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Waco libraries add Canopy streaming, early‑literacy stations, app and expand summer reading program
Summary
Waco’s director of library and cultural assets told the City Council the library system launched the Canopy streaming service in December, installed early‑literacy touchscreen stations at four branches, will launch a library app May 1 and intends to expand the mayor’s summer reading challenge.
Roberto Zapata, director of Library and Cultural Assets, briefed the Waco City Council on April 1 about new library services and upcoming programming that aim to expand digital access and early‑literacy supports across the city.
“We officially launched Canopy in December,” Zapata said, describing the library’s new streaming platform for adult cardholders and a separate Canopy Kids feed with no ticket limits. He reported roughly 2,158 unique plays on Canopy in March and said the platform includes public performance rights the library can use for events.
Zapata said the library deployed “all in one” touchscreen early‑literacy stations across all four branches; each unit serves children ages 2–8, is preloaded with about 70 educational programs and offers English/Spanish bilingual options. The Waco Foundation funded the stations, Zapata said.
He told council the library purchased two self‑checkout kiosks for the east and south branches (funded by the friends group) and plans to launch a library app on May 1 that will let patrons check out materials on their phones by scanning items’ RFID tags. The system is also pursuing an E‑rate grant through the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) to support a hotspot‑lending program and is evaluating book lockers and vending machines to expand 24/7 access to holds.
Zapata said the mayor’s summer reading challenge will open May 1 through the Beanstack app, will include more than 100 programs (74 for children), and will feature prizes and community partner incentives. He reported the library had about 2,700 participants last year and said staff expect to grow participation this year.
Councilmembers praised the library’s outreach and the department’s recent award: Zapata said the library earned a Texas Municipal Library Directors Association achievement for 2024, placing it in the top 19% of Texas libraries. Council members asked about programming for adults who do not fit traditional senior categories and about marketing to new and lapsed users; Zapata said staff are developing targeted communications and pursuing September’s National Library Card Month for outreach.
The presentation did not request immediate council action; Zapata said staff will return with updates on app rollout and other pilot projects.
