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Central Library

Central Library

512-974-7400
710 W. César Chávez St.
Sunday: 12:00 pm-5:00 pm
Monday: 9:00 am-8:00 pm
Tuesday: 9:00 am-8:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:00 am-8:00 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am-8:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am-5:00 pm

Holiday Schedule

Holiday Schedule link

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2024

New Year’s Day:
Monday, January 1*

Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Birthday:
Sunday and Monday, January 14 & 15*

Presidents Day:
Sunday and Monday, February 18 & 19*

Staff Development Day:
Friday, March 22

Easter:
Sunday, March 31

Memorial Day:
Sunday and Monday, May 26 & 27*

Juneteenth:
Wednesday, June 19*

Independence Day:
Thursday, July 4*

Staff Development Day:
Friday, August 16

Labor Day:
Sunday & Monday, September 1 & 2*

Veterans Day:
Sunday & Monday, November 10 & 11*

Thanksgiving Day:
Wednesday, November 27 (close at 6 PM); Thursday and Friday, November 28* & 29*

Staff Development Day:
Friday, December 13

Christmas:
Tuesday & Wednesday, December 24* & 25*

2025

New Year’s Day:
Wednesday, January 1*

* Dates are official City of Austin holidays.

Parking

Parking link

Pay to Park

The Austin Central Library features two levels of underground parking with 140 public parking spaces. The entrance is on West Avenue. The parking garage opens when the Library opens (check our locations page for current opening times) and is enforced 24/7. Parking is not validated. If the lot is full try City Hall or use your favorite parking app.

Parking Rates

  • $0 0 up to 1 hour
  • $5 Over 1 hour up to 2 hours
  • $9 Over 2 hours up to 4 hours
  • $11 Over 4 hours up to 7 hours
  • $13 Over 7 hours up to 10 hours
  • $15 Over 10 hours up to 12 hours
  • $30 Over 12 hours or lost ticket

Street Parking

There is metered street parking on nearby streets. City pay stations accept credit cards, debit cards, and change. See the City of Austin's Parking page for more information.

PDF Map of Downtown Parking Options

Bus Routes

Call Capital Metro at (512) 474-1200 or visit capmetro.org/planner to find the most direct route.

Biking

The Central Library connects directly to both the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail and the Lance Armstrong Bikeway. There are numerous free places to park bikes surrounding the Library.

Tours

Tours link

Self-Guided Tours

Tour the Central Library in person or check out the virtual tour.

Public Tours 

Use our Group Library Visit Request Form or call 512-974-7400 to schedule a field trip or group visit. Tour length varies based on the topic.

Tours for Adults

For adult groups, please contact us at least two weeks in advance to request one of the following types of visits. We can combine or customize as needed.

  • Building Tours (45-60 minutes): Hosted by volunteers with a focus on special spaces in the Central Library, types of materials on each floor, and library services. 
  • LEED/Architecture Tour (time will vary based on the request): Hosted by Facilities staff with a focus on LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and behind-the-scenes systems. Please indicate your area of interest on the form.
  • Finding books/Using the online catalog workshop (30-45 Minutes): A librarian will provide an overview of our online catalog including the Virtual Library (downloadable eBooks and eAudiobooks, digital magazines and streaming music and movies). 
  • Research Workshop (45-60 Minutes): A research workshop is an opportunity for your group to meet with a librarian and learn about our databases in our 15–seat computer lab. If your group has a specific research topic, we will focus on databases that best meet your needs for finding journal articles, primary resources and other scholarly materials. 

Youth Field Trips

The Central Library is a great place for school or youth organization field trips! During your visit, staff welcomes your group and tells you a little about the library, and then your group can explore the Children’s or Teen Areas. After this, your group may then explore the rest of the library on your own as best fits your interests and available time. Please schedule a youth field trip at least one week in advance (or sooner, for best availability). For more information about field trips, visit the Central Library Field Trips Information Guide.

Events

More Upcoming Events