Austin Central Library sits at 710 W. César Chávez Street, in the downtown part of Austin, Texas. It is a large public library, and it makes a worthwhile stop for visitors who want to see a working civic building as well as browse its shelves.
The building covers about 198,000 square feet and is certified LEED Platinum, the highest rating of the green building standard. Its design includes a rooftop garden, and visitors interested in architecture will find the building's scale and sustainable features worth a closer look.
What you will find inside
- A café, for a break between shelves and reading areas
- An art gallery with changing displays
- An Innovation Lab for hands-on projects
- A 350-seat event center and meeting rooms
- A demonstration kitchen
- A seed library
- Passport services for travelers
Getting there
The library has two levels of underground parking with 140 public spaces. It also connects directly to the Butler Hike and Bike Trail, so visitors arriving on foot or by bicycle can reach it without crossing busy streets.
Austin Central Library is a good choice for a visit that combines architecture, a relaxed coffee stop and a look at how a city library serves its community today. For current hours and events, the library's own website is the best place to check before you go.