We decided to randomly visit other branches of Austin Public Libraries we haven't been too. This is a former theater where some of Dazed and Confused was filmed. While the staff at the 2 locations we have been too have friendly staff this staff was a different level. So friendly and talkative. It is a smaller place but they make good use of it. Glad we got here, we checked out a few books and bought a few. We had a good time. read more

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A small neighborhood library with plenty of parking spaces. There were sufficient tables and chairs. However, I didn't see any private rooms. The interior has nicely decorated celling and walls. Howere it was a little depressing because there were no windows for sunlight. Bathrooms were clean. My main purpose for the visit was to read some magazines that I don't subscribe to. The magazine inventory was lacking. There were about three magazines on the rack with Texas Monthly being the only worthy one to read. I was disappointed not to see any National magazines. Maybe there was a budget cut. DVDs, music CDs, and books for adults and children were well stocked and with great varieties. Overall, this is a good library. read more

Austin Public Library - Yarborough Branch - Libraries Near Me - Austin, Texas

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This is a nice moderate sized location with great staff.  I was immediately welcomed when I arrived and got directed easily. There are two levels, all the standard book sections, but I also saw a terrific kids area that had happy children there.  When you walk in, make sure to look up at the walls. It has wonderful art. One side of the building has limited parking due to residential parking next door, but the back and opposite side aren't limited.  The parking seems adequate for a branch this size. Outside, I noticed that they have more recycling cans and then trash, which shows how well they manage their refuge.  Way to go! read more

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small friendly, kinda old fashioned library in a former movie theatre. vibe good. Sound Bath Meditation Thursday 6:30-7:30

Convenient locations in Austin area. Like computer availability and personal assistance.

I love how spacious this branch is! I've never had a bad experience here, and I love the fact that it was a movie theater when it opened in 1965. read more

One of my favorite libraries with just an awesome retro aesthetic. Librarians are always so kind and helpful. They create great spaces for children to wander around and keep engaged. All the austin library branches have different book related scavenger hunts for children. My kiddos love them! I especially the little prizes they get when completing the hunt. I love this community library. read more

I absolutely love this library! However, the lights in the main are of the library make the worst buzzing/electrical noise that nearly drives me insane and prevents me from spending more time here. Who do I have to talk to in order to get this fixed??? read more

Decent neighborhood library. I like the overall layout, as I hear it was formerly a movie theater. I did notice that there were an awful lot of books stacked on carts to be put away, and I got a bit of attitude from the clerk I spoke to. (I was there for a meeting and had to ask where the bathroom was located. Maybe they don't like non-patrons using the facilities.) Or, perhaps I was there on an off day. Definitely worth a visit to scratch those book-itches we all have. (Or should have!) read more

Austin Public Library - Yarborough Branch - The library's cool interior! - Libraries Near Me - Austin, Texas

This library has the nicest staff and I just love the aesthetic of this particular branch. I have become a major bookworm lately and the Austin Public Library has provided me with hundreds of hours of entertainment. Thank you, librarians, for stocking such excellent books and keeping the libraries clean and polished. read more

The only downside to this spot is that seating can feel limited when it fills up in the afternoon

The library near me is closed on Saturdays, so I take public transportation here on Saturdays. This library offers wisdom, knoweldge, and resources. Tranquility too sometimes. This library rocks! read more

This branch has an extensive collection of books, magazines and dvds. I can easily spend an hour browsing through the titles. Sufficient area to sit, read and browse. Self check-out option is available, which is great especially when in a rush. The staff is welcoming and helpful. Game nights are held here in a room within the library once a month where there is a decent size turnout. People gather to play board games for 2hours. Snacks and drinks are provided by the library, a bonus! read more

I remember spending an hour each day in "Library" in catholic school way back in the day. We learned the card catalog, the dewey decimal, the ways of Nancy Drew and Shel Silverstein, we busted through the Looking Glass and spent way too much on book fairs. I was queen of the free posters for years. You know the ones I'm talking about... "Just Hangin' Around" with the monkey in the tree. Those... abominations. This library is a lot like that library in style -- rows of bookshelves crammed full, a kids reading corner, book clubs, book it and a cheesy poster that says "Robert Earl is Keen on Libraries!" But its SO much easier to get a book out than it was in the days of yore! It takes less time to look it up on the computer, find it, and check out than it would for you to learn that half price will be giving you .02 back for that ltd edition Origin of the Species. I called ahead to the North Village branch to see if they had Born to Run. They were all out... but found it for me at the Y branch! So after the librarian gave me directions AND told me who it was named after, I headed down. Once in, I found the book right away and checked out with my keytag (think remarkable card) and their super efficient scanning system. Then on the way out, I ran into ANOTHER book I've been wanted to find. So I got that one too. So currently I have five books out of the "lib" -- three audiobooks and two readables. Suffice to say, I have a sick addiction to reading. I'd almost rather do that than anything else. The Y branch is super 50s in that kitschy cool way all the great buildings in Austin are. You only have to look up to see the giant silver books "flying" like seagulls over your head to appreciate that this place is a serious resource. And they've got a TON of audiobooks. Why pay for them? When I left yesterday, I probably had about $80 worth of merch... for the cost of about 7 minutes of my time. So stop being a book hoarder, or paying for the latest Patricia Cornwell, and check out your local lib. It's gonna save you cash and mental anguish. read more

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Fantastic library experience every time you go! The staff pulls select children's picture books to the top of shelves to help you find the gems. Thank you!! The staff also programs great events and movie screenings. Nice, quiet atmosphere. Lots of patrons reading at tables or comfortable chairs. read more

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We are heavy users of the APL: books, DVD's, CD's, storytelling programs... everything! I've even popped in to use their computers when experiencing programs with my own or when my internet service is down. This branch is close to home, so it's one of our regular ones. It doesn't always have the items we want, so we do what Michelle C. and Dennis C. do - reserve online then pick up. To do this, you have to first appear in person at any APL branch to get set up with an online pin number. Once you have that, you are good to go. read more

I seriously feel the need to tell everyone I know about how much I love the Austin Public Library. Gone are the days of spending $15 on a book you read once and try to pawn off on everyone you know so you don't feel like it was a waste. Also, gone are the days of the Dewey Decimal System and wandering through the library for 45 minutes trying to find that one book you need. NOW--simply go online, pick out your book, reserve it, get an email when it's ready, pick it up, done. It's honestly that simple. I have really only taken advantage of the books, but they do also have books on tape (CDs now I guess) and movies...and it's all FREE. Well, kind of. Anyhow, this is one place I am happy to see my tax dollars at work! Also, I love that they cater to my laziness. If they don't have the book that you want at your library, they will have it sent over to the library of your choice and then send you an email when it is ready to be picked up. I am in total awe of the efficiency of the Austin Public Library. Way to be on the line with the internets Austin! read more

How have I not reviewed one of my favorite places in this city? Yarborough is totally awesome. It's a comfortable library to come hang out in. It's the closest library to my house, and I love this neighborhood. I just feel so cool riding my bike to the library and filling my little bike basket with books. Also, the library personnel are very friendly. Even when I run in there at 8:57 PM to pick up my holds (they close at 9:00 PM most days), they are still just as friendly as if I would have come in first thing in the morning. read more

I totally dig this library - in part because it's walking distance from my house. OK, so I'm a slave to convenience...but it IS a cool place, with its fabulously art-deco-y sign. The selection probably isn't as good as it is at some of the larger branches, but the secret here is that you can get online and reserve ANY book at ANY APL library branch and have it sent to the APL branch of your choosing, and they'll e-mail you when it arrives. Once it's there, you just stroll in, pull the book off the "reserved" shelf, and check it out. This has been my modus operandi ever since I joined a book club, over a year ago - I haven't had to spend one dime on books because I've been able to check out every single one this way. Hooray for the public library system! Also, this particular branch is cool because one time I pulled into one of the parking spaces (which faces a little creek), got out of the car, and saw a big heron down in the creek bed. Awesome! One thing, though - I don't know how the APL gets its music selection, but I can tell you that it totally sucks. I've poked around looking for good music, both online and at the library itself, and the selection is pretty painful - and some of the discs are scratched up enough to skip. Do yourself a favor and acquire your music elsewhere. read more

I used to like going to the library when I was young. Then, going to the library became more and more about research, term papers, cramming for finals. I no longer liked going to the library. When I graduated, I thought I was done with the library. It was over. We were through. Then, I realized that I could read all the books I wanted to read and none that I didn't want to read, without having to pay for any of them...by going back to the library! Miracle of miracles, going to the library is fun again. This branch is a converted movie theater, one of those remnants of the 1960's. Personally, I find the fact that this building wasn't originally intended to house books to be part of its charm. It's usually not very crowded. Like most libraries, this place has computers for public use, as well as a strong WIFI signal. Quick Public Service Announcement: Utilize Austin Public Library's website and online system...just like Michelle C. recommends. What's even better is that if APL doesn't have something you're looking for in any of their branches, you can request a Title online and chances are very good (provided that it's a Title that others might be interested in, too...don't request Caddyshack 3 or something) that APL will purchase it and file it at your "home" branch. read more

I'm updating this review because the city budget has enabled this library to open on SUNDAYS!!!! The staff at Yarborough are just amazing. So friendly and helpful. The programming of movie screenings here is much appreciated. What a terrific community resource. When I talk to friends and coworkers who tell me they don't have library cards, I just dissolve. How do you even begin to explain what they are missing out on!?!?!!?? read more

Man, this library really needs some work. A disclaimer first - I am a library sciences master's student. The past year of my life has been devoted to attending classes, reading articles about library spaces, designing libraries, and attending professional conferences. I've got libraries on the brain. I also work in two libraries - one as a circulation assistant and another as a reference intern. Perhaps I'm being hyper-critical, but that's my job. First, the space was clearly not made to accommodate a library, but the layout just makes it worse. Shelves are way too tall, making it hard for shorties (5'2") like me to see the tiny signs on top of them. (Signage is poor in general.) Carts of books needing to be re-shelved clutter up the computer area. Customer service is poor. The last two times I've been there, there has been three employees behind the circ desk. Only one of them is helping patrons and the line is about 9 people long. Why can't someone help out on another terminal? Checking out books is not hard. This past time I came to pick up books I had placed on hold. Of all the libraries I've been to and the ones I've worked for, the hold books have been behind the desk. This keeps people from walking away to read them in the library. After waiting fifteen minutes in line, I ask for the books on hold. The circ worker points to a shelf and says "They're over there." I'm confused, so I ask, "Do I get the books that are mine and bring them here to be checked out?" She answers yes. I go find them (not hard) and come back to wait in line again. Seriously? This area is growing rapidly and people are going to want to come into the library. They really need to hire friendlier faces at the circulation desk. And print some bigger signs! read more

I heart libraries. Of course, I work in one. (Not this one.) That said, I heart *this* library. The building is fabulous and the inside has plenty of space to sit, read, study, stare into space... The librarians are for the most part fairly friendly but we have had one or two get snippy us for no apparent reason. They seem to have an abnormally large collection of cookbooks...but I cook so I don't mind. It's a small library and they don't necessarily always have the best collection if you're just browsing, but since you can get online and have whatever book you want delivered there from another branch, it's still my favorite! read more

Libraries are a lot like people, depending on where they develop, they take on a certain personality. The Yarborough Branch of APL has a decidedly neighborhood feel. It channels the attitudes of the people in the surrounding community. There are numerous weekly activities for kids/families, which makes it great for getting kids into books. Yet, all these activities mean the eerie quiet of the legal stacks is not present, nor are there secluded areas to study. The upside is that there are always large, sprawling tables with power cords for laptops, and tons of great books. All of the staff are helpful, and anytime I've had an issue finding something or with a particular person they have been able to assist me. So, since you can beat free wifi and comfy chairs, its a great place to read, study, and hang out- as long as you aren't looking for sensory deprivation study time. read more

Nice location ... recycled movie theater. Nice little nook for kids to read/play in. Always calm when I've been there. read more

I love the Yarborough branch. Easy drive to get there, really friendly librarians, nice retro vibe. I have what you might call a "reading problem." The good news is that I am able to obtain lots of quality reads from this location and others through the "place a hold" feature. I feel very welcome here. Yarborough, you're so cozy. read more

Ok, first off, I have to admit that I am just unimpressed, and annoyed even, at the overall experience of the Austin Public Library system. If you haven't lived anywhere outside of Austin, you truly don't know what you're missing when it comes to public libraries!!! I am a library afficionado & have frequented my local libraries for years. In the past you would have often found me browsing the aisles or curled up in a chair of my local branch. I have found the APL system to be both an extreme disappointment and inconvenient. They are closed on Fridays and Sundays at many branches. I have never before lived in a city (even a small city!) where the library closes any day of the week, especially on Friday! From my experiences, branches lock the exterior book drop during business hours. So much for quickly dropping off a book without parking your car and going inside. I have also been sorely disappointed with the timeliness of receiving a reserved book. APL does not purchase NEARLY enough copies of newly released or popular books, especially for a city of this size, which often leads to a wait time of several months for a highly sought after book. My impression is that the APL is pretending to be the local library that maybe it once was, but is no longer in a growing city the size of Austin. The approach is highly unsuccessful in my opinion. The one positive of the Austin Public Library system, though not at all unique to APL, is the online library and reservation system. I do appreciate being able to reserve a book online to be picked up at my nearest branch. As for the Yarborough Branch specifically, I have had negative experiences with the librarians on more than one occasion. I find that they are often too busy chatting about what they ate for dinner last night or what they thought of the latest new release that they read in the wee hours of the previous night to be bothered with waiting on patrons. I have both experienced and observed them ignoring someone waiting to check out a book for several minutes while they finish a personal conversation, as well as acting bothered to put down the book they are reading to answer a question. I'm sorry that I'm supporting the institution that cuts their paycheck. In other libraries that I've visited, reserved books are kept on a shelf behind the desk and retrieved by a librarian or clerk to be checked out. When I incorrectly assumed that I ask the desk for a book I had reserved, her response clearly led me to believe that I had committed a library felony. She curtly, with clear annoyance, pointed me to an undisclosed location to find the said book on my own. She was clearly much too busy chatting with her coworkers to be bothered by a first time visitor to her branch. I know I'm not your typical Austinite, but I don't particularly find the character of this library to be cute or cool. I don't find the interior the be cozy or calm, which are characteristics that rate high on my list for libraries. The exterior sign reminds me of an amusement park, which I honestly find quite amusing. The WiFi can also be quite slow when the library is busy. Coming from lands of drive through pick-up windows and coffee carts in your nearest branch, I think that the APL system could learn a few things and leaves a LOT to be desired. Especially considering the exhorbitant property taxes I pay to the city each year. If only they would use that money for things I actually care about & use.... read more

Whenever I am in the area and I have time to waste I will go to the Yarborough Branch. I love the architecture as it is very unique to the other libraries in Austin. It looks like it used to be a bowling alley. I'm glad they didn't tear it down. As usual all the libraries in Austin are great. If l lived in the area I would come here more often to do more work. This is a great place where I can wander around and see what books they have. There is limited space if you are going to bring your laptop and study. read more

This branch is the coolest looking one in Austin. The outside is so mid-century modern and "Americana," like it states on its sign. The Americana used to be a movie theater, converted into a library. That doesn't make for the best acoustics, but libraries aren't the old "sssh!"ing grounds they used to be. This branch might not be the best for a quiet study break, but definitely the best for a fun program with your kids. read more

Our personal favorite library. Miss Elizabeth is one of the kindest children's Librarian around. We enjoy all the staff at this location as they are generous in their assistance and their smiles reflect their love of work. read more

I've been going to the Yarborough for many years. I've had nothing but the best of experiences from the selection and staff...and it keeps getting better. The people are friendly, efficient and very helpful. The library is a relaxing place to spend an hour or two. Everything is clean and organized. I suppose those are things that other libraries take for granted, but I don't. It's the courtesy and helpful employees that make it work for me. read more

good selection, nice building with plenty of space, good kids area. the books are organized strangely - i guess it's just me but i always seem to have trouble finding certain sections. rude librarians. read more

I read more books than any sane person should, and when I found out that Overdrive existed, the first thing I did was check out Austin Public Library. The Yarborough branch is just down the block from where I work, so I stopped in at lunch and walked out with a library card. It was super easy, and the woman at the check-out desk was extremely helpful. My main reason for membership was access to the APL overdrive account, and since then I've checked out probably 3-5 e-books each week as well as an occasional physical book at this awesome little branch. The Overdrive check-out limit is 10 books at a time, they've even bought some of the additional books I've suggested, and overall it's been a wonderful, hassle-free experience. Unfortunately, my time at APL is coming to an end, though, since they've instituted a $120/year fee for non-residents. Once my card expires, there's no way I can afford to renew it. According to APL's map, my street is the dividing line for Austin and Pflugerville, and I live on the wrong side. I work in Austin, shop in Austin, shop at the APL book store to support the library, even pay Austin utilities, but it will now cost me $120 a year to use any of the libraries I'm near on a daily basis. Prior to this new fee structure, membership was free for any Texas residents, and while I can understand charging something for use by those who don't technically reside in Austin, $120 is a huge jump. Houston Public Library has the same size Overdrive catalog, and membership is free for all Texas residents. Likewise, the Brooklyn Public Library in New York charges just $50, and their catalog is twice the size of Austin's. Luckily for me, I can get membership at both online. As much as I love Austin and the Austin Public Library system, it's sad that both have become unaffordable for me, and I will certainly miss dropping in at the Yarborough branch. read more

The Austin Public Library system is fantastic. I do have one (very major) qualm regarding this particular branch, which is the lack of a self-checkout line. It's a chore to line up with only one item (i.e. Season 1 of Drop Dead Diva or The Marquis de Sade's The Crimes of Love or The Abs Diet Cookbook) and be terrified of being judged solely by that item. I've had to pick up additional books and DVDs I had no intention of reading just to balance, soften and obfuscate my original selections. Raise my taxes, Austin. Or pass some bond measure to fund self-checkout lines at all libraries. Let me borrow my smutty novels and garbage-dump TV shows without the fear of human contact. read more

This is a great library space which used to be my home library before I moved away. I remember when it was housed next door in what is now a home for elderly I think. They took a really long time remodeling the old Americana theater, but when the library doors finally opened most everyone was really pleased. Some reviewers have commented about a lack of books. With the new system its easy to find books you want and have them forwarded to you for pickup at your branch for free. So if you pace yourself you can always have interesting books waiting for you. I like this location because there are large wooden tables to sit at in the back and read or study. And nice little book exhibits. And a large area for magazines. I guess I never really got tired of the books there or was able to read all of them so Im not complaining about that. The things I dont like are that the patrons are sometimes loud and no staff says anything about being quiet, so people just keep being loud. Get a clue people, its a Library! Yes, sometimes the staff is snippy. But they are usually pretty nice and helpful. I think there is something intrinsic to working for the Austin Library that makes people mysteriously unhappy. Maybe it is the City reducing work hours so that all Austin Libraries must be closed 2 or more days per week. Not getting a full 40 hr work week and needing to live on less can make a person cranky. On the other hand it seems like a sweet job. And I still love visiting when I come into town. read more

I love Books & Babies story time at this library! The librarian, Miss Elizabeth, is such a wonderfully sweet lady and very good with the babes. It's not a large library but they have a nice selection and an adorable kids section. read more

This library is where I typed this review. Many books. I printed out a Running Sheet for Training, cause i just started training.

Each branch of the Austin Public library seems to have its own atmosphere. This particular branch is housed in what used to be a movie theater. The interior is bright, open, and airy. While the selection at Austin Public Libraries is often limited by the size of the space, I've found some great reads here, and the staff is relaxed and helpful. It's quiet and spacious, and a good place to plug in your laptop as well. Even though I live much closer to another branch, this is my location of choice. read more

Aside from awkward hours - I can understand being closed on a Sunday, I guess, but why Friday? - there's nothing to dislike about this cute little converted theater that's now my closest library branch. They have a surprisingly broad selection of books, the staff are friendly, and I can't find fault with the 10am - 9pm hours on most days except the aforementioned Friday gripe. Even the kids that are always here seem to be unusually well-behaved. Plus it's named for one of the best Senators in Texas history. Visit here and soak in some true neighborhood library vibes. read more

This is what our central library should have looked like on a signifigantly larger scale. Bright, clean, attractive, interesting art work while people are checking out books. Comfortable furniture. Hard to believe it is still part of the APL system at all. I took away one star because several of the parents at this particular location forget (or never learned) that you do not let your kid scream in a library. And the staff don't correct the people either. read more