This is one of our favorite libraries when it comes to "third spaces" for children. We go to many in the area but even in special kid rooms, it sometimes feel like they don't understand that toddlers are wiggly and noisy. The play area outside is amazing. With the upgrades the sand pit and music center give kids tons to do. They have a chalkboard and a little tin container that usually has chalk inside it. There's a cool wooden Structure kids can climb and go inside of- lots of room for kids to have some imaginative play. The story times are great here too! read more

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Such an awesome little library with amazing children's areas inside and out. We had such a good time with our little ones! So child-frieldly read more

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They accommodated a Structural Ignition Zone Advisor Class given by River Place Firewise Committee and the Austin Fire Department on July 27th. They were easy to work with and were very nice. read more

Westbank library has a special place in my heart. The staff is always so kind. Their preschool/kinder activity kits really made a different when we were quarantining during peak pandemic. I was touched by how hardworking they were in keeping the community together. They experienced flooding during the winter storm and much of their children section was impacted. They've slowly but very efficiently built it back and now we get to enjoy the beautiful grounds and wonderful events once again. read more

Quiet with fast internet and outlets. read more

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If you want a large, quiet library that is occupied by college kids quietly studying and does not allow high school aged kids in to talk (out loud, even!) or to hang out, then this is NOT the library for you. It's quite the contrary. When I signed up for my library card, one of the librarians took me around the small library. (Note: This is not the library to do your master's thesis research.) It's not a silent library! You don't have to whisper. There is a "quiet room," if you wish to use it. There's a cool kid section, a recent releases right by the door, books on CD and even music and DVDs to check-out. I'm telling you, it's not a huge selection, but it's still fun. (Yes, I just called a library fun). You can reserve and re-check out items on-line. The staff is friendly. There are meeting rooms upstairs for your use. There are lots of computers--some for looking up books, some for interwebs use. It's across the street from Westlake High School, so don't head that way when school is letting out (there are a lot of cars on the road at that time!). If teenagers bother you, don't go into the library around that time as there are many of them inside, presumably waiting for parents. You have to prove you live in the area. If you do, and want to check out a few books, this is a nice place to do it. So far this year, I've saved $77 (by checking out, rather than buying, books). I know because it says so on my receipt. read more

This library is the best. Borrow up to 10 dvds at a time for free, they stock many copies of new releases too, but best to reserve them online. Go here almost every weekend with my kids, my 4yo loves pajama storytime, which happens one evening per month. If I didn't have a job, I'd probably hang out here all of the time reading books, magazine, enjoying the nice backyard and swing, and taking advantage of all of their free programming. This place is a real treasure. read more

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I love love love this library. My transition to Austin was tough met a lot of shady dishonest and rude people. The kind librarians and volonteers at make all things right with my world. Anything you want they can get for you, they are informed and polite. What more can a bookish lady from DC ask for :-) read more

We love this library, though I admit that we only go in the young kids area. Everything is always organized and clean. They have events for kids all the time. They have a beautiful outdoor garden area which our kids enjoy when the weather allows it. I love that I can search their catalog and bookmark, reserve, and renew books all online. Check out is easy and doesn't require a staff person to help you. read more

This could really be a nice place, except they've desgnated it a "multi-purpose" library. It has become a social gathering place for Westlake moms with unruly offspring, nannies, and thoughtless and inconsiderate tutors. Forget coming here just for peaceful study or reading. There are some neat programs held throughout the week. The wi-fi is terrible. For a much nicer experience, visit Westbank's sister library, Laura's out on Bee Caves. The DVD selection is far better, and it's much quieter. read more

This is a great library. Darn near perfect. I would like the staff to enforce the quiet room rules (no typing should mean no laptops, and a certain man pretty much takes over that space on weekdays as his office with loud typing and feet on the furniture) and would like the Star Wars chess set to be moved to the kid area, since it excites kids. Those are small matters in an otherwise wonderful library. read more

We make a trip here about once a week with my 3 year old son. He loves it and there is something for everyone. A clean library, tons of books, new release dvds, puzzles and toys for the kiddos, a nice outdoor playground/sandbox area, a used book store upstairs with very reasonable prices. A top notch library. Their lending limits are very generous, so you can check out lots of books and movies at one time. My wife has taken him to something called Pajama Storytime, that's once a month on a Wednesday evening, and they read stories to the kids and then give them all cookies and milk after. And there are tons of other programs they offter that we haven't had time to take advantage of yet. A great resource for the community, and I'm glad we live nearby. And don't forget to take your kid's picture with the Mark Twain statute out front, which my kid loves to climb on. read more

Almost everything about this place is wonderful: the knowledgeable staff, the large catalog, the kids and adult activities, the beautiful facilities inside and out. My only complaint is that it's not exactly quiet, which is so disappointing. People talk on their cell phones and socialize like it's a coffee shop. There are always tutoring sessions. Could it be possible to find any other place to do this? I guess I'm an old-fashioned curmudgeon, but it sure would be nice to find a place to read and study in relative silence. Like, a library. read more

I love this library! We do infant story time here every Monday morning and it's always been a great time for my baby and me. They also have a lot of other events that we will participate in once my daughter gets a little older. read more

$100 for a library card?! Even just to check out E-books. I have never heard of being charged for a library card based on zip code. I have library cards in different states, this was a shocker. Not happy. read more

Westbank Library is as good as a community library can be. I have been a member for 5 years and wonder why I waited so long. I just did not realize such a gem was only a few minutes from home. They are quick to stock new titles including DVD's. The wait time for new things is reasonable as are all policies. They are great about buying new titles upon request. It is clean and well run. There are many children which I consider to be a good thing. They are polite and well mannered. I especially like the ease of the online checkout. read more