I really enjoy the neighborhood library; the people are happy to help you. People make the difference in most things we do, if you think about iit.. I keep coming back here because you feel at , that they like being there and want to share books etc. with you. Turns out reading a physical book works the brain differently from just seeing pixel material on a screen. Similar to comparing incandescent light to led. Closer to natural than led, better wavelengths, broader range and less flicker. Better for eyes and brain. Or take nonstick and proof surfaces, we've had in our lives for years. Now we hear about the PFAS chemicals. The library - this one, an oasis of vintage saved from the rush to fit more square feet & condo-cize.They kept the vintage theatre, even the sign, which makes me smile in a city where much of our built expression of culture gets snatched by developers and ripped up for... condos! Nooooo, not yet another big boring flat-faced box! And this weird trend of replacing trees, or ANYthing with leaves, with matte black rocks. These absorb heat and radiate it back. Record numbers of 100° plus days, the heat sink effect already from development paving over, traffic, the decades-long push by the ones in power, elected and not, to lure thousands more people here. They've given millions in tax breaks to already-loaded corporations. You and me get the bill. The millions for city leaders' pet project pork has to come from somewhere, and us property owners are sitting ducks. Anyway, the black rock. Yes, I know it's meant to signal, this is on-trend, worth the big dollars. Whatever. In real life, how things work is another . Those trees, etc. are working for us every day, giving shade, oxygen, water cleaned & released, relaxation, privacy, fruit , nuts, leaves for compost becoming soil, shelt & food for ️ s, thousands in higher property value, even a + in whether people will spend money - buy, rent, go into a business. The effect is often subtle, especially in a people trained by the Industrial/Information Age culture to pay attention to the screen more than what exists in our physical reality. Many times people who rented next to my place, or just walking by, have said how they enjoy the plantings. With everything going on now in the , it actually feels good to gripe a little about some "could do better", makes-no-sense trend. What's good about the heatsink rockpiles is, you and I CAN take action. We can't directly overcome the central bankers, like the Fed, what other countries get up to, or our property taxes (and rents going up to cover this. of course). We can all cause another leaf to live and do its symbiotic work with us. Our exhaled breath is what they want, just as their exuded clean oxygen keeps us alive, healthy, energized. We are hardwired to crave green from millions of years. Studies show people who can see green life have better brain function, work product quality and quantity, mindset, keep job longer, fewer sick days. Heal quicker, less pain med needed, lower mortality. The library's light-flooded high ceilinged open interior is a nice change from my own living space. It's free of projects I need to get after, too. This is getting long , just in the mood to look under the surface and find what can be made better with least effort and money.

My wife and I have been going here specifically for the toddler & preschool story time meetings each Thursday at 10:15am & 11:15am. Our 3 1/2 year old son is very well behaved during these, has a fun time, and enjoys the projects at the end of both classes. We have attended 2 previous story times and stay for both readings without having any issues, and we always wanted to return for more. This Thursday (5/9/13) was different. We attended the toddler class first and everything was fine although a little crowded. We allowed the reader time to set up for the next reading as usual, and returned at 11:15 for the preschool reading. When we walked in the reader stopped in the middle of reading and singled us out saying "You shouldn't bring him in here for a second reading, its all the same stories and its not fair to him." I said "Really? We need to leave?" and she said "yes" squinted her eyes at us, and shooed us away unceremoniously in front of the entire class. Not only was this extremely embarrassing for being called out in front of everyone after having done nothing wrong, but we also feel robbed of one of the few public educational experiences we share with our son. We would be more understanding if our son acted up or made any noise at all, we would leave immediately if that happened. After having attended several of these readings I know that she reads one set of books to the toddlers and another more advanced set for the preschoolers. Our son is right at the age where we feel like he gets enjoyment out of both sets and our favorite part is the preschoolers get to work with constructive projects at the end of their class. He really enjoys those and we have had many fond memories and good times. We were not even given a chance to speak, even after having been to both readings previously several times before with no issues. There were no rules posted that we should only attend one reading and we should not have been kicked out in front of the entire class. Extremely Rude! My Wife and I feel very put out by this and will not be returning to the Yarborough Branch ever.

This is an interesting library, having originally been a movie theater. Slap next to a tributary of Shoal Creek, in times of heavy rain the roaring of the waters is very loud coming out of the viaduct under the mall parking lot and on through the bridge pipes. The huge palms give shade and dignity to the place. It has the usual competent staff and collection; I am always going there to raid the full Austin collection via interlibrary loan. The children's library is comfortable for the little ones; you can nab some of your own stuff while they check it out. Art and collectibles are often in the cases (Often this is pretty cool as well, such as when they did the Beatles and there was my old lunchbox! Woe! A shame I threw mine in lake Ponchartrain when the hinges broke, but it was nice to see one like it again.

Austin library system is the best; friendly and always helpful staff, and you can order any book or item and the system will notify you when it arrives at your "home" library (which you designate). This was a lifesaver during Covid lockdown. So, in essence, you have access to the entire City of Austin stacks at your closest branch (music selection is awesome too, is after all Austin). You can also request acquisition of any item they may not have and in the couple times I have done so the items were acquired and I was kept in the loop throughout the process. Finally, Yarborough is a repurposed movie theater so architecture is super cool...the Austin library system is a excellent example of the public good done right.

Aside from awkward hours - I can understand being closed on a Sunday, I guess, but why Friday? - there's nothing to dislike about this cute little converted theater that's now my closest library branch. They have a surprisingly broad selection of books, the staff are friendly, and I can't find fault with the 10am - 9pm hours on most days except the aforementioned Friday gripe. Even the kids that are always here seem to be unusually well-behaved. Plus it's named for one of the best Senators in Texas history. Visit here and soak in some true neighborhood library vibes.

I’ve always enjoyed the Yarborough library, and been going to this location for 20yrs. But, recently when I walked out to my vehicle I noticed a man looking through car windows and as I walked closer, he fled into the creek, where there is a large camp. Also, trash and needles have piled up in the tree line area from transients, and on another recent trip in the evening, a homeless man was smoking crack in the back parking lot. I no longer feel safe bringing my kids to that library, I wish they still had security present.

This is my neighborhood library branch [and I'm so glad that they reopened after some remodeling closure that started before Covid and lasted quite a while into it]. I truly appreciate APL's hold, transfer, and renewal systems. UPDATE: I'm a little bummed about the new renewal limit but no biggy! And: hopefully not charging late fees has gone over well. There have been kid-friendly activities here before and I'm not sure of the exact program right now but I do recommend this branch.

The dream is real: The Americana is open on Sundays! For that reason alone I would give them five stars. Then you add to that the retro vintage theme -- beautifully suited for an ATX library, and perfectly suited to the neon-lit strip that is Burnet Road -- then add some incredible art and flying book bat sculptures, some comfy seating, some great WiFi, and shelves in all directions, and you have one of the best library locations in the entire city. Love The Americana!

One of my favorite branches of the Austin Public Library system. It's converted from an old movie theater, so the exterior is iconic and the interior is spacious. It's a nice, quiet place to study or work and the sci fi selection at this location is pretty good. Libraries provide so many important services to the community. I'm really grateful to the folks at APL for all the good things they do for our city.

IMPORTANT: CLOSED Be aware that this place is CLOSED for renovations until FEB-MARCH 2020. Beginning at 6 PM on Friday, March 1 the Yarborough Branch Library will be closed for a comprehensive interior renovation, site accessibility improvements, landscaping upgrades and exterior repairs. The project is scheduled to take approximately 11 months.

One of my favorite Austin branch libraries. A small, comfy, quiet, clean and well-lighted place. Not the same volume of books as the main downtown branch, but much easier to navigate, with free parking and wifi. Plus, the style is cool in the refurbished Americana Theatre.

The staff was kind and gave me directions to where I needed to go to pick up a book on hold.  I noticed two levels, great art on the ceiling and walls, and all the regular book sections. I also found a children's area with kids who looked very happy to be at the library.

This place is a renovated movie theater that shows movies based on books. Fact. Also, I like to study and get books here. Also, I got to the second round of its Super Smash Brothers Brawl tournament. It was the greatest moment of my life. This library is the best.

Wonderful Library with lots of books! Good table space, helpful staff, clean bathrooms and plenty of parking. Sadly, they are starting renovations March 1, 2019 and will be closed for 11 MONTHS!!! I hope they don't change the great vintage movie theater vibe...

Super nice and welcoming space for all adults and kiddos. Very good internet connection and super helpful staff. Good assortment of books. After the renovations the space is amazing and it is a pleasure to read, work, and relax! Strongly recommended.

This Library is a great location with plenty of free parking. I can not say enough how HELPFUL and NICE The ckerks are when I visit. I use the computers and have questions everytime. I find that they are very patient. Thank You!

I just moved here and don't have a printer, so I've been coming here to do my printing. I love how quick and easy it is, and there's always plenty of parking. Thank you, Yarborough Branch, for helping me out so much!

Great staff - so helpful with so many things. Love being able to bring my old magazines there for reuse and dropping off books I no longer need for Recycled Reads. We are so fortunate to have this resource!

Another excellent Austin Public Library location; this one in an old Austin movie theater, The Americana. There's a butterfly hatchery at the front and a seed lending library, too!

Love the Yarborough Branch Library. I can drop off my books and select my new books in just a few minutes. Checking out my books is a breeze. In and out in 20 minutes or less.

Customer service is unfriendly. Unwelcoming. Was not greeted coming in or going out. Might as well have been a fly on the wall. But the library is beautiful.

This is the most beautiful branch of the Austin public library. It’s an old movie theater that’s now converted to a library

Wonderful library! The front desk team was so helpful when my partner and I were setting up our library cards.

Excellent place to read, utilize the computers, attend events. The librarians are a wealth of knowledge.

Small collection. Bring ear plugs if you're bothered by the constant hum of faulty fluorescent lights

What a marvelous library, created from the ash of movie theater. Really lovely.

I love this library but it doesn’t have many books in Spanish.

Great library branch. Love it as do my husband and kids!

A fun facility, beautiful inside and out.

Clean, super nice staff, fun place