I was concerned that our new Central Library would end up being all talk and no trousers in a class with Austin's unfortunate Blanton museum, but oh my goodness... it's quite special. LOTS of daylight! Green spaces, available free conference rooms, phenomenal views, comfy furniture that's also eye candy, powered tables and charging stations, easy checkout, and a bicycle parking lot. The mind and the eyes rest here. The daylight, open design and high ceilings are the equivalent of the artist's white wall. You can think your own thoughts here. In this regard, Austin's Central Library is a TRIUMPH. A restaurant, coffee shop and full bar will open next year... but we don't know when. Prepare to pay up for car parking: $0.00 0 up to 30 minutes $3.00 31 minutes up to 1 hour $5.00 Over 1 hour up to 2 hours $7.00 Over 2 hours up to 7 hours $9.00 Over 7 hours up to 10 hours $15.00 Over 10 hours up to 12 hours $30.00 over 12 hours The choice of stair materials is questionable... slippery, and therefore scary. I wouldn't want to ascend/descend on a rainy day. The gift shop was mostly empty shelves and too many candles - a disappointment - but I spoke with its buyer and some plans are in the works. Hurry hurry!! How hard can it be to order and stock up on gear for laptops and smart phones, usb ports, tissues and aspirins, fun and Austin-centric t-shirts, scarves, aprons... bookmarkers, posters from book illustrations and so on? Consider this https://www.bl.uk/shop or https://shop.nypl.org/collections/gift. read more

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Why can't this library be in Dallas? While in Austin on a visit my husband suggested that we go to Austin Central Library. Initially, I was like "Why in the hell would I want to go to the library?" I mean we are in Austin for goodness sake and it's ACL weekend. We can go do other things besides the library. Well, I had to eat my words, because this library is just awesome. The fact that I'm writing a review of a library should tell you something. So some quick facts: 6 floors 14 shared learning rooms for classes, meetings, and etc 140 public use PC and MAC computers 150 self-check electronic devices Gift shop Cookbook Cafe' Event Center PLENTY of seating indoor and out We walked the entire library and there are tour guides if you need one, but I wanted to explore on my own. This is definitely not the libraries I had in the 80s and 90s. LOL! My favorite part of the library was the Rooftop Garden that overlooks the lake. I could easily see myself grabbing a bite from the cafe and then heading to the rooftop to get some work done. It is the perfect environment to get your creative juices flowing. If you have an opportunity to get off of 6th street for a while I recommend checking out the library. Also, it located near the Seaholm district that has other shops and restaurants. You could easily make a day of it. read more

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This location for the Austin Central Library is a major game changer. Architecture, design, comfort, and simplicity of this gorgeous public library was well worth the wait for us all, am I right?! Spend the whole day here because it's so welcoming. Renew your library card, pay off those fines, or get yourself a new card, Austinities. Ask for help from one of the friendly Austin Public Library (APL) workers that are near the staircases on anything you need or you're looking for. They're cool and so casual looking (hoodies, vintage tee style shirt) so look for that APL logo & font. Relax it out here, read, and sit out on the patio and overlook all of the beautiful sights of Zilker and downtown Austin. This space was created for YOU and for you to read and discover new stories, subjects, art, technology, books, magazines, newspapers, the lounge chairs, the long academic desks and tables, etc. Come enjoy it. It's FREE!!! Parking is painstakingly pricey so if you can park somewhere off the streets using the city parking meters do it. I suggest taking a bus to the Austin Central Library from your home. Explore the city and don't worry about how much time you have been at the library. Stay for awhile. You're going to love every single nook and cranny you find in this glorious space. read more

Was familiar with and accustomed to the former central library. This one was amazing and awesome, definitely entertaining. The staff was very friendly and helpful. read more

It rocked before. I hadn't gone to the Central branch for maybe a few years. Then they remodeled and relocated and now they made a perfect thing better yet. I love the redesign; it invites and welcomes you. If you can't find what you need for a research topic elsewhere, come here and the rows and rows and rows and rows and rows of books will offer more than you could ask for. It takes two buses for me to get here, so too bad it's not closer. Libraries, especially libraries like this one, shine as our government's crown jewels. read more

What a gorgeous building. The architecture alone is worth the visit. And even though most of the books I was looking for are located at other library locations around town and I have to wait for them to arrive at this location, the staff is so incredibly friendly and helpful. read more

7 floor library??? I could spend all day there man it was like my own playground. Staff was very nice in helping with directions. Seed collection on 6th floor, rooftop garden and seating area. They told us a cafe would be reopening in 2024? Too bad I'm not a resident and found out I couldn't borrow books unless I buy a $30 quarterly card, but there's a whole wall in the gift shop with books as low as $1!! I snagged a couple good finds from there. Loved the quiet reading area and the views read more

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Bright and airy, with lots of chairs, tables and nooks for working, plus really well curated sections of books, magazine, zines, and even games. I don't know how many people check out local libraries when they travel, but I'm glad we popped in! read more

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Library is so beautiful and parking is free if you're there for under an hour! Go to the 6th floor for the amazing view of downtown, love it! Library cards are free if you're an Austin resident but you don't need a card to just sit and do homework! You can also borrow a laptop from them too, so great! read more

Beautiful library, a must visit on your adventure to Austin. Multiple floors that cater to different needs on each floor. Beautiful balconies to accommodate outdoor reading, with views of the river. The library even has a gift shop, and whoever is designing the merchandise is doing an excellent because it's all aesthetically pleasing and something you would actually want to wear. read more

The Central Library is really what a modern city library should strive to be. It's become a hub of activity and events, and still manages to be a great place to get work done. I most appreciate that this library has a space for a variety of different users, and really proves that in 2019 libraries are essential public spaces for all. When I'm there to be productive, which is most often, the third floor reading room is my favorite space to work. Great sunlight, very quiet, awesome working surfaces with outlets and lights installed in the table. The workstations in this space have easily controllable lights, good outlets, comfortable chairs, and a series of armchairs look out over Lady Bird Lake for those who don't need a desk. As a historian, I also love that the library provides easy access to databases and repositories as long as you're hooked up to the WiFi- Totally invaluable as a researcher, if you're not into keeping up your JSTOR subscription. We've also had good luck simply snagging a work table in the stacks on the upper floors, and hosting meetings like NaNoWriMo write-ins. The closer you are to the 2nd story (kids space) and atrium, the noisier it's likely to be. I've been around on weekends when concerts or events were taking place in the lecture area, and even the quiet rooms were imperfect those days - but nothing headphones didn't fix. Events and resources are the other critical reason this library gets rave reviews. There's a seed library of local plants that meets somewhat regularly. Recently, my husband and I attended one of their late-night adults-only educational events all about Dinosaurs. Follow APL on social media to stay in the know on what's coming up, because something awesome is always on the schedule. As for getting there... I generally avoid needing to drive to this area at all, as I've certainly shaved a couple years off my life just trying to park nearby. I find this is true of most of downtown. The good news is that there are a ton of alternatives, and driving in downtown can always be avoided. The 803 Rapid bus stops just outside, the Butler Hike & Bike trail is right across the road, and the Shoal Creek Trail will spit you out right at an entrance and great bike rack. You could also easily scoot your way there on the Shoal Creek Trail or the protected lane on 3rd Street. In theory, there is parking beneath the Library but it is generally full on the weekends, and the Seaholm area eats parking for breakfast. Make a day of it and ditch the car, you won't be sorry and you'll save a few dollars! read more

When I asked one of my local friends what I should see in Austin they mentioned the recently opened library; I thought they were messing with me. This is one of the most impressive public buildings that i've been to. The library is 6 stories tall. In the middle of the structure there's a winding staircase that stops off at each floor. Every floor is has it's own genre/theme. This library serves as a many purpose building. It's host to meeting rooms, art galleries, computer labs, giant chess boards and other interesting features. One of the floors had a digital petting zoo. When I saw the sign I was intrigued. It turned out to be a small area where guests could tinker with new technology. They even had different models that were made from the 3d printer on display. As I made my way up to the last floor I discovered a rooftop lounge area. It was lined with tables and chairs for people who wanted to read or work in a relaxing outside environment. I especially enjoyed the view of the river from here! read more

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Pros: Simply a beautiful construction--many floors, easy to check in and check out books. Great location--huge selection of books of all kinds. I could browse all day. Cons: Extremely noisy/ crowded. I believe the 2nd floor is not a quiet floor, but the noise travels up and just spreads, since the building is open concept. It's just a little frustrating since libraries are supposed to be quiet and calm. Also paying for parking at a library is a bit excessive. Long lines waiting to exit the garage was a headache. read more

Cool library with lots of space to work, read, play, etc. The floating staircases are very cool, and the the top floor offers comfortable outdoor seating with very nice views of downtown and the lake. The library is huge and has lots of facilities for public use including a large selection of books, laptops to check out, and printing. If you're near UT campus or downtown, definitely recommend coming here to study or do work. Absolutely love APL and always come here to do work when I'm nearby. read more

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I love our new library. It's a great place to hang out and look at the view. Austin Residents can sign up for a card on site. Non Austin Residents can sign up for a TexShare card and check out up to 10 books I believe. I love that the architecture here is beautiful. I love visiting libraries in other cities and now I can said that my Austin library is one of the best libraries. Definitely take time to walk around the floors. I normally go on Sundays and park in the garage. I have not been charged yet. Maybe it's free on Sundays. :) The children area has tons of activities. They have a scavenger hunt for the kids that's pretty entertaining. So many places for selfies and pictures. It seems never ending! They have events for adults too. Check their calendar! read more

Awesome views but if you're looking for a quiet place I wouldn't suggest it. Very loud and everything echos like a mall. Children running around the floors in groups, not my fav. They don't seem to enforce no talking or maybe I was just not in the right areas. But I moved multiple times and it seemed like the only quiet spots were the glassed office areas read more

This library is the gold standard as far as libraries are concerned. It is worth a visit or two or three! There are so many resources available to the public it was astounding, from private study areas to group meeting areas, coffee shop, gift shop, rooftop with trees and green area to an extensive collection all for the taxpayers of Austin and visitors. Well done and worth every penny. read more

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I am obsessed with libraries. A friend who is a librarian by degree, but works as ux designer, mentioned that there was a very nice library in Austin (she'd been to this town before, it was my first time). I googled libraries in Austin and picked this one. Wow. 5-6 levels, +/- one. There's an amazing rooftop deck. And a swell restaurant. Oh, and a nice selection of periodicals. Cute kids area, meeting rooms for groups. Etc etc etc. read more

Austin Central Library - Libraries Near Me - Austin, Texas

Absolutely beautiful, diverse library space! I don't live in Austin to use its services regularly, but would recommend for a quick visit if you're in the area. The rooftop patio on the top floor gives great views of the surrounding area and the wrap-around porch on a lower floor is a great place to relax. Combined with a tremendous amount of materials, technology, and free first hour of parking, it's what a library should look like to engage with and be a value to the community. read more

Austin Central Library - Rooftop patio - Libraries Near Me - Austin, Texas

Beautiful architecture, huge selection of literature, and widespread access to a myriad of resources. I am impressed with this local institution and support the educational progress that's being made here everyday. My review would be 5/5 stars except the restrooms are mostly (if not all) overrun by homeless people resulting in a non-hygienic, smelly environment that does not match the rest of the facilities. Please improve care and attention for the restrooms. I think it's great that homeless people can read, but it doesn't seem like most of them are doing anything other than surfing the net with all their gear in the walkways. On the flip side, the outdoor patio spaces are especially great. I'd check them out sometime...Again, it's really a pity that while education is being championed, there is a fundamental municipal mismanagement regarding policies that create and enforce sanitarywelcoming environments for residents who actually pay for facilities like these. read more

I wish this library was built when I was there for school. I think it's a very sweet addition to the city. They're still adding more books, but I think the environment is excellent with a plethora of options for seating, tech etc. I like how each floor caters to a specific audience! The outdoor seating on the 6th floor overlooking the river... WOW. This place has become a place I now suggest people to check out when visiting Austin. read more

a very nice library to explore or study in. a lot of different indoor and outdoor spaces to do work in

Oh c'mon - if this place was the newest restaurant in downtown Austin, we'd take a moment & sigh about the parking, and then start exclaiming "Sweet Bebe Jesus! Is this the hippest & coolest place or what?" If I had bought those lots in East Austin thirty years ago, I'd be living in a place exactly like this. Right now. Shoulda woulda coulda. I actually do all my library loans digitally, I get free parking in that State of Texas garage around the corner, and if they put a coffee bar on the sixth floor here, it could conceivably subsidize a unique work study valet parking program started by City Council. I'd say form a task force. In the meantime, it may be the only City building where you really can't offer free parking, because those 2nd St restaurant hipsters would just fill it up. But there's no denying this is one amazing place. Where else can you combine real books with cardio on cool stairs, and if I had a reason to hang out here on a regular basis, I would. If you've even considered relocating to this surprisingly spectacular area of downtown west Austin, the City just gifted you with another reason. read more

Austin Central Library - If the City Council petitioned for a special beer & wine permit for this sixth floor... - Libraries Near Me - Austin, Texas

First time visit Sunday - lots of people here AC is on Quiet as expected Children friendly read more

Austin Central Library - Libraries Near Me - Austin, Texas

I met up with a friend to get some tutoring for my statistics class and she asked for me to meet her here. The location is easy to find off of Cesar Chavez. There is underground parking which is a little expensive. Note when leaving there tends to be line getting out. There is only one payment machine and it isn't the most user friendly. There is multiple floors with tons of area to hang out and study by yourself and others. The tables are near outlets so you can power your electronics. There are restrooms I believe on each floor with refillable water machines. Overall an excellent place just the parking situation sucks read more

Grab a coffee, sit outside relaxing in the sunshine. There are two experiences with the library, the inside and the outside. The outdoor street level space is beautiful and is great to take family or even your pet to walk around. The inside space is always evolving with new exhibits. Currently there is a kite exhibit and its very cool. They have the hanging all around, from different cultures. There is coffee and matcha tea on the first floor, I grabbed one inside from the window but it looked like there was a whole setup with tables on the other side. The terrace has lots of seating and beautiful views. read more

I am truly obsessed with this library. Theres a cafe/bakery inside, cute little shop, every kind of reading room/study space you could want, a beautiful outdoor courtyard, and... my favorite part... the ROOFTOP views!!! I take any first time visitors of Austin here just to get the beautiful skyline from the garden rooftop of the library. It is truly one of a kind and such a great, free, hidden gem of the city. I often see families eating packed lunches on the roof, students sitting at the tables working (wifi extends to the rooftop too!!), and others chatting over coffee. A space for everyone!! A must see in Austin. read more

Let's look at a few numbers... One hundred twenty-five million dollars. Six glorious stories and 200k square feet of beautiful, naturally lit spaces. One hundred fifty self-check portable devices for use inside the facility. Fourteen reservable "shared learning" *free* conference rooms. Four laptop-to-borrow vending machines. Two screened in reading porches. One whimsically named cafe with a full bar (Cookbook www.cookbookatx.com - opening in 2018). One adorable gift shop (Recycled Reads, open Thu-Sun 12-6p http://library.austintexas.gov/giftshop). One 3-story perpetual motion grackle clock. One teens-only space with video & tabletop games. One 3D printer for community use. One outdoor amphitheater. One indoor special event center. One rooftop garden and patio. One art gallery. Two floors of underground parking (not free). Oh, yes, and three hundred fifty-one thousand books (plus access to one million more via the full Austin library system). Y'all, our new downtown Central Library in the Seaholm Ecodistrict http://austintexas.gov/page/tour-seaholm-ecodistrict is thoroughly delightful and a public resource of which we can be proud. Even if you don't have a library card (and you best go get one!), this place is a destination to visit for the artwork on display (both inside and out), the cute souvenirs you can get at the gift shop, and the amazing views of downtown and Lady Bird Lake that you can only get from the porches and lounges on the upper floors of this building. I can totally see myself making all my out of town visitors to take a stop here to get their touristy photo ops, or even joining some girlfriends for a boxed wine picnic on the rooftop deck. Of course, once Cookbook (the new 1st floor cafe by the people behind Easy Tiger) opens, I'll have to stop in here on the reg for their revolving menu of food and bevs. "What if I don't even read paper books anymore," you say? Well, your library card gets you so much more than that, even if you never set foot inside one of the 21 different locations around town. The virtual library offers streaming media (movies, audiobooks, music) and e-books, plus thousands of electronic newspapers and other periodicals, which you can download to read offline on your tablet or whathaveyou. Your library membership even gives you access to reciprocal borrowing arrangements with other libraries around the world, so if they don't have it here, you can still have it mailed to you. What a wonderful benefit to our community! Some handy links: Get a Library Card http://library.austintexas.gov/mylibrarycard eCard (virtual only) application https://register.library.austintexas.gov/index2.cfm?product=virtual Library Services http://library.austintexas.gov/library-services Central Library Map http://austinlibrary.com/downloads/central_map_oct2017.pdf Events Calendar http://library.austintexas.gov/events/search?loc=3939 Free Learning Room Reservation http://library.austintexas.gov/rooms-calendar/ace Event Space Rental http://library.austintexas.gov/rental New Central Library Hours: Monday - Thursday 10 AM - 9 PM Friday - Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM Sunday 12 PM - 6 PM read more

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What an amazing library! I visited for the first time as I was volunteering for el Dia de Los Niños book fair in the special events center at the library. The architecture is modern but you still know you are in a library. The stairways are unique in that you feel like you are walking up to nowhere. Take the elevator for those of you who have a fear of heights. I almost had to but wanted to see the space from the different angles. I love the self serve checkout kiosks. You can sign up for a library card onsite and then pick it up at the front desk. Each level has computers where you can search for books and find out which location they are at (other libraries too). There is plenty of chill space for those who want to read or write onsite. The top floor patio Butterfly Garden is a must see especially with the views of the city and lake. You could spend a whole day here exploring! read more

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$125M later and tada - too awesome of a library. Depending on which angle you walk in, you see the lake or the mock 360 bridge, or the downtown view. And as you walk in and look up, you're pretty wowed that such a library exists in Austin. I'm thoroughly impressed by the design of the place. Plenty of natural lighting and pretty upscale furniture. I think this is now my favorite place to work on things in Austin. There are plenty of public computers (iMacs) to go around and plenty of work spaces. Once the tourist crowd dies down, I think it'll get better. The only thing I wasn't too impressed on was the collection of books - I think over time the collection will grow to have more depth. They have a "technology petting zoo" which is pretty interesting. There's also a gallery of book art - my artsy/literary side wept in appreciation. But I was impressed by the division of the levels - children to teens to graphics to fiction to nonfiction. There are many collaborative rooms that are see through and lends to the conference room feel. And of course the biggest attractive is the garden on the sixth floor that overlooks the lake, downtown, and everything. Parking right now sucks - we went when the lot was full so did street parking and walked a couple of lots over, but I'm sure once the initial awe of the place dies down parking will be fine. read more

Austin Central Library - Libraries Near Me - Austin, Texas

Love this library. My favorite work place, reading place, hangout place, with wonderful river views. Staff are always helpful and professional and knowledgeable. Easy checkout and return service right by the entrance. read more

I don't know how I haven't reviewed this place yet, but it's definitely one of my favorite spaces in Austin. I take all out-of-towners through here. + it's gorgeous and brand new! And LEED certified - so all the nice environmentally friendly technologies are employed, probably most visibly in the bathrooms. + 6th floor garden space + seed library - lots of loofah seeds last time I checked, but really neat discovery + beautiful and quiet reading room + 4th floor reading patio + kid's reading patio + board games for everyone! On the 5th floor + Community events, craft nights, game nights, etc. I wish I were closer to be more involved + laptop/notepad checkout - haven't used it yet but what a great way to get to use a Mac! or PC! or Chromebook! I feel like I could go on and on, so it's really just best for you to check it out. Only issue can be parking, as it is downtown. Sometimes I'll wait for Sunday to park or bike down (so it's free) but if you're doing a quick errand at the library, the first 30 min are free in the garage read more

The Austin Central Library is my favorite addition to our fair city. Yes, I'm part of the chorus of long-time Austinites who bemoan the ever-changing skyline and population influx. However, I am fully on board with such an architecturally beautiful, thoughtfully laid-out public space that celebrates books, community, and our increasingly vibrant downtown. There are loads of hang-out spaces from tucked away corners to open areas that are much more peaceful than your average coffee shop. There is a station to check out laptops, a technology petting zoo to test drive gizmos, a number of meeting rooms you can reserve, and a rotating art gallery to enjoy when you want to stretch your legs. The piece de resistance? The rooftop garden, which is a lovely spot to enjoy a sunny day and take in the view. read more

Omg, if I lived in Austin I would live in this library. It is new and huge and beautiful! If you're a bibliophile, I think you'll love this location as well. There are plenty of sections for all sorts of things: fiction, non-fiction, a big children's room, technology, study rooms, etc. Huge windows with light pouring in and comfy seats scattered everywhere. I believe there's even a cafe at the top that I didn't have time to check out. 6 floors! Even if you're just grabbing a book to go, I think a look around the amazing design is worth it. Yay reading and yay libraries! read more

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Beware of double booking at the Events Center and a contract that tilts in favor of the Library. On August 5, 2019, I signed a contract and paid a $1350 deposit to lease the Event Center at the Central Library for an 80th Birthday Celebration on April 4, 2020. Nearly 2 months later, I made an inquiry about starting an hour earlier and was advised that the Library had doubled booked for that night and that my contract would not be honored and the deposit would be refunded subject to the cancellation clause in the contract. The Library offered a substandard option that would not accommodate my number of guests. During this time, I had invited guests, selected a hotel near the Library, booked and paid for a block of hotel rooms nearby, booked two musical acts and one theatrical act for that particular date. Booking the Library was foundational for all these other bookings based on my budget for their fees and available equipment. I booked another venue which is more expensive as options were more limited two months later and I no longer had flexibility with the date. When I asked the Library to pay the difference, they refused. This is beyond a legal issue. It is an issue of principle and doing the right thing. I did nothing wrong and yet I incur the adverse consequences (money, time, anguish) while the Library, who made the mistake, has no adverse consequences. Paying the cost differential was only a portion the unnecessary costs incurred in paying an event coordinator to find a new venue. What if I had not made the inquiry? When might they have discovered the double booking, two months before, a month before? If you book there, you can never be certain until the very last. read more

This is not a library, it is a TOURIST ATTRACTION. -The parking garage has had a "Lot Full" sign blocking the entrance the past 2 times I have visited. -The lobby is packed with people milling about. The stairs are constantly crowded with people wandering around and looking at the building. - It is so loud in here!! I am currently in a 4th floor study room (an enclosed, reservable conference room which seats 4) and it sounds like I am above a bowling alley with all of the children's screaming (yes they are screaming) and crashes coming from the first and second floor open air "play areas." There is a jumbo chess set, but I assume it is used as a jumbo projectile set. If you're visiting the area, be sure to stop by. But if you live here and actually want to get work done, steer clear. Between the emotional and financial cost of parking, and the noise, study in the Whole Foods cafeteria instead. read more

This library is amazing! Right when you walk in the door, you are blown away by the interior design and open space of the Library. I cannot describe into words what this means... you literally have to go there and look at it yourself! A modern look, technology lab and plenty of study rooms, the Austin Central Library is definitely a place to check out when you're in Austin. Each floor is labeled a different subject, and the space is grand when you walk inside. I have checked out all of the floors and seen how much more there is to check out! The Wi-Fi is pretty good, the staff are nice and friendly, the space is wide open and can be used by anyone! They do have a pay to park parking garage, so maybe the best way to get there is on the bus! read more

Austin set about making a world class central library and they did it. Cool architecture and design with great artwork and landscaping. There are many wonderful views of downtown, the river, etc. It's interior is centered on a series of stairwells and while they don't move magically like at Hogwarts it's hard to not feel the reference (whether intentional or not). It's fun to walk around the inside. There are several landings to hang out on and separate rooms for meetings. read more

Absolutely stunning library with great architecture and even better views. Located just by the river on Cesar Chavez, this library is six floors high with plenty of space inside. There are so many great spots to study and a lot of those spots will allow you to look out a window at this beautiful city! If you go to the top floor, there is a outdoor area with some space to study or relax and its pretty cool to look over Austin from up there. Some spots can get kinda chilly so bring a jacket. There's some technology you can play with as well as board games. I have heard that parking can get expensive and annoying (because of the line to get out) but I've always taken the bus here from the UT campus which has worked out for me. read more

The staff at the library are very nice and well read. So So their recommendations are probably great as well. This library has nice teen and child section. I love how they have them separate. The children's area has some interactive parts and the colors are bright. The inside of this library is just astounding and they did a good job. I look forward to their events post COVID. Also when it gets cooler, I recommend to go to their rooftop and enjoy the views read more