Hit the Books
Austin's long-awaited new library finally set to open downtown
Austin Public Library's flagship location has set an opening date. The new Central Library will debut October 28.
The state-of-the-art facility, located downtown at 710 W. Cesar Chavez St. near the Seaholm development, will be larger and more modern than the library system's current headquarters, Faulk Central Library. The highly anticipated project — which has been in the works for nearly 10 years and was originally slated to open in 2015 — will include a gallery space, public atrium, book store, new art installations, reading rooms, and porch overlooking Shoal Creek and Lady Bird Lake.
Elm Restaurant Group is also cooking up a sweet new dining concept called Cookbook, which is expected to debut along with the library, although no hard date has been confirmed. The counter-service cafe will take inspiration from the library's cookbook collection.
Faulk will remain open with limited service from August 14 to September 15. During that time, Austinites will still have access to the first and second floors, as well as the reference desk and book drop. Patrons can also pick up book holds, request loans, and use the computers and Wi-Fi. The facility will officially close on September 16.