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Paula Poundstone Partners with Austin Public Library for August 20th Performance

When comedian Paula Poundstone returns to the One World Theatre for concert on Friday, August 20th, she will also help the Austin Public Library raise money. She will donate back 100% of the proceeds from the sale of her books by the Austin Public Libraries, and will sign the books following her upcoming One World Theatre performance.

Poundstone serves as the national spokesperson for The Association of Library Trustees Advocates Friends & Foundations (ALTAFF), a national network of library supporters. The organization promotes the importance of libraries as the social and intellectual centers of communities and campuses.

"It's funny that we think of libraries as quiet demure places where we are shushed by dusty, bun-balancing, bespectacled women," Poundstone said. "The truth is libraries are raucous clubhouses for free speech, controversy and community. Librarians have stood up to the Patriot Act, sat down with noisy toddlers and reached out to illiterate adults. Libraries can never be shushed. If you haven't been to your library lately, you're over-due."

The comic supports libraries on a local level by partnering with promoters and the local ALTAFF organization in cities where she performs. The local organizations receives ticket for use in fundraising or promotion, in addition to a portion of the book and CD sales after her performances.

Appearing on stage with only a stool, a microphone and a can of Diet Pepsi, Poundstone's quick wit and unassuming nature often leave audience members debating whether the random people she talked to were "plants." A regular panelist on NPR's popular weekly news quiz show, "Wait Wait…Don't Tell Me," she was also named one of Comedy Central's "100 Greatest Stand Ups of All Time."

Paula Poundstone performs at One World Theatre on August 20th at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $20, $45, and $60.

Pre-concert dinners served by World of Mouth Catering on the theatre's picturesque Piazza 90 are also available for an additional $35. Doors open one hour early with half price drink specials available at the bar prior to the show.

The One World Theatre is located at 7701 Bee Caves Road. For tickets and information, call (512) 32-WORLD (329-6753) or visit www.OneWorldTheatre.org.

(Photo courtesy William Morris Agency)