Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Austin Central Library

    4.5 (205 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

    Services - Austin Central Library

    Venue rental

    Austin Central Library Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Austin Central Library

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Lego models
    Eric H.

    Now, this is a proper library, and community space. There's a parking garage below that is accessed via an elevator. It's unclear if there is stairwell access. The library building is voluminous, with multiple levels. Each level corresponds with an age group or target audience. The "teen" space is quite cool. Seating and equipment there (including instruments) are reserved for people in that age group. They have Lego models topping each shelf. On other levels, there are clearly dedicated quiet spaces for reading or working, sectioned off by a glass door with a sign describing the situation. If I lived closer to this library, I could imagine coming here much more frequently.

    Franklin C.

    I really like the library entrance where you are greeted with a fabulous artwork. Then go up to the top floor and you can see the absolute gorgeous panoramic view of lady bird lake. What a treat! It is a bit windy up there, and hard to hold conference meetings outdoors. Also indoor conference rooms are under construction so it's not possible to hold private conference calls. Though its possible to make calls in the public library. All in all, very central to Austin and easily accessible for working professionals and students to get away from anything.

    view looking back at the stairs
    Rachel B.

    This library rocks! It is so large that it has its own gift shop and cafe inside. There are special meeting rooms, kids rooms, regular rooms, meeting rooms, and so many chairs and tables throughout the six floors! There is an underground 2-floor parking garage (tight so be careful maneuvering) that is free for the first hour. My favorite was the view from the outside garden on the top floor.

    atrium
    Megan Y.

    I went to the library to claim my free Austin resident library card. Unfortunately my pre-filled online card application expired after 21 days (I submitted it July 4 - oops). The staff was super helpful from instructing me how to fill out an onsite application form with their computers, to searching for books, to reading the shelf maps, placing holds, and borrowing policies. I haven't used a library since January when I was volunteering in Mariposa County, California. But that one was pretty small. The ACL reminds me of my college's library, especially with its self-service smart checkout machines. I found all 4 of my books gradually, with more assistance from floor staff because one was in the New Fiction collection, not the permanent Fiction side. Despite the apparent busyness/popularity of the library, I was able to find a cozy spot to get things done on Floor 6. I'm looking forward to many more years of time in this gem of a building!

    Gorgeous library with floating stairs
    Daniel C.

    I am of the opinion that the public library will always be relevant, even in the Digital Age. Folks always need a quiet place to study, and yes occasionally print media is useful. Reading textbooks or your favorite comics/graphic novels on tablet just isn't the same. The Austin Library is ultra modern and a great place to visit. It is a role model for all other modern libraries. Libraries are more than a gym for the mind, they can also bring communities together. * Giant Chess Set and chess events * D&D nights! * Rooftop Terrace * 3D Printers * Infant/toddler play area * Security Office with lots of guards * Cool, modern look including the floating staircases. The only thing missing is access to coffee and food. They have soft drinks machines and used to have a restaurant downstairs years ago. Pay parking is available in the grave on the lower level.

    Xi T.

    I haven't been a teenager in many years, but something about the teen section at the Austin Central Library made me want to check it out. As we walked in, a friendly librarian in the teen room welcomed us with a smile and later she said, "Anyone can drive through here, but only teenagers can park." The first thing I noticed was the teen music section--keyboards, drum sets, guitars, synthesizers, and computers all set up and ready to use. Then I spotted the Legos displayed on top of the bookshelves, all built by teens. They were seriously impressive! A nearby screen was rotating announcements for various clubs: cosplay club, Lego design club, film club, book & craft club--so many fun options. The whole space felt vibrant and full of life. The reading area had plenty of seating and desks, plus a big collection of board games. Oh, and of course, the books! The selection was broad, interesting, and they even had DVDs. Honestly, I'm a little jealous of the teens in Austin--they've got an amazing space to explore and hang out in!

    Sujey L.

    I love visiting libraries its such a fun activity during the summer to stay cool! There is a cafe inside the library (Cafe Crème ) They serve food and drinks! I ordered a matcha latte and it was delicious! I visited on a Tuesday at about 10 AM and it wasn't too busy. There are several areas to sit and read, work, or study indoor and outdoor. I sat on the rooftop outdoor area worked and read a little bit, it was quiet. The library is beautiful and The views of the city are also really pretty! There are lots of activities and events that the library offers like this Line Dancing class :) I cant wait to visit again I'll be ordering another matcha for sure probably one of my favorite Matchas that Ive had here in Austin! There is a parking garage that is attached to the building but it was full when I went. There is paid parking on the street and there are also other paid parking garages that you can park in I didn't see Free Parking though not sure if there is any.

    Trina D.

    I love visiting libraries in other cities and Austin Central Library is a really cool place with 8 floors along with a rooftop deck. The floating staircases are an architectural draw. Each floor has different sections with tables and chairs. There are plentiful, places to read. here. There are some fun things to check out at the ACL and we walked around. My first business was to get a library card. I was able to fill out the application on one of the computers in the lobby. Well, it turns out that if you are not a resident of Austin, you can't get a "free" library card unless you pay $120 per year (non-resident fee). Since I am not a resident of Texas, I declined to pay the fee. I'll stick with the libraries in California, thank you. Anyway, we were turned onto this library as it was a few blocks away from our hotel. We visited on a cloudy, misty day, so not too many people were out on the rooftop, but a lot were in the library.

    Parking rates
    James A.

    Completely replacing the old library, the main Austin Central library was opened to the public in 2017. It is very distinctive, with 6 floors surrounding a six story open air atrium that has a floating staircase criss-crossing the space. It was designed to be expandable, in that the current set-up has plenty of space for people and books. There are many areas where one can sit and read/work, along with an open air roof-top garden with a great view of the surrounding city and Colorado River. It also has parking in the large 2 story garage, enough space for 140 spots. It is free for the first hour.

    Beautiful
    Madi M.

    The library itself is very beautiful and spacious. Parking garage is convenient. They offer kids activities through the week. However, the homeless situation makes me avoid this place. They have security on the first floor, but you never know. I had a strange person following us in elevator and on stairs once. Another woman, who used substances was around. I would be maybe ok, when on my own, but not with kids. It's just not safe and not sanitary. I prefer to go to suburb area libraries. I don't see this happening anywhere but downtown Austin library.

    6th floor overlooking Lady Bird Lake
    Carrie M.

    I am still very fond of the Austin Central Library, and I thought that I should update my review to bump it up to five stars. I wrote my original review during a time when I was less filtered. I think that I had just chosen some seating areas that were more open and noisy. My favourite spots are on the 5th or 6th floor on the east side facing the lake. There aren't many tables on that side, so they fill up quickly. It is consistently quiet whenever I sit there, probably because it is so deep into the library. The parking garage is expensive, but that just encourages me to take the bus or come when downtown street parking is free on Sundays.

    Central library.
    Wendy K.

    I love this library. They have a lot of good materials and awesome volunteers. The event was story time and a Scavenger hunt. The kids loved it. Susan and patty ran the event like clock work. Great event.

    Rachel T.

    WOW this library is huge and SO beautiful! There is free parking for 1 hour in the underground garage. Only complaint is that I do feel nervous when I come out of the parking garage elevator and there are homeless people all around asking for money before you go in the library main doors. Once inside, the library itself is several floors and really looks like a museum. I got my library card and the process was pretty in depth. I had to prove my address with mail showing I lived in the county. The staff were friendly and gave me a map and directions. I have ordered books for pick up several times and it is quick and easy to run in and pick them up from the reserved shelves. Even the self check out is quick and easy. There is a beautiful rooftop overlooking the city. I would definitely spend more time here if they validated parking for more than 1 hour. By the time I get in, get my book, get to the rooftop and start reading, 1 hour is not enough time. The daylight inside is so bright and there are plenty of indoor reading spots. Can't wait to explore this library when I have more time soon!

    Stairwell

    See all

    11 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Atiq R.
    6
    245
    77

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Anh P.
    557
    224
    1711

    1 month ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Trina D.
    560
    3268
    14137

    1 year ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Madi M.
    207
    436
    1812

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 11
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mimi W.
    1977
    254
    1345

    2 years ago

    Helpful 37
    Thanks 13
    Love this 35
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Alan N.
    395
    1008
    8764

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Greg H.
    133
    307
    4797

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jeff P.
    159
    393
    1299

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sarah V.
    241
    14
    20

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Terra A.
    4
    107
    60

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - Austin Central Library

    What about parking?

    Metered street parking and garage that is free for up to an hour.

    Lost card need to renew can it be done online?

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Austin Central Library

    You have to go to the sixth floor, they have a rooftop garden, solar panels, and the best view in town.

    Mentioned in 15 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    LBJ Presidential Library - The Oval Office back in LBJ's day

    LBJ Presidential Library

    (302 reviews)

    University of Texas

    I love all the history behind this presidential library. You can tell the LBJ really cared about…read morethe American people and a big proponent of the civil rights movement. This is the first time for me to ever visit one of these libraries. Give yourself at least half a day to really explore the whole library. Parking is free. Remember look for the straight parking since all the angle parking is for the school.

    I gave this Presidential Library only 3 stars because I was only able to visit 2/3's of the museum…read more Apparently, they are renovating one of the floors. When we arrived and paid our admission fee, we immediately were met with 2 hosts that kind of went over and explained everything you would be seeing. The funniest part is when an elderly white lady tried to explain to me their new traveling exhibit. It was a hip hop exhibit and she was explaining how interesting it was. She was like 70 and I am sure she is bumping Biggie and 2 Pac on her way to work. The 1st floor was just the presidential Limo, some campaign exhibits, a gift shop and the hip hop exhibit. When I think about LBJ, I am pretty sure Hip Hop is far from the top of the list of things associated with him. However, as a kid from the hip hop generation it was cool to see Run DMC's Adidas, Slick Rick's Kangol and other artists out fits. The 10th floor (I think it was the 10th) had a replica Oval Office, lots of gifts given to LBJ during his presidency and other exhibits as well. I enjoy going to the different Presidential Libraries and Museums and this one is pretty nice but nothing that will wow you.

    Austin Central Library - libraries - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...