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Austin Public Library - Spicewood Branch
Category: Public Services & Government Libraries Libraries [Edit]
8637 Spicewood Springs RdAustin, TX 78759
Neighborhood: Barrington Oaks
(512) 974-3800
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 10 am - 9 pm
Fri 10 am - 6 pm
Sat 10 am - 5 pm
18 reviews for Austin Public Library - Spicewood Branch
18 reviews in English
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Review from Trina H.
1/29/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Austin's public libraries are incredible. Books that have been hard for me to find in other cities' libraries are easily found here. Their selection is wide! I haven't visited other locations, since this one is closer to home, so I really can't judge 'em all. But this one has met my needs so far. I also love the Spanish children's books for my Kiddo!
Oh and even though it's busy, it's quiet enough to do some studying and room for some internet surfing if that's your thing.
For now, this is my preferred location. I'll definitely check out other locations just for comparison. -
Review from Tiffany W.
Austin, TX
1/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love studying at this library. I've never really enjoyed libraries due to their stale smell, white walls, deafening silence, and confined spaces. The Spicewood Branch is different though.
First, there's always people there. Not that their loud, but their presence reminds me that this is a community center and makes the place feel more organic.
Second, there's very large windows that are almost floor to ceiling. Above the window, wood art pieces are placed on the wall. I think that's great that they're also supporting local artists!
Third, there are study tables right next to the large windows. I have a pet peeve about small, "hip" tables in libraries primarily because I like to be able to have my laptop (receiving wifi, by the way) and my book on the table. I don't need to look cool when I'm studying. I'm at a library, for pete's sake!
The only complaint I have is that it's not open later. If it were, 5 stars! That would be as good as it gets! -
Review from Angela R.
Austin, TX
11/9/2007 1 Check-in Here
I was surprised to find such a comfy little library nestled in between Spicewood and 183. I haven't checked into their book selection, nor have I spoken with the staff but I have hung out there for some peace and quiet and it's sooo nice.
The best thing is the free WiFi and ever since purchasing my MacBook, there is nothing better! The building has floor to ceiling windows that make the lighting nice without the annoying buzz of florescent lighting. They have a few comfortable chairs to sit back and relax and a pretty good amount of tables to spread out books and papers to work all day long on those tedious projects. And they keep it so very cold... so bring a sweater!
I, not having kiddos of my own but know some who do, have been told that the childrens section is a good place to enrich the little ones with story time and a nice selection of reading material. -
Review from Robin C.
Austin, TX
5/10/2008
I needed a place to hang out with my 3-year old for half an hour so I stopped in here and was blown away by the interior. This place just smacks of fun and since I was mostly in the kiddie area, can really just speak to that. When I think of a public library I think of cheap vinyl chairs in mass market earth tones and a garage sale mentality toward the rest of the decor. Not so with this branch. If it's due to a recent remodel, then I look forward to when the Manchaca branch is finished with its redo, and am super psyched about the new Twin Oaks branch coming soon to my neighborhood.
This location features the most adorable seating I've ever seen in a library...the kind that caused me to wonder, "how could they afford this on a library budget?" Too cute. I would love to bring my dumplin' back for storytimes if it wasn't so dang far from my house. -
Review from Camron R.
8/9/2007
I have a huge crush on librarians. And there are some pretty cute ones at the Spicewood Branch. If that's not a good enough reason to go check out some free books, I don't know what is.
They were building on this thing when I moved here a year ago. I kinda forgot about it until I drove down this street the other day. I had to stop by. I've already been through five books. I can't get enough.
The selection isn't that great, but you're sure to find at least something you would want to read. If you're looking for something specific you're probably not going to find it here. This place is better for browsing.Listed in: My Neighborhood, Free S*it
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Review from Joel S.
Austin, TX
8/26/2009
I enjoy this library. It has a good assortment of books and everyone there has been really nice to me. As is the case with all Austin Libraries I've been to, the Spicewood Branch has self-serve checkout kiosks. And solidifying them deserving the fourth star, they even have a book return high enough for people in large pickup trucks!
The parking is always good there, especially if you know the parking lot well.
That said, I wouldn't go there if I were you, because there isn't enough room for the both of us.
:) -
Review from Catherine Y.
Austin, TX
12/12/2008
I like this place! It has a non-traditional library look and it does not make me feel like i am in a library. Best of all, it has no old book smell in there, which is awesome!
They have great selection of books and friendly staffs. I did browse through their DVD collections and unfortunately it is still a bit limited. Overall, I like this library and very thankful to live close by to it! -
Review from Mrelia E.
Austin, TX
9/17/2007
Great location with helpful staff. I am so glad that the construction is finally finished - now I don't have to trek all the way to the Milwood Branch.
The best part of the Austin Public Library system is that you can request almost any book from any branch and have it sent to the branch in your neighborhood. -
Review from Jodi P.
Austin, TX
8/17/2008
I really like the interior of this library. It's cool, clean, and not blindingly lit. It's just the kind of place I like to sit and browse through a book or two before making my choices.
I hadn't been in the kids' area until my nephew visited several weeks back. It's really neat in there! He had a good time alternating between playing with the toys and trying to decide on a couple of books.
It was recently remodeled, and although I never saw its previous incarnation, I really like this location. It's modern without being clinical, and feels open and welcoming.
I haven't explored its every corner yet, but stumbled across several shelves of books in Hindi. How cool is that? -
Review from Abi S.
Austin, TX
7/23/2009
I have become obsessed with putting books on hold on the APL's website, having them transferred to the Spicewood Branch, and driving through to pick them up. Okay, I don't always drive through, but it does make going to the library when I only have a few minutes a lot easier.
This place is bumping during summer days. I don't use the computers there, but I wish that they had more for those that do. I am into audio-books, and I would like to see a few more (and more DVDs!) at this location.
Did you know you can chat the librarians reference questions from the library's website? This may not be that cool to non-dorks, but it has settled a few disputes that I have been unable to find a conclusive google answer for. That was not necessarily related to this branch, but I still think it is neat. -
Review from Tracy J.
Austin, TX
8/26/2009
I gave this place one star for being a library and another star for having books. Those are it's good points. Not-so-good points:
1. Crowded every time I've been there. Long lines.
2. Not a lot of good videos/DVD or audio books. I'm lazy, okay?
3. I did look at the books, too. I couldn't find anything I liked there. My nickname on here is "Picky Girl" so maybe you should take this with a grain of salt, but I do find things to read at other libraries.
4. Weird parking. I don't know why, I just remembered there was something about how you have to get out of the parking lot I didn't like.
Some of the staff weren't too great, but some of them were, so that cancels out.
"Meh. I've experienced better." -
Review from hsing-yu w.
Austin, TX
7/11/2009
It's a nice little library. The book and audio visual selection they have on hand is somewhat limited, but I guess with inter-library loans, your choices are really only limited by your own tenacity. We moved from Denton not too long ago, and we were spoiled by the Denton library's amazing in house dvd collection - literally every genre imaginable.
The staff at Spicewood is very friendly and helpful. The atmosphere is pleasantly casual and welcoming. I really like all the windows by the av / lounge area, lets in a lot of sunlight. I've put a few things on hold so far and they've arrive pretty quickly. All in all, great little library. -
Review from Andrew K.
Austin, TX
5/10/2010
The good:
Free wifi
Large open windows and good lighting
A fair amount of free tables to sit down and read / study at.
The bad:
Short hours (closes when most people get off of work!)
No food allowed inside. Makes it hard to spend a full day here. -
Review from Jon S.
New York, NY
3/29/2008
I like libraries. This one's a great place to get some work done, or just check out some books. I'm usually either in the travel section, literary fiction, or graphic novels, all of which this branch has a decent selection of. The only thing that sucks about the Austin Public Library system is that you don't get email alerts when your books are overdue, which means my forgetfullness always costs me a few bucks in fees.
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Review from Faith D.
Austin, TX
1/12/2011
I'm a huge library nerd, but this is my favorite of all the APL libraries. There's always plenty of parking and it's easy to get in and out of the parking lot. It can sometimes look a bit crowded, but it's a library. I'd be sad if I went to a library and there was nobody there.
I read mainly young adult and their YA section is seriously ROCKING. They always have really new, up to date books and have even pulled the newest ones and have them in a stack at the beginning of the YA section. Score! They also recently added new bookshelves in the YA section, expanding them upwards to the ceiling so they can add more books. Double score!
The staff is nice and knowledgeable and always ask if I need any help with what I'm looking for. Not sure what someone else was complaining about when they said there was always a line. I have never had to wait in line to check out a book and I'm here at least once a week. They also have at least three self-checkout kiosks so you don't have to wait in the "line" if you don't want to. I'm always in and out within just a few minutes if I know ahead of time what I'm looking for.
As far as the APL as a whole is concerned, I give them five stars as well. Their website is up-to-date and easy to use. You can browse titles online, put books on hold, and they'll send you an email when they're ready for you to pick up. Brilliant. They usually have no release titles within a few weeks or a month after their release date.
So five stars to you, Spicewood Branch, APL! I plan on checking out books from you for many years to come.
PS- This location also has clean, nice, big restrooms. Just an FYI for restroom creepers like me. -
Review from Angela M.
Austin, TX
Updated - 9/4/2009
I have to take away a star because they now only have Miss Celia working there on JUST one day a week (Tuesdays). She now has to travel around to different branches. She's happy with that arrangement but we miss her at Spicewood. None of her replacements take any interest in my kids' interests like Miss Celia does.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/24/2009
We've been going here at least 1-2 times per week since they reopened after the remodel. My kids and… Read more »
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Review from Jennifer S.
Crandall, TX
8/28/2009
I enjoyed being able to get Free Wi-Fi here while mine was waiting to be connected. While looking for certain books, authors and cds it was VERY limited! I am accustomed to finding huge selections of what I would like to check out which this library did not have. Half of the library is a Children's Section with 1/3 of it being for all other books, dvds and cds. It is my local library and I will continue to return my books from other branches there as it still remains the closest and on my way to things.
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Review from Lupe L.
Houston, TX
4/27/2010
This library gets high marks for being clean, neat and organized. I love the seats and lighting by the windows on an early weekend morning. I like that the child area is separate from adult area. It does gets very crowded. There is a lot of parking and a reasonable selection of books and magazines.
