Public library near UT Austin
Five Austin Public Library branches
All five: Mon–Thu 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Fri 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Central also opens Sun 12–5 p.m. The library doesn’t post distances from UT, so check each address in a map app.
- Central Library · Also open Sun 12–5 p.m. · 512-974-7400710 W. César Chávez St.
- Howson Branch · 512-974-88002500 Exposition Blvd.
- Carver Branch · 512-974-10101161 Angelina St.
- Yarborough Branch · 512-974-88202200 Hancock Dr.
- Twin Oaks Branch · 512-974-99801800 S. Fifth St.
Getting a card
The city’s rules for a standard library card.
- Cost if you live in Austin · Inside the city limits or the city’s 2- and 5-mile extraterritorial areas, or its LTD areaFree
- Photo ID · A UT ID counts: the city lists an educational institution photo ID, a driver license and a passportBring one
- Proof of address · A lease, rental agreement, rent receipt, or a utility or credit card bill from the past 60 daysBring one
- How long it lasts · Resident cards are good for 3 years from the day issued or renewed3 years
- Cost if you live outside those areas · Non-resident card; a 3-month card is $37$149 a year
- Digital-only card · For Texas residents outside Austin’s areas. Ebooks, audiobooks and other digital resources only, no physical items$46 a year
What the card gives you
- Books, movies and other items · Loaned 3 weeks, 2 renewals unless someone has a hold50 at a time
- Holds · The library sends the item to the branch you choose. $1 per item if you don’t pick it up in 10 days15 at a time
- Libby (OverDrive) ebooks and audiobooks · 7 holds. Magazines don’t count toward the 1010 at a time
- hoopla movies, music, TV and ebooks · Streams in a browser or the app4 a month
- Overdue fines · You still need to return items; one 28 days late is billed as lostNone
- Printing at any branch · Black-and-white letter size, from a library computer or your own device$0.20 a side
Where is the nearest public library to UT?Five Austin Public Library branches. Central is the only one open Sundays.
Central, Howson, Carver, Yarborough and Twin Oaks are the ones to compare, and Central is the only one of the five open on Sundays.
UT’s own libraries are separate and keep their own hours, listed on our UT library hours page.
How do I get a free Austin library card as a UT student?Apply online, then show ID and proof of address at a branch.
Fill out the online application, then bring your photo ID and proof of address to any library location to pick up the card. The city’s rule is that the card is free if you live at an address inside its service areas.
The library doesn’t say whether a dorm address counts. Ask Customer Service at 512-974-7475 or circ.link@austintexas.gov before you go. They can also check whether your address is in the service area.
Is the library open over Thanksgiving and winter break?Closed Nov 26–27, Dec 24–25 and Jan 1.
Every Austin Public Library location is closed Thursday and Friday, November 26 and 27, and closes at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25. It is also closed December 24 and 25 and January 1, and closes at 5 p.m. on December 23 and 31.
Items aren’t due on days the library is closed.
Can I park at the Central Library, or get there without a car?Parking is free for 1 hour; the trails and Capital Metro reach it.
Central has underground parking with an entrance on West Avenue. It costs nothing for the first hour, then $5 for up to 2 hours and $9 for up to 4, and the library doesn’t validate parking.
The library doesn’t post a bus route. Call Capital Metro at 512-474-1200 or use capmetro.org/planner. Central also connects to the Butler Hike and Bike Trail, Shoal Creek Trail and the Lance Armstrong Bikeway.
SourcesAustin Public Library
Checked November 12, 2026. Addresses, hours and card rules come from the Austin Public Library’s branch, card and policy pages. UT’s own libraries are separate.