Fun fact! Did you know that despite being in Austin, the Wells Branch Library is not actually part of the Austin library system? I sure didn't! I came bumbling in trying to renew my library card, being befuddled as to why my name wasn't even on record... Thankfully, the librarian helping me was gracious and kindly explained the issue after a solid 5 - 10 fruitless minutes of searching. At the end of the day, I walked out with a new library card specific to this lovely outpost, and a better appreciation for all these people do. There are TONS of free events hosted all year round here, particularly arts and crafts geared towards kids. It's perfect when you want them to make some cute holiday gifts or decor, or just get a break when it's too hot to play outside. Of course, there are no age limits and no one judging here, so I've availed myself of the acrylic paints on more than one occasion, too. read more

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What horrible library staff. This is NOT an AUSTIN library! I've never had a single issue at a library and have had my kids attend a hundred events in Austin and I've never once been restricted from using my laptop while they did an activity. After reading other reviewers, this is clearly a management issue with the Director of this library. Will never be back and will be sticking with AUSTIN libraries. read more

Love the play area and how it's separate from the main library (in case your kids are loud lol). Love how there's alot of toys and things for them to do. Gave it a lower review because I felt the staff are not very people friendly :( Idk I guess I'm old school but no one greeted us or literally even looked at us when we walked in the main library or the children's library. They just seemed cold lol. The first time I came, I asked for assistance with finding book and the worker seemed short and annoyed. Other than that, cute little quiet library. read more

I take free classes and always nice staff helpful and with a smile willing to answer questions about classes and other topics. Like I was about few minutes late for a free yoga class and I called and they said they will let the teacher know / . Great classes from Eventbrite app . read more

Wells Branch Community Library - Nail stamp class! - Libraries Near Me - Austin, Texas

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I live not far from here. When I was having some remodeling work done on my condo and needed a place to escape the chaos, Wells Branch Community Library served its purpose for me. What's incredible is that it's so close and it's open 7 days a week. It has a decent amount of seating options, good air conditioning, ample parking and a quiet atmosphere. I was able to come here and just read for a few hours / catch up on email without any hassle. As long as you have a Texas ID, you can get a library card and access to their collection. Since then, I've taken advantage of two of their programs - yoga and meditation classes. The classes have been free, aren't super crowded, and again, the convenience can't be beat. I'm appreciative of this as an additional library alternative in the neighborhood. read more

This is a nice quaint little neighborhood library. I don't know what happened to my original review from several years ago. It just disappeared. Weird. They have books, DVDs, computers to use, typical library stuff; a really decent selection considering the small size. They will special order something if they don't have it or get it from another library. The children's section is glassed off, so it helps with the noise. They have some great kids stuff. I have had some issues with reserves in the past, so that's why I give this place 3 stars instead of more. They would email or text to let me know my selection was available, I would go either same day or next, and my item was not available. It's supposed to be at least a 3 day hold. I have had this happen more than once. read more

This place is awesome and the fact that it's so accessible to all the houses makes it so much better. The staff are nice and helpful. They always have cool events going on for kids and adults alike. The kids section is amazing, the selection is very large and they're all organized in a way that makes it easy for the little ones to browse. We also really like the "recommendations" that they have on display, it's a nice way to motivate my daughter to pick new and different things. Overall we love the place and highly recommend. read more

I have been going to this library since 2017. The options are very limited and they don't let you check very much out at one time. 3 times they have claimed we have not returned items and we would walk in there they are. They are Sloppy and constantly don't scan items in. The new staff are so loud and a few of them constantly have attitudes. We will no longer come here. Walked in this morning again to see the book I returned weeks ago in the library even though I'm getting emails that it's missing. Stupid. read more

I know libraries and this is a good one. I'm not often in the area but when possible I enjoy stopping by.

This has to be the LOUDEST library I've ever been to. Went here to find some liteature for a term paper. The entire time there were kids wandering talking like they are out at the ranch grilling outside yelling at the neighbor across the fence. Really? And the saddest part was not a single parent, not one, corrected their child to perhaps educate the child that a library is not in fact a place for social conversation and interaction, or yelling for that matter. This is a place to be quiet and to whisper. I dont blame the child if he/she is not educated in the proper way to compose themselves while inside a library. I will never go back to this location again. There are far too many libraries nearby to ever return to this one. Even the employees never bothered to even tell anyone about toning it down. Even while sitting inside the "study room" I could still hear full and complete conversations between patrons, employees and patrons. and employees with other employees. Maybe this isn't the kind of library you go to study at. read more

Background Knowledge: I worked at Bee Caves Library in the past, and I work as an elementary educator (teacher). I value reading and support community libraries. That being said Wells Branch Community Library is not my top choice. I made the mistake ***yes my fault*** of returning some items several weeks late. I now have a $65.00 fee linked to my account. While, I understand the concept of accountability I do believe that there should be a maximum fee in which patrons can accrue. I also believe that once items are returned fees should not total more than the items that have been returned. Overall, I find this library unwelcoming and uncompromising to the community it is serving. I loved working at Bee Caves Library as I was given the liberty to put patrons and education first. read more

This is probably one of the nicest non-university affiliated libraries I have even been to. Just driving up to the building you immediate notice how beautiful the building and landscaping are. The facility has high speed internet and wifi. The kids section is closed off, which is great to contain the noise. There are a number of comfortable chairs and couches and private study rooms available to rent. There is even a coffee station at the front of the lobby! The selection, like most community libraries, is lacking. That is no fault of theirs. It's a shame that libraries and book stores are quickly becoming a thing of the past. I remember spending hours in the stacks as a kid...physically flipping through pages doing my research and reading. Nothing beats the smell and feel of a real book. Hearing that crack of the spine. The occasional paper cut... It's a total shame that kids of today don't get to experience the library of the past...when it was a community meeting place. It's a great place to study or simply read for leaisure. read more

Quiet place to study. The library itself is not that big, but there are plenty of tables for you to study. If you want to use the computer, you have to go to the front desk and get a guest ID & password. You are limited to use the computer for only one hour. Printing service is available, but they don't offer both-sided printing. I believe it's 10 cents per B&W page. read more

The library itself looks decent but the crowd here doesnt understand library manners. It's not the best place for quiet studying. People were taking calls and chit chatting in quiet study areas. The guy next to me had his headphones on with loud music. I had to move around several times during my short stay. Unpleasant experience read more

I can't believe anyone gave this library less than 5 stars. The selection is INSANELY GREAT for such a small library and they will order anything for you if you request it. The young adult section is spectacular, they have tons of new cook books, the childrens section is PERFECT. The book selection for the kids is HUGE, and very well organized for teaching kids how to USE THE LIBRARY and do research. The programming here is a dream, there is always something going on. Craft nights, book clubs, performers, tv series groups, youth groups, nerd nights...I could go on forever. It is one of the best parts about living in Wells Branch. read more

Needed a quiet place to study today and I was close to the area. I may, from now on, drive a little bit out of my way to spend some quality time at this library. It's a very nice location. The meeting rooms are separated from the main building which keeps things nice and quiet. Plenty of tables, chairs, nooks, and couches. The closed off children's area is a nice touch. It is a small library but seems bigger because of the layout. I enjoyed my time here today and I can't wait to be back. I love libraries. read more

This excellent community library (independent of APL) has just what I need. I love to learn, and this gem is a great place to sit with a good book, enjoy an interesting book group or language table, or explore bestsellers. There are stations where adults can work on the computer and a comfortable parking lot. This is not a large location, but that's part of what makes it charming for curious minds of all ages. read more

Wells Branch Community Library - Because life on the pond is an education in itself - Libraries Near Me - Austin, Texas

This is my happy place. The best librarians anywhere. Great kids programming, and the library cards are free. They also have tons of digital resources, like ebook and audiobook rentals, magazines, etc. There are book clubs and craft nights and workshops. Don't miss this place. read more

There's an ample amount of study desks for the number of people that actually visit this library. It's in a nice area. The nonfiction section is a little outdated. read more

Wells Branch Community Library - Libraries Near Me - Austin, Texas

It is a young and growing place and tries hard.

I live in Round Rock and somehow got a library card here without having to pay a fee. (The public library that I live by told me I have to pay a fee monthly or yearly since my house is not in their district -___- total bummer ) When you walk through the door you are greeted and helped if you need any assistance. One of the few public places that care for customer service. You can only use the computer for 2 hours per day. And check up to 100 books although you only get to keep them for so long and renew them over the phone or online for a certain amount of time. I would love to give this place a 5 star but I can't because they really don't have a lot of books. Well I understand its a community library and the place isn't all that big but what I am saying is it would be possible to read all the books in this library in maybe 1 year or less counting how fast you read. read more

unfriendly rude staff that have to be pushed to help at all. Considering it is supported by taxes which the community pays they could do so much better. read more

Everywhere you go there are people who don't have good manners or respect others. Sadly, some parents who bring their kids to this library refuse to parent them appropriately and the library suffers because of it. Kids yell at top volume, tear stuff up, get into fights, leave food everywhere, etc. Do the parents of these kids really think that they are helping by ignoring this behavior? If kids grow up with bad manners and an enormous sense of entitlement, it's only going to lead to problems down the road....because eventually those kids will meet people who are unwilling to indulge the bratty act. APATHETIC AND DELUSIONAL PARENTS - Please control your children and stop ruining the library for everyone else. read more

I don't understand the bad reviews! This library has great events for all ages. Plenty of story times for all ages of children, game nights, movie nights, and craft events. For the adults, book clubs, gardening sessions, and of course, books! I love the online interface - you can check to see if a book is in and if it's not, you can request the book and be notified by email when it's in. I have never had any problems with the librarians or volunteers. They have always been very helpful. The best part is that it's within walking distance. A dream come true! read more

It's not a huge library, but it is warm and cozy. The staff are friendly, and it has plenty of nooks to settle into.

Story/craft time is good. Ms. Kristen is awesome. Ms. Roberta is very sweet. I am impressed by the logistics/layout of the library. The kids section is glassed off so you don't have to get dirty looks from adults in the regular section. And then the story time area itself is partitioned off again by glass which keeps the kids from being distracted. Speaking of distractions, please please please get rid of the computer in the toddler/preschool area. The games are stupid and above their head and it's just a huge distraction from why they are there - TO READ ACTUAL BOOKS!!! (and while we are at it get rid of the Legos. Is this generation so sensory overloaded that a library has to have more than just books?!) We really like the honor system of checking out books. My son loves being able to scan his own books. And so do I :) PS They did get rid of the computer in kids section - hurray! But Legos live on. Oh well... read more

Needed to print some things and stopped In for the first time. They were extremely nice and briefly showed me around.. Plenty of little places to work on your computer or study (couches, desks, tables.) By no means the largest library around but extremely accommodating to get what you need quick :) read more

A very inconvenient lack of electrical outlets for laptops. Wi-fi signal is so weak I couldn't get online. Noise levels are decent...not too many screaming kids. Creepy lighting. Not really impressed. Pflugerville library is far better. read more

Great little library. Nice and clean layout. Can do your book searches and make book reservations on there website.

After originally having a bad experience , I am proud to say that after new employees and several visits back, I'm actually found of this place! The customer service has been fast, accurate and very helpful! They have a huge selection and are very update on the latest top sellers. I just discovered the cooking selection and can't love how I can take several choices home with me, can't wait to go back! read more

Coming here is always so much fun. Although it may not be as big as other libraries I've been to, there is always a really good selection and they usually have the book or movie I'm looking for. I'm there several times a week and I always leave with something great. We also go to toddler story time on Fridays and it's a blast! read more

I enjoy going here with my son to get out of the house. I really appreciate the kids playroom for families to use, although I don't know why they close it a full half hour before the library closes. My complaints about this place include: staff is not generally very friendly, you lose your virtual library privileges the minute you have an overdue book, and the woman who runs the story times (Asian woman, sorry I don't know her name) is too quiet. It's a problem when you can't even hear the person reading the books during the program. I'm also not jazzed about the no cell phone policy in the kids playroom. I "got in trouble" with an employee once for being on my phone (I was texting back my husband who had just arrived at the hospital in Houston and was updating me on what the doctor had told him about his mother's condition--I was not sitting there watching smutty reality TV on my phone while my child tore up the place, I promise). She told me that they want parents to interact with their children in the playroom and therefore are not allowed to be on their phones. Of course I normally play with my son in that room, however I don't really see a problem with watching your child engage in independent play as well--the research shows this is every bit as important to their development. It put a bad taste in my mouth because I have a problem the moment an institution starts telling you how to be a parent. It reminded me of the book Bringing up Bebe in which the author brings to light how over-involved American parents are (or are expected to be) in their child's playtime. It annoys me even more so that every time I've glanced at an employee computer screen in the kids room they are surfing the internet and/or playing card games. I've never seen their employees interacting with families/children while on duty. Perhaps they too could interact with the kids and take the time to get to know the families more. read more

They do typically have books I'm looking for; however, the late fees here are asinine. I try to support and use libraries, but these days it is actually cheaper to buy a kindle book on Amazon than to be a week late returning a book here. And if you are late to return a book, be sure to have cash unless you would like to pay an extra dollar to pay fines by card, because that is definitely how much extra the card service costs them *eye roll*... read more

This place rocks for programs. There is soooo much to do and they really care about people. Last night there were a room full of families painting hats--mom and kids, dads and kids, teens, older kids, even a couple of grannies. Just before that there was the most amazing science program. I am not sure what would make it better but I am telling all my friends to come! read more

Every time I come here, they are so accommodating. Every staff member does their best to assist me in my needs whether it be a computer question, locating a book or information, or something with my account. The staff are real people that you can talk to if you have a question, very understand and not in any way rude. I have a few friends who come to this library every day they love the atmosphere so much. They have a great selection of movies, over 1000 in DVD format! This is my favorite library I travel all the way from South Austin to check out materials from them every week. Oh and the great thing, you do not have to live in the Wells Branch neighborhood to be a member. They accept anyone! Definitely my FAVORITE Library. read more

My four year old & I loved this library, but recently it has been pissing me off. They are always screwing up on the return books. The books are not files in the right place. I have had so many problems that I have to go to Round Rock Library even though I live in Wells Branch. All they want to do is charge you money when they are the ones loosing the books or not checking them in properly. It is always hot & stinking. in the library. read more

It's pretty, clean, and if you live near Wells Branch you won't do much better. The staff are helpful and efficient and they have a lot of interesting events for kids and adults. I was pretty impressed when I stopped by there today. read more

The staff for the kids room is horrible! I would give this library a 5 starts because it really is nice having the kids section sealed off so they can talk and be "kids" and not have to worry about the noise. We love going to the library here because of this section but I have had multiple experiences with rude staff that don't seem to want to be working in an area with children. If you don't like kids, please don't work in a field where your around kids! The desk that they work behind has lots of fun toys that they give out or must use for story time. its open for kids to walk right in and they always get mad and annoyed when kids do this. PLEASE JUST PUT A GATE UP! PARENTS HATE SPENDING THE WHOLE TIME GRABBING THEIR CHILDREN EVERY 2 MINS FROM STUFF LIKE THIS. Its too tempting and if they don't want kids back their they need to close it off. One time my child walked back there because their was a big huge stuffed dog and so I went to get him but let him touch the fur before taking him out and the young RUDE worker came up and said "Excuse me, you can't be back here. Im going to ask you to get out please." It was SO RUDE! Anyways, besides some of the workers, this library is nice and clean. read more