Library · Austin
Libraries in Austin
Austin Public Library serves Austin’s 979,882 residents from 22 locations. Last year it logged 2,982,194 visits, about 3.0 for every resident, and lent 7.8M books, movies and e-books.
IMLS Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024Main library
Austin Public Library
710 W CÉsar ChÁvez St., Austin 78701
61 hrsopen a week
200,000sq ft
1.1Mbooks & media
Fine-freeNo late fees on books returned late
E-books & audiobooksBorrow from home with your card
Auto-renews loansBooks renew on their own if no one’s waiting
Research databasesOnline courses, journals, genealogy and more
#60
#60 of 183 · Most-used libraries in TX →Among TX towns of 2,500+ people with a library of their own#29 · Most library borrowing →#36 · Best libraries for kids →
Fiscal year 2024
A year at the library
3M
visits
3.0 per resident
7.8M
loans, print + digital
7.9 per resident
5,819
programs & events
175K attended
337K
library cards
34% of people served
How it compares
Against libraries serving 100,000+ people
Per-resident numbers, compared only with libraries of a similar size across the country, because a tiny town’s library always looks busier per person.
Visits per resident
3.0 visits · typical 2.1
Higher than 78% of similar-size libraries
Borrowing per resident
4.0 print items · typical 3.2
Higher than 62% of similar-size libraries
Digital borrowing
3.9 e-items · typical 1.4
Higher than 89% of similar-size libraries
Kids’ borrowing
2.2 kids’ items · typical 1.6
Higher than 64% of similar-size libraries
Program attendance
0.2 attendees · typical 0.2
A little below typical (39th percentile)
Cardholders
34% of residents
A little below typical (37th percentile)
Borrowing & programs
What people use it for
What people borrow
7.8M loans last year
Books & media (adults)22%Kids’ books & media28%E-books, audio & streaming50%
Who the programs are for
5,819 story times, classes, clubs and events
Money
Who pays for it
$72 per resident a year
Typical for a library this size: $36. Operating budget $7M.
Local 97%Gifts & other 3%
Locations
Other libraries in Austin
And 9 more in Austin.
About these numbers
How to read this page
Hours are an averageThe survey reports a building’s public hours for the whole year. We divide by the weeks it was open, so check the library’s own site for today’s hours.
Compared by size“Similar-size” means libraries serving about as many people, nationwide. Per-resident numbers always flatter the smallest towns, so they’re never compared with big cities.
One year, the library’s own countLibraries report their own visits, loans and programs for fiscal year 2024. A library that didn’t respond keeps its address and hours here, with no numbers.
Source: Institute of Museum and Library Services, Public Libraries Survey, fiscal year 2024. Distances are straight-line from the town center.