring penalty and interest Feb. 1.

Taxpayers can pay their bill online or utilize payment drop boxes located at all Williamson County tax office locations.

Something to note: Statements for about 55,000 properties in the city of Austin, Liberty Hill ISD, Taylor ISD, Coupland ISD and the Anderson Mill Limited District will go out after the Nov. 4 general election, as voters are being asked to approve these entities' adopted rates. 

Travis County approved a new deal ensuring the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix Oct. 16 which will now continue at Circuit of the Americas through 2034.

The big picture: The adrenaline-fueled event draws more than 430,000 fans annually—nearly 70% from out of state—and generates over $1 billion in economic activity across Travis County each October, according to county documents.

By endorsing the race, the county allows organizers to apply for state funding through the governor’s major events program, which helps cover event costs but does not include any property tax breaks for COTA. Since debuting in Austin in 2012, Formula 1 has generated more than $10 billion regionally.