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Bastrop library offers summer fun, reading challenge for a cause

Bastrop Public Library’s annual summer reading program is underway, with a chance to help local nonprofits.

What’s happening: Designed to include people of all ages, library media specialist Cary Kittrell said the initiative will result in a donation to three area nonprofits. 

“For every 500 minutes you read, you earn a virtual ticket to support one of the featured nonprofits,” Kittrell said. “At the end of the summer, the organization with the most tickets will receive $500, $300 for second, and $200 for third.”

Young readers who hit 500 and 1,000 minutes will get a free book from Friends of the Bastrop Public Library, while adults will receive a $2 coupon to use at the Friends of the Library Book Nook.

What else? In addition to the reading challenge, patrons can participate in themed activities, attend live performances and learn new skills while meeting new people. 

  • Through July 24, 11:59 p.m. (reading challenge); Through July 25 (programming)
  • Free (participation)
 
Latest News
Wisdom House Realty Group brings holistic real estate approach to Bastrop

Realtors at Wisdom House Realty Group will soon cut the ribbon at their recently opened space inside Community Gardens.

What they offer: Co-founders Liana and Matt Walker said their team provides educational resources on home improvement, networking opportunities and other tools to help clients make informed decisions.

Behind the name: Wisdom House Realty Group’s name was inspired by Proverbs 24:3-4.

The passage reads: "By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures."

Learn more: A family-owned nursery and community hub, Community Gardens has welcomed other businesses over the past two years, including Chapala Fiesta in mid-2024 and Lost Pines Chiropractic in mid-2025.

  • Opened June 1; ribbon-cutting June 30 at 10 a.m.
  • Community Gardens, 1067 SH 71 W., Ste. A, Bastrop
 

Your Weekend To-Do List

Check out these weekend events across the metro area.

Bastrop Splash Bash

Juneteenth Celebration

June 12, 5-8 p.m.
Bastrop

June 13, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Georgetown

More info

More info

 

Bloom Block Party

28th Annual Driftwood Music Festival

June 13, 7 p.m.-midnight
Austin

June 13, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Driftwood

More info

More info

 
To submit your own event, click here.

worth the trip
Gati Cafe localized worldwide flavors with Texas ingredients

Gati Cafe started out as a dessert spot in East Austin and soon evolved into a cafe serving up vegan ice cream, baked goods, morning meals and mid-day eats with flavors from across the map.

The context: Gati Cafe is rooted in chef and owner Jam Sanitchat’s experience as a traveler and seasoned restaurateur. 

Her first venture as a restaurant owner came in 2008 when she opened Thai Fresh, offering pre-prepared meals with the same Thai flavors she grew up eating and cooking at home. As Thai Fresh’s dessert menu expanded and the restaurant became a destination for sweets, Sanitchat opened Gati as an ice cream shop in 2020. 

On the menu: The concept started as a dessert shop, selling vegan coconut milk ice cream, including Thai coffee and tea flavors, pandan, lavender caramel, toasted coconut chip and black sticky rice horchata.

After opening, Sanitchat decided to expand the menu to include an entirely gluten-free brunch and bakery lineup because she had always dreamed of selling breakfast.

  • 1512 Holly St., Austin
 
CI Texas
How much oversight should the state have over local ordinances? Texas legislators weigh impact of 2023 law

In 2023, the Texas Legislature passed House Bill 2127, a sweeping regulatory measure designed to prevent cities and counties from adopting local ordinances that conflict with various sections of state law. Three years later, there is confusion about what local governments can and cannot do under the law.

The background: At the time, some legislators and other proponents of the bill said it would ensure consistency among Texas cities, citing ordinances passed by “liberal blue cities” that they said made it hard to run a business. Opponents of HB 2127, including some local leaders, said the law would prevent cities from addressing residents’ needs while undermining local worker safety provisions and nondiscrimination ordinances.

What's happening: During a June 4 hearing, the law’s critics said it has had a “chilling effect” on some local actions, while those who support the law expressed concerns that cities have not removed ordinances that are preempted by the state.

Ahead of the 2027 state legislative session, lawmakers are considering whether changes are needed to clarify or better enforce the law.

 

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Amanda Cutshall
Editor

Leslie Bradshaw
General Manager

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