Are You Using Austin Library Services Wrong? 8 Unknown Perks
Most Austinites know our libraries loan books, but after interviewing librarians across the system and exploring every branch, I’ve discovered extraordinary services that transform these public spaces from mere book repositories into powerful resources. Here are eight exceptional library perks that even longtime Austin residents typically overlook.
Digital Access Beyond Imagination
The Virtual Library’s Streaming Media Collection provides free access to services that would cost hundreds monthly as individual subscriptions. Using just your library card at library.austintexas.gov, you can access Kanopy (streaming independent films and documentaries, 10 free per month), Hoopla (streaming music albums, ebooks, and audiobooks, 8 free per month), and OverDrive/Libby (unlimited e-book and audiobook borrowing based on availability). The hidden gem? Unlike physical books, digital loans renew automatically if no one has placed a hold, allowing weeks or months with popular titles.
The Library’s LinkedIn Learning Access (formerly Lynda.com) delivers professional-grade courses covering everything from software certifications to business skills that normally cost $39.99 monthly. Access requires only your library card number and PIN, granting unlimited viewing of 16,000+ expert-taught courses. While many residents pay for these credentials independently, the library’s subscription includes certification functionality that can be added directly to your LinkedIn profile upon course completion.
Time-Saving Transit Hacks
CapMetro’s App-Based Stored Value provides a 50% discount compared to cash fares ($1.25 vs $2.50 for single rides) while enabling free transfers within 2.5 hours. However, what most riders don’t realize is that this transfer window extends in 15-minute increments when buses run late. The digital “Transfer Due By” timer automatically adjusts, often providing 3+ hours of unlimited transfers during peak congestion periods or weather delays.
Downtown Station Alternatives can dramatically reduce wait times during events. When departing downtown during major events or rush hour, the Congress Avenue bus stops become overwhelmed. Walking one stop upstream to Guadalupe & 4th frequently allows boarding buses that will be too full to accept passengers by the time they reach the main transit center. Similarly, deboarding one stop early when arriving downtown often saves 5-10 minutes during congestion.
Professional Equipment Lending
The Carver Branch’s Musical Instrument Collection (1161 Angelina St) lends high-quality instruments including acoustic guitars, electronic keyboards, violins, and ukuleles for 30-day periods with one renewal permitted. These instruments typically cost $200-500 to purchase but circulate freely with just a library card. The collection includes instrument method books, and the branch hosts weekly beginner practice sessions (Wednesdays, 5-6 PM) for borrowers needing guidance.
The Central Library’s Technology Petting Zoo (710 W César Chávez St, 5th Floor) allows week-long checkouts of cutting-edge devices including DSLR cameras, GoPros, VR headsets, portable projectors, and high-quality microphones. This service requires completing a brief orientation session offered daily at 3 PM. The little-known advantage? Reservations can be placed online up to 90 days in advance, ensuring availability for specific project timelines or events.
Workspace and Business Resources
The Central Library’s “Workspaces” Program provides free access to professional meeting rooms equipped with teleconferencing technology, whiteboards, and presentation displays – resources typically costing $30-50 hourly at commercial venues. While many residents know these exist, few realize these spaces can be booked online up to 3 months in advance and include technical support staff assistance if requested 48 hours beforehand. Small meeting pods accommodate 2-4 people without any reservation requirement.
The Small Business Center (Central Library, 2nd Floor) offers complimentary access to market research databases like AtoZ Databases and Reference USA that normally require expensive subscriptions. These resources provide critical competitive intelligence, customer demographics, and industry analysis. The hidden advantage? Dedicated business librarians offer free one-hour consultations (by appointment) to develop custom research strategies for specific business needs, effectively providing services similar to those costing hundreds from professional consultants.
Educational and Practical Support
The Little Walnut Creek Branch’s Tool Lending Library (835 W Rundberg Ln) circulates household tools including power drills, sanders, circular saws, gardening equipment, and bicycle repair kits – all available for 7-day loans with a valid library card. This resource saves homeowners hundreds in equipment purchases for single-use projects. The unexpected bonus? Monthly skill-building workshops (first Saturday, 10 AM-noon) teach proper tool usage and basic home repair techniques with provided materials.
The University Hills Branch’s Culinary Collection (4721 Loyola Ln) extends beyond cookbooks to include specialty baking pans, kitchen gadgets, and cooking equipment available for 14-day loans. Items include bundt pans, pasta makers, food dehydrators, and specialty cake decorating tools that typically see limited home use but cost $50-200 to purchase. The branch’s demonstration kitchen hosts monthly cooking classes (third Saturday, 2-4 PM) featuring these specialized tools.
Maximizing Your Library Experience
Create calendar reminders for event registration openings, as popular programs like cooking demonstrations and tech workshops typically reach capacity within hours of registration opening (usually 30 days before events).
Schedule library visits for Tuesday or Wednesday mornings when hold shelves are freshly stocked and specialty collections see the least circulation activity, increasing your chances of spontaneous discoveries.
Enable text message notifications for holds and due dates, which provide reminders three days before items must be returned, eliminating unnecessary fines.
Request personalized reading lists through the library’s “Recommendation Service” where librarians curate custom suggestions based on your preferences – a service resembling those offered by high-end bookstores but available completely free.
Save payment information securely in your online account for immediate fine payment, preventing blocks that might restrict access to digital resources or future borrowing.
What unexpected resources have you discovered in Austin’s libraries? Share your finds and experiences in the comments below!
