Austin Library Hours 2025 - Complete Guide
Quick Facts
- 10,000+ libraries in our database across 50+ countries
- Updated monthly with verified opening hours
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📍 Austin's Library Scene: Home to America's best 24/7 library (UT Austin PCL), the stunning 10-story Austin Public Library Central, and 20 neighborhood branches. Whether you're pulling an all-nighter or enjoying rooftop garden views, Austin offers FREE world-class library access.
🎯 Quick Navigation
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
📚 Austin Public Library - Central Library
🏛️ Central Library - 10-Story Modern Landmark
📍 Address: 710 W Cesar Chavez Street, Austin, TX 78701
📞 Phone: (512) 974-7400
🚌 CapMetro:
- MetroRapid: 801, 803 (Seaholm/West 7th stop)
- Buses: Routes 4, 7, 10, 20, 300, 338, 350 (all within 2-3 blocks)
- B-Cycle: Bike share station at library entrance
🅿️ Parking: Seaholm Garage (700 W 3rd St) - $2/hour, $10/day max on weekends
Regular Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM |
✨ Award-Winning Modern Design:
- Opened 2017: $120 million, 10-story architectural landmark
- Rooftop Garden: 6th floor public terrace with downtown & Capitol views
- LEED Silver: Sustainable design with solar panels, rainwater collection
- Art Integration: Rotating exhibitions, artist studios
- Floor-to-Ceiling Windows: Natural light throughout, Lady Bird Lake views
- Open Design: Atriums connect floors visually
📚 Collections & Spaces by Floor:
- Ground Floor: Welcome desk, café, event space, makerspace
- 2nd Floor: Teen space, graphic novels, popular materials
- 3rd Floor: Fiction, audiobooks, browsing collection
- 4th Floor: Non-fiction, business/careers, music & film
- 5th Floor: Austin History Center, local archives, genealogy
- 6th Floor: Rooftop garden terrace (public access during library hours)
- Lower Level: Children's library with outdoor play area
🎯 Technology & Services:
- Study Rooms: 15+ reservable rooms (2-8 person capacity)
- 200+ Computers: Free with library card
- Free WiFi: Throughout building + rooftop garden
- Makerspace: 3D printers, laser cutter, sewing machines, audio/video production
- Recording Studio: Podcast and music recording (reserve online)
- Caffe Medici: Coffee shop on ground floor (Mon-Sun 7am-6pm)
- 400-Seat Event Space: Author talks, concerts, film screenings
🏘️ Popular Austin Public Library Branches
💡 Find All 20 Branches: Visit library.austintexas.gov/locations for complete list with hours.
📍 University Hills Branch
Address: 4721 Loyola Lane, Austin, TX 78723
Phone: (512) 974-9840
CapMetro: Routes 7, 300 (near UT campus, popular with students)
| Monday-Thursday | 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday-Saturday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM |
📍 Yarborough Branch
Address: 2200 Hancock Drive, Austin, TX 78756
Phone: (512) 974-9840
CapMetro: Routes 3, 19 (Hyde Park neighborhood)
| Monday-Thursday | 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday-Saturday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM |
📍 North Village Branch
Address: 2505 Steck Avenue, Austin, TX 78757
Phone: (512) 974-9840
CapMetro: Route 383 (North Austin)
| Monday-Thursday | 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday-Saturday | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM |
🎓 UT Austin - Perry-Castañeda Library (PCL) - 24/7!
📚 Perry-Castañeda Library (Main Undergraduate Library)
📍 Address: 101 E 21st Street, Austin, TX 78712
📞 Phone: (512) 495-4250
🚌 CapMetro: Routes 1, 3, 5, 7, 20, 337 (UT Shuttle also available)
🅿️ Parking: San Jacinto Garage (2401 San Jacinto) - $3/hour, $12/day
Hours - OPEN 24/7! (Almost)
🌟 Regular Schedule:
Saturday 9:00 AM - Friday 10:00 PM CONTINUOUS
That's 157 hours straight! Library only closes Friday 10pm - Saturday 9am (11 hours).
| Monday-Friday | OPEN 24 HOURS |
| Friday Night | Closes 10:00 PM |
| Saturday Morning | Opens 9:00 AM |
| Saturday-Sunday | OPEN 24 HOURS |
✨ #1 Ranked Study Library in America:
- TRUE 24/7 Access: Only closes 11 hours per week (157/168 hours open!)
- 1,200+ Study Seats: 6 floors of quiet and collaborative spaces
- 80+ Study Rooms: Book online, equipped with monitors and whiteboards
- Individual Carrels: Dedicated desks with privacy dividers and task lighting
- Silent Floors: 4th and 5th floors strictly enforced quiet zones
- Collaborative Floors: Ground and 1st floor for group work
- Starbucks Inside: Ground floor café (open until 2am on weekdays!)
- 24-Hour Convenience: Vending machines, bathrooms, water fountains always available
📖 What Makes PCL Special:
- Government Documents: Largest collection in Southwest
- Map Collection: 250,000+ maps, many rare/historical
- Latino Studies: Extensive Spanish-language materials
- Study Resources: Textbooks on reserve, scanners, printers
- Late-Night Culture: Students study through the night during finals
- Security: 24-hour campus police presence, very safe
🎓 Community Access Policy:
- Daytime Access (8am-10pm): Open to public with valid photo ID
- 24-Hour Access: Requires UT ID OR community borrower card
- Community Borrower Card: $50/year (cheapest university card in Texas!)
- Who Can Apply: Anyone 18+ with valid ID
- Apply: UT Tower Information Center or online at lib.utexas.edu
- Benefits: 24/7 PCL access, checkout privileges, online databases
💡 24/7 Study Tips:
- Quietest Hours: 2am-6am (almost empty, ultra-productive)
- Starbucks Closing: Café closes at 2am weekdays - grab coffee before then!
- Safety: Stay on well-lit floors, use buddy system if leaving late
- Peak Times: Avoid 2pm-10pm Mon-Thu (very crowded) - go late night instead
- Best Seats: 4th floor carrels near windows (quiet + natural light)
🏛️ Other UT Austin Libraries
Undergraduate Library (UGL)
Hours: Monday-Thursday 8am-2am, Friday 8am-9pm, Saturday 9am-9pm, Sunday 12pm-2am
Features: Group study focus, more social atmosphere than PCL
Engineering Library
Location: Ernest Cockrell Jr. Hall
Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-9pm, Saturday 12pm-6pm, Sunday 12pm-9pm
Fine Arts Library
Location: Doty Fine Arts Building
Hours: Monday-Thursday 8am-9pm, Friday 8am-5pm, limited weekend hours
Law Library (Tarlton)
Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30am-11pm, weekend hours vary
Note: Quietest library on campus, excellent for serious study
💳 How to Get an Austin Library Card
Austin Public Library Cards
| Residency | Cost | What You Need |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Residents | FREE | Photo ID + proof of TX address (utility bill, lease, mail) |
| Non-TX Residents | $120/year | Photo ID from any state |
| Children (under 13) | FREE | Parent/guardian with TX ID + child's birth certificate |
✅ Where to Apply:
- Any APL branch or Central Library during open hours
- Instant approval - card issued same day
- Valid at all 21 locations citywide
- Includes access to Overdrive/Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy, Freading
UT Austin Community Borrower Card
| Library System | Annual Fee | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| UT Austin Libraries | $50/year | 24/7 PCL access, checkout privileges, online databases, study room reservations |
💡 Pro Tip - Best Value:
For Texas residents: Get FREE APL card first. Central Library's rooftop garden and modern spaces are stunning!
For night owls & serious studiers: Add UT community card ($50/year - cheapest in Texas) for 24/7 PCL access. Worth it if you study late even once per week!
Students/Job Seekers: $50 = unlimited 24-hour library access for a year = $0.14/day. Cheaper than any coworking space!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What are Austin Public Library hours?
Central Library downtown is open Monday-Thursday 10am-8pm, Friday-Saturday 10am-6pm, and Sunday 12pm-6pm. Branch libraries vary by location, typically Monday-Thursday 10am-9pm, Friday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 12pm-6pm. Some smaller branches have reduced hours - check library.austintexas.gov/locations for specific hours.
Is UT Austin library really open 24/7?
Yes! Perry-Castañeda Library (PCL) is open 24/7 during most of the year, closing only Friday 10pm to Saturday 9am (11 hours per week). From Saturday 9am to Friday 10pm, it's open continuously - 157 hours straight. This makes it one of the few true 24-hour libraries in America. Requires UT ID or community borrower card ($50/year) for overnight access.
Can non-students use UT Austin library?
Yes! UT Austin libraries allow walk-in access for study during daytime hours (8am-10pm) with valid photo ID. For 24-hour PCL access and checkout privileges, community borrower cards cost $50/year (cheapest university library card in Texas). Anyone 18+ can apply at UT Tower Information Center or online. Benefits include 24/7 building access, book checkout, and research database access.
Is Austin Public Library free?
Yes! Completely FREE for Texas residents with proof of address (utility bill, lease, or government mail with TX address). Non-TX residents can purchase library cards for $120/year. Walk-in access, WiFi, and rooftop garden are free for everyone with no card required. Central Library also has free makerspace access during scheduled hours.
Which Austin library has the best study spaces?
UT Austin PCL ranks #1 nationally - 24/7 access, 1,200+ seats, 80+ study rooms, and Starbucks open until 2am. For public libraries, Central Library has stunning 10-story modern design, rooftop garden with skyline views, 15+ study rooms, and excellent natural lighting throughout. Both are exceptional - PCL for serious long-hour study, Central for beautiful modern environment.
How do I get to Austin Central Library by bus?
Take CapMetro MetroRapid 801 or 803 to Seaholm/West 7th stop (right at library). Also accessible via regular routes 4, 7, 10, 20, 300, 338, 350 to downtown stops near 7th & Guadalupe. Central Library is at 710 W Cesar Chavez, 1 block south of 7th Street in the Seaholm District. B-Cycle bike share station at entrance.
Can I visit the rooftop garden at Austin Central Library?
Yes! The 6th floor rooftop garden is open to the public during library hours (Mon-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12pm-6pm). No library card needed - just take the elevator to 6. Free admission. Features native Texas plants, downtown views, seating areas, and WiFi access. Perfect spot for outdoor reading or taking a study break!
Is it safe to study at PCL at 3am?
Yes! UT Austin campus is very safe with 24-hour police presence. PCL has security guards on duty overnight. The library is well-lit and monitored. Hundreds of students study there overnight, especially during finals. Tips: Stay on main floors (ground-4th), use buddy system when leaving, and keep valuables secure. Campus police escorts available 24/7 if needed: (512) 471-4441.
🎸 Austin Library Insider Tips
🌙 TRUE 24/7 at UT PCL
Perry-Castañeda Library is open 157 hours per week - only closing Friday 10pm to Saturday 9am! That's essentially 24/7. For $50/year community borrower card, anyone can get 24-hour building access. Night owls: the quietest hours are 2am-6am!
🌳 FREE Rooftop Garden with Skyline Views
Central Library's 6th floor rooftop garden is FREE and open to everyone during library hours - no card needed! Native Texas plants, downtown skyline views, Lady Bird Lake visible. Stunning at sunset. Bring a book and coffee from Caffe Medici downstairs.
🔧 FREE Makerspace at Central
Ground floor makerspace has 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, recording studios, and video production equipment - ALL FREE with a library card! Staff teach you how to use everything. Reserve online - popular slots fill up fast.
📜 Austin History Center (5th Floor)
Central Library's 5th floor houses the Austin History Center - incredible local archives, genealogy resources, old photographs, and city documents. Staff historians are passionate about Austin history and incredibly helpful. Hidden gem!
☕ Starbucks Until 2am at PCL
UT Austin's PCL has a Starbucks on the ground floor that stays open until 2am on weekdays during the semester! Grab coffee before closing time if you're pulling an all-nighter. Vending machines available 24/7.
🎵 Recording Studio for Musicians
Central Library's recording studio lets aspiring musicians record professional-quality demos for FREE. Book online through APL. This is Austin after all - Live Music Capital of the World needs free recording access!
🔗 More Library Resources
⚠️ Hours may change for holidays, semester breaks, or special events. Always check library websites before visiting:
- Austin Public Library: library.austintexas.gov | (512) 974-7400
- UT Libraries: lib.utexas.edu | (512) 495-4250
📖 Helpful Resources
🗺️ Explore Nearby
Verified Info: Our team personally contacts libraries to verify hours. Data last confirmed: December 2025
Common Questions About Austin Libraries
What time do libraries open in Austin?
Most public libraries in Austin open at 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM on weekdays. Weekend hours typically start at 10:00 AM or 11:00 AM. Academic and university libraries may open earlier, around 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM during the semester.
Are Austin libraries open on weekends?
Yes, most Austin public libraries are open on Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Sunday hours vary by location, with many libraries operating reduced hours (12:00 PM to 5:00 PM) or remaining closed.
Do I need a library card to visit Austin libraries?
No, you can visit and use library facilities without a card. However, borrowing books, accessing computers, and using certain services require a free library card. Residents can get one with valid ID and proof of address.