Public Libraries in Austin, Texas
🏢 Austin Public Library
Public Libraries in Austin, Texas
A directory of Austin Public Library locations — from the award-winning 2017 Central Library with its rooftop garden to historic neighborhood branches — with real hours, addresses, and what makes each one worth a visit.
📚 About the Austin Public Library
The Austin Public Library serves the Texas capital through its Central Library, roughly 20 neighborhood branches, the Austin History Center, and the Recycled Reads bookstore. The Central Library, opened in 2017 and designed by Lake|Flato and Shepley Bulfinch, is a six-story, daylight-filled building on Shoal Creek that earned LEED Platinum certification and a rooftop butterfly garden, and was named one of Time magazine's World's Greatest Places. The system also runs the George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center in historic East Austin. Any Texas resident can get a free APL card, which unlocks borrowing, computers, Wi-Fi, and digital services including the statewide TexShare databases.
📱 Free with an Austin Public Library Card
Any Texas resident can get an APL card free and unlock:
Austin Public Library Branches
The Austin Public Library serves the Texas capital through its acclaimed 2017 Central Library on Shoal Creek and roughly 20 neighborhood branches, plus the Austin History Center. Explore individual locations for real hours, addresses, and what makes each one distinctive:
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Austin Central Library special?
Opened in 2017 and designed by Lake|Flato with Shepley Bulfinch, the six-story Central Library on Shoal Creek is LEED Platinum certified, filled with natural light around a central atrium, and topped by a rooftop garden with views of Lady Bird Lake. Time magazine named it one of the World's Greatest Places.
How many libraries does the Austin Public Library have?
The system operates its Central Library plus roughly 20 neighborhood branch libraries across Austin, along with the Austin History Center and the George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center.
Do I need to live in Austin to get a library card?
No. Any Texas resident can get an Austin Public Library card for free, which unlocks borrowing at all locations plus digital services like Libby, hoopla, Kanopy, and the statewide TexShare databases.