The review below still stands, but I have to comment on something else fantastic that happened here! The library system didn't have the book I wanted, so they looked outside their libraries and found it at a university in Houston! It is on loan with them and given to me! Holy cow! At the library, this book was not with the regular books on hold--I had to go to the counter. A very kind employee explained the process and instructed me to bring the book back to the counter when I am done, not to place it in the book drop. This was the perfect branch to receive this book! read more

See all

I enjoy this quaint little library. It is never full and there are thoughtful touches, like feminine hygiene products in the ladies' room and events for the locals. Say what you will, this all adds to the sense of care and community. As for the selection of books- it's quite small, and unfortunately, they do have some books missing which are catalogued as being present. But there is an impressive cookbook collection for those interested. read more

It's a small library but the staff is always so helpful and warm. My kids love doing the scavenger hunt and getting a little prize when they complete. read more

This library is really nice. It's small but quaint. My first time walking in to get a library card I was greeted 5 feet into the establishment and asked how they could help with a sincere smile fitting of a librarian. They had me signed up for a card in 10 minutes, told me all about the various resources the library offers for free and gave me tons more to take home in case I forgot. The selection of books also seemed more diverse than it looked read more

I really miss living near a small library now that I've moved away. I lived near here for the better part of a decade, and it was amazing! It's small enough that, if you come in to pick up books even semi-regularly for a few weeks (once a week), the librarians will recognize you on sight! I hadn't had that experience in a library since I was a little kid. This library isn't as nice looking as some of the more recently remodeled libraries and it seems like some people are docking points for that, but that's a plus for me -- untrendy and boring means uncrowded and quiet! There's often someone tutoring and talking in the back on the left, but they usually talk quietly, and if you want a quiet place to sit and read or work, the couches on the right or the table on the right side are usually empty or lightly occupied. I guess it depends on what you're into, but they have a wide enough variety that I could always find something by browsing no matter what my mood, and of course you can go online and request any book in the system. read more

It's one of the smaller branches of the APL system (on par with the Willie Mae Kirk branch), but it's a library and libraries will always have a special place in my heart. Whether you're looking for a new book to read or you're broke or don't have the space to buy your own books or whether you just don't *want* to horde a bunch of things...libraries are the place to go. I saw a number of titles, just browsing the aisles, that immediately spoke to me! And they're all at your fingertips! For the price of, well...a free library card. This library in particular is a bit limited, but interestingly, I found a higher concentration of what I was looking for here. Checked out a book and four movies, all for free. It's maybe not the cleanest library branch in the area, but it's got computers and everything people might need, who either may not be able to afford one or who might be experiencing technical difficulties. Maybe, like me, you needed a place to wait for a bit while your phone charged, before getting back on the road. I also saw a tutor helping a young girl with geometry at one of the tables. Something really refreshing about that. read more

Poor Old Quarry library... my heart goes out to it because it reminds me of a neglected fairy tale stepchild. It's nothing much to look at. It's an older branch located in a very small space. I can tell they are running out of room as books are now stacked on rollaway carts pushed up against the wall, taking up aisle space and making things feel even more cramped. And after all these years, they still do not have a "recent" section for their youth fiction -- something I find invaluable at other branches it helps me very easily find books that my children haven't yet read. Nonetheless, I'm thankful that it exists because that means that we can indulge in our book habit whenever we're in this part of town (as happened yesterday). And because it's between a post office and an HEB, this means a one-stop errand run as well. Hurray for public libraries! read more

Haven't been yet but kids story time is wed at 10:15 for toddlers and at 11am for preschoolers (more for a reminder for myself :). Austin has so many story times for the kiddos :) read more

PROS: + I love the Austin library system and this branch works well in that wheel. The service is friendly and it is located across the street from me. The online selection and reservation process is excellent. Rarely ever have to stand in line to checkout. CONS: - It can take a while for you to get a new release tho (took me 2 months to get the Everything Store aka "the Amazon book" when it was first released which doesn't bother me but I know it will irk some people). - Another downside is the onsite selection. This branch is small, maybe the smallest library in Austin. Most of the books I reserve online has to be sent from the Faulk Central Library. - I notice that the computers here are almost always taken every time I visit. Lots of senior citizens using the computers so hopefully you have your own in your apt with internet... cause these folks don't and they are surfing the net here. JUSTINI$M: $ check out their website and book all your books online for pickup at this location. $ keep in mind that they are closed Fridays and Sundays. $ get the gold card and show your support! read more

Austin Public Library - Old Quarry - $25 to show your support!! - Libraries Near Me - Austin, Texas

Library employee: I'm sorry ma'am, but if you wear a hat or cap that obscures your face, our policy is that you have to remove it or turn it around. Me: Are you kidding? Library employee: I'm serious. It's been a policy since October and we are now required to enforce it. It's a safety issue and also includes hoodies and sunglasses. Me: So how stupid will I look with my baseball cap turned around? Library employee: Some people remove them. I turn my cap around and then realize I look like a rapper lost in time and genre. I take my cap off and expose my unwashed head of hair and take my book to check it out. Me: I'm sure the library has good reason but this is a strange policy. Library employee: The camera can see your face now. We had someone attack one of our employees with a chair and a taser and he was wearing a cap. He could not be identified and was never arrested. Me: Things like that happen in a library? Library employee: You would be surprised what happens in libraries. We are open to the public which includes homeless people and other sorts. I decide not to ask about "other sorts", take my book and leave with cap in hand. read more

I admit I was a little disappointed to see two reviews for a library that started out critiquing its printing capabilities and internet access. I have no idea if this place will print things for me. I also felt no need to hop online. However, I can tell you this: within four minutes of approaching the front desk, I had the first library card I've gotten in 15 years. This includes the time to a) ask how to get one, b) fill out a brief application, and c) have the application validated, show ID and electric bill, and have the woman behind the counter write my (long) name in sharpie. The book selection isn't huge, but I came home with two books and have about two dozen more I want to check out. There were three staff members, all of whom were at least polite and two of whom who were actively friendly. You get a little receipt when you check out a book that clearly lists what you got, when, and when it's due back. A boon for people like me that constantly forget. read more

Front desk staff was friendly, patient and incredibly helpful! I went to renew my library card but have had a lot of address changes. They barely batted an eye and quickly helped me renew it and update it to my current address. All while keeping up a nice conversation. The computers and the printer were easily accessed and easy to navigate. It is a great little library! read more

My first months in Austin were spent in Far West. Before I got wired in my apartment (and not cool enough for a laptop) I would often search for internet outlets. I found one behind the post office on Far West at the Old Quarry branch of the Austin Public Library. Now, let me preface this by saying I was pretty damn desperate. As most of us are (whether by choice or necessity), I'm an internet junkie. This library has four public computers. Four seemed like a meager number to me, but again, let me stress the desperation. You have to sign up in order to get an account, and the connection is incredibly slow. But, if you're stuck in a crunch on Far West, head on over for your email fix. Maybe I should talk more about the actual purpose of a library. This particular location is petite in size and offers a minimal selection of books. Don't get your hopes up if you're looking for obscure or specialty books. Leave that for the downtown library. Staff is nice, but a bit indifferent toward patrons (strange for a library). They have a decent kids section, and the to-be-expected story-hour corner. If you're looking for a quiet place to study, I wouldn't come here. The limited study space neighbors the kids section. Bookworms Beware. read more

Yes, it's smaller than most. Yes, that means they don't have room for every book ever written. Yes, the limited computers are usually in use. Yes, sometimes the patrons are not completely cooth. It's a LIBRARY. LIBRARIES ARE AWESOME. And FREE. Quit it with the lame "reviews" already. read more

The few times I've been here was smooth sailing. Its never been crowded. There's only 4 computers in he front with 30 minute limits. I've been to locations with more and an hour limit. The stations are kept clean. Parking is plentiful. This library works for my simple needs come in and do use the computer and get a book or two. read more

Wow, rude and snarky! Quite a contrast from another library I just visited in the area whose employees were kind and helpful.

Ok I need to update my review - we go here often and all the librarians here are awesome! They have helped me pick lots of great books for my kiddos. They take time to really figure out what might be the best fit. Yes the aesthetics aren't great but the staff is. Thank you for all your help. read more

I don't like this branch. I think its because I found the much cooler branches. Where, you ask? Almost everywhere. I think I should talk about the new computer printing system that most of the Austin Libraries have going on. It involves buying a card, selecting a bunch of buttons, printing, logging onto the printer, signing in with a member number, pushing some more things. When it doesn't work, curse, yell a little and start over. No wonder I buy my books or read em for free at Barnes and Noble. Libraries give me a headache. read more

This place sux balls! Aren't libraries supposed to be quiet? And I'm sorry but could you get up from your seat...Miss Librarian & help me with my inquiry? Or is that too much to ask for? There was Asian guy who kept on burping really loud....nice. Two people were taking up one huge section of laptop workstation... Just so unorganized, busy & noisy. read more

The staff here is always so nice, I bring the children I nanny for here for story-times which is ran smoothly and is such a fun educational experience for the little ones. read more

To all of you who have criticized the library please address your complaints to your city council members. I agree, Old Quarry does need to be refurbished and its collection improved, but it is an important part of the life of the neighborhood so please help get it some help! Also, the library hours are far too few -- no library for Friday, Sat and Sunday!!! For what it has been given though, the librarians do a great job; those of us who live in the neighborhood and use its facilities should speak up and get it some funding!! read more

Free "holds" and "reminders" and you can drop anything off at any location. Free price and generous limits on # of books and/or DVDs that can be out a time. On line renewals for books. Clean. Public meeting space available. Genuinely nice people with good attitudes who seem eager to help and please. Not sure what else you can expect, but chances are, if we think of it, they'll respond. It definitely feels like a "branch" - small, not a lot of computers, etc., but then hey, it IS a branch and is within walking distance for a lot of folks, and within "HEB/CVS/etc." distance for a bunch others. read more

kind of creepy library. probably just because it is old. they have a limited book supply but that is okay because I just request books from other libraries to be sent to this location since it is in my neighborhood. read more