Austin Central Library, Austin, Texas
After joining the Library Land Project, Rachael knew she would eventually have to return to Austin to share its fabulous library with our readers. And she did just that in mid-September of this year.
The Austin Central Library is the main branch within the Austin Public Library system. It's a contemporary, sustainable civic-architecture style, 6-floor building designed to let in plenty of natural light. It’s truly a gem on the Texan horizon. Surrounding the building are sculptures and trails, showing that everyone is welcome to enjoy the space, even if the building is closed. Even the library’s drop box is fun. Not only does the automated materials handler check in your items, but patrons also receive a receipt confirming the return.
When visitors enter the library, they are greeted by Cafe Creme, where they can enjoy snacks, sandwiches, and beverages. Soft drinks and cocktails alike! The lobby is spacious. There is a gift shop, a hold pickup area, service desks, a public phone, and a seating area. An art installation in the windows spans a couple of floors. It’s colorful and impressive.
Now the library is very big. Each floor has a directory of what you can find on every floor, an important wayfinding aid for a library of this size, as well as a floor plan. This was incredibly helpful as Rachael explored the space. The lobby floor was considered the second floor. The first floor held a special events space, which was closed during her visit. The third floor had the children’s and teen rooms. The fourth floor held fiction, periodicals, and special collections. The fifth floor held nonfiction, reference services, and a digital makerspace facility. The sixth floor also had nonfiction materials, but what was truly eye-catching on that floor was the rooftop garden. But we are getting ahead of ourselves!
Each floor offered something remarkable. The children’s space was immense and colorful. The teen room was full of really cool things. There was even a music area where teens could use a drum kit. The reading porches on floors three and four provided additional outdoor space to work or play in. Chromebook vending machines and conference rooms were available on most floors. Public art was scattered throughout the entire building. Helpful and friendly staff were stationed on every floor. And lastly, Rachael’s favorite, the rooftop garden on the sixth floor.
If you can only spend an hour at this library, spend it at the rooftop garden. The views overlook the city. Work tables and soft seating are available. A patch of greenery with native plants is on full display in the center of the area. It was a hot day in Austin, but a breeze made spending time out there comfortable. People were socializing, but a back corner, away from the noise, offered visitors a moment of peace and tranquility.
The Austin Central Library truly has something to offer everyone. It’s architecturally interesting, and it offers plenty of materials, programming, and services. It’s a place where one can work, play with their children, or grab a drink with friends. It's a spectacular third place for the community! Besides watching the Austin bats, visiting the Austin Central Library should be on your itinerary if you're in Austin.