I'm new to the Austin area, spent my second day at SMPL today, and here are some thoughts:…read more -There are smaller, neighborhood libraries, and there are bigger, world-class libraries. This is world class! -Here are some of the amenities: a business center, a teen center, a children's center, a historical center, private rooms to reserve, a conference room, a quiet reading room, an area in the lobby you can eat and talk, and much, much more! -I've found the library ee's friendly and helpful. The overall vibe is good. Lots of families, students, and older folks--a hive of activity. Highly recommended!

I love our library! Despite being an older building, it is very well maintained and feels like a…read morenew structure. It offers a special teen section where anyone can peruse for a book, but only teens can sit and enjoy the dimmed and subdued atmosphere. This is quite the opposite for the bright and open children's section with a massive offering of books for the littles, ages 0 and up. Board books, picture books, short bed time stories, classic fairy tales, and the longer fare you might remember from elementary and middle school. Also with on this section, you will find a large meeting space for groups and readings, and a smaller play room you can book for play dates or just to get your gaggle of kids out of the house. They also sponsor the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program as a push to promote parent involvement in their kids' early literacy. I haven't used the facility's other meeting rooms and study carousels, but they have much to offer the community.

Welcome to the BBQ Capital of Texas...and then some…read more Historic downtown on the National Register of Historic Places. Incredible architecture. Quaint shops, pubs, restaurants, and of course bbq joints! Beautiful state park and Chisholm trail. Caldwell County Courthouse boasts extraordinary architectural elements. Just about 30-40 minutes from Austin, it makes for a perfect day trip or overnighter. Easily walkable. Friendly folks. Perfectly charming old west town.

Was passing through and decided to scratch off a bucket list item. For years I have wanted to check…read moreout the county courthouse. In fact, Texas Highways Magazine had a great write-up about the downtown square. Had to look and see for myself. I was not disappointed! I didn't go inside, but I was just as impressed with the grounds and historical markers. Don't pass up an opportunity to checkout the City of Lockhart.

I want to recognize Evette R. at counter 14 for providing truly exceptional service today. My…read morecolleague and I came in needing assistance with a complicated and highly sensitive situation. Without requiring us to disclose private details, Evette took the time to listen, carefully explain the requirements, and help us understand exactly what options were available. What stood out most was that she didn't simply tell us what couldn't be done--she helped us understand what could be done. She was patient, knowledgeable, compassionate, and solution-focused every step of the way. In a situation where kindness and discretion mattered tremendously, Evette went above and beyond. Her willingness to take a few extra minutes to help us ultimately helped us better serve someone who truly needed assistance. Evette R., thank you for remembering that behind every policy, document, and number is a person. Evette made a difference today and has no idea that she helped save a life. Five stars without hesitation.

Very disappointed with the staff member I had the displeasure of meeting today. I went online to…read moreknow exactly what I needed. The brochure says ONE proof of identity-I had 2 plus One secondary just in case. The staff member was snarky stating I needed 3 proofs of ID PLUS 2 secondary forms. If that is the case they need to update their brochure & website to reflect what's needed. They also need to train their staff how to communicate effectively, professionally and remain respectful. Do better.

What's up with the stoplights in this city?! While I agree…read morethat San Marcos is a picturesque city, and everyone should take the time to properly take in the scenery. However, it seems like the seasons will change faster than those stoplights here! I've never been anywhere that makes you hang out at every single stop light in the city for a crazy amount of time. While pondering if the stop light sensor is broken, or if I should kill the engine and wait. It's not like this town has a traffic problem, quite the opposite, I suppose. Maybe that's because nobody has enough time to wait for this on a regular basis. Yea, I'm sure you'll appreciate the looooong stop lights in this city if you're not from here. This really is a pretty town, with a great town square. Check out the San Marcos River. I think it's better to tube here than in New Braunfels.

I love SM. The parks, the glass bottom boat tours at the Aquarena, Wonder World, the river, Landa…read morePark, and of course, the outlet stores. Don't be fooled by this town - sandwiched between south Austin and north San Antonio. There's plenty to do here and plenty of things to explore. And if you don't stick around, all roads lead to other awesome Texas towns such as Wimberly, Bastrop, and Lockhart.

As this was listed as the oldest continuous operating library in Texas we of course, had to stop…read morein. Not much going on this trip but it was cool to see, pretty big place and looks great. They had several floors and 2 people running the desk. The outside was amazing to look at and is a very nice building. The children and teen section is right after you come in, there are stairs and an elevator, each floor is something different. The Fiction section is quite large and has a very large stage at the front, not sure what it is used for normally but it was a cool feature. Had some comfy chairs up there. One the floor with the fiction there was a large computer room, fully empty, First time I have seen no computers in use at a library. Even Shana remarked on that. They do allow you to use a paid for by the library Ancestry account to search family history. They had displays of books, most with themes along all the window ledges. There were two offices in this area as well, both with open doors, no one in them and signs saying library staff only. We did head up to the 3rd floor which claimed to be fireplace sitting but everything up there was closed and locked. Access was not denied, no sign nor roped off but all you could get to was a microwave. It felt like is was supposed to be closed off but someone forgot? We don't live here, so no library card but it was cool to see the place. The front desk person we spoke to wasn't super helpful, Shana asked about the age and if it was the oldest and they thought so but seemed very unsure and seemed to think it weird we stopped in. Not rude or dismissive just more confused, like they don't normally get questions or visitors. Still if you like history, old buildings, libraries, or any combination of the three, this is worth a quick look and walkthrough. Judging by the state and fireplace rooms they do some cool stuff here now and then so keep an eye out for that.

This library offers so much to the community. Events, classes, and all kinds of support we could…read morenot recommend more! It's a beautiful location right in the middle of downtown Lockhart with an awesome original building plus an annexed building.

Cool building. Built in1929. This was the original site of Naegelin's Bakery before city hall was…read morebuilt. Originally when when city hall was built they ran city business upstairs and the bottom basement was the city jail. They jail vault is still there. The top floor is leased out as offices. Currently the basement is Underground Pizza. Businesses have trouble staying successful so I am crossing my fingers they do well Near place to visit and walk around.

What a great old original post office in small town Texas. It's good to see they didn't "…read moremodernize" in the 1960s when everyone was tearing out the old. You will find an original old wooden vestibule entry,brass Po boxes of yesteryear and clerks in wooden bared windows to serve you. Yes!

We had an officer come and speak with our senior residents about fraud and how to avoid becoming a…read morevictim of fraud. Even though my senior properties are located in Comal county, he volunteered for the greater good of our seniors. Everyone was very thankful for this.

Got arrested with a PI. Food was alright, who made them mashed potatoes? They gave us blankets and…read morelet us watch the Longhorns game! Honestly not terrible! Bexar county is soooo much worse!