Twin Oaks Branch- Austin Public Library

Knowing what’s to come in the future with the central Library, it’s only fitting that any other library would receive 4 stars. This library is nice! It looks brand new, feels brand new, and the librarians are super friendly. I’m not really down the street from this location, but happened to come to it because my mama kept me on the phone too long. Glad she did!
The library is broken into sections that make sense, with nonfiction in the front, new releases and children section in the middle, and fiction, movies, mags and teens in the back. Ample amount of seating, plenty of computers and very clean. I don’t see too many quiet study rooms, which would make a great addition to the already nice place. They have cubicles that serve for a quiet area, but rooms allow for group study (hello homework with kids!), without disturbing the general population.
The kids area is swank. About 4 computers for them to do educational games and ample books. Plus the entry way is cool. I made this my home library. Just because I enjoyed it so much!

My favorite library branch and most convenient for me. I use the computers here quite a bit to print things out from my email, they also have a very functional copier machine. The kids section is great! Very clean and beautiful space overall. When my son was younger we we went to story time here a lot. The Librarians are so friendly here and always ask me if I need help finding a book and they almost always have to help me with the copier and printer because I am so technically challenged! Great public library :)

One of the first things I did when I moved to Austin was find a library. I know. «nerd alert!» ok, but it’s a sure way to make me feel at home. I made the Twin Oaks Branch my second home. The location is perfectly tucked away in a quiet neighborhood. The staff is always super helpful and friendly. It’s always a real treat to find my on-​hold books waiting for me to pick up. Efficient, warm, and just plain awesome.

We were looking for a new branch to frequent, since the children’s section at our nearby branch is lacking. Twin Oaks it’s just what we were looking for. The library is clean and cozy feeling.
My kids adored the children’s section, especially the entrance which has a house with little doors and a swing gate. Great for getting the kids excited about going to the library. I was pleased that all the shelves were low and accessible to children.
The meeting rooms were nice and roomy. I liked that you didn’t even have to go through the library to access them.
There is also a self-​checkout and an outdoor reading area.

What a beautiful library and location. Looking forward to using it with my new library card.

It’s a library so it takes care of the basics, But alas the friendliness/​helpfulness of the staff is not consistent.
Librarys are basically a customer service type of institution. It would be nice if the employees treated each patron as some one they want to return to their library.

Gorgeous library. It’s nice place to get lost for the day. I loved the cd collection. The newness, cleanliness, and sweet staff is a perk too…

While I agree that the hours are limiting, I looooove this library.
So pretty, cozy, clean, and with a nice back patio.
Self-​service kiosk is a win.
A few of the library people are out-​of-​their-​way nice but not all. Win some, lose some.

Boooooooooks!

Nice bright, clean, new library. It is a little small, but I usually request books online, to be picked up here.
Plus I love the staff!

Decent adult selection, I found everything I was looking for. The kids section is pretty neat, with three separate entrances based on height. My daughter ran around finding new books while I lazied in the sun on the comfy round lounger by the window. I like branches that have a separated kids section so I don’t have to worry as much about the kids disturbing those who are reading or studying. Not a whole lot to do other than read in the kids area, but my daughter did find a felt board that kept her entertained for awhile.
The staff was friendly and helpful.
Twin Oaks is one of the many branches that hosted the Super Smash Brothers Brawl video game tournament this year, which we have avidly participated in. I can’t say enough good things about the person who came up with this idea; it is just sheer brilliance and a dream come true for parent of gamers. Gamers tend to isolate a bit socially and, while they have opportunities to play with others online, it is often with people they don’t know and will never meet.
The SSBB tourney at the APL branches has really fostered a much needed sense of community among gamers. My son has only missed one tournament. He has so much fun talking shop with others who share his interests who he can actually keep in touch with and meet up with at future events. Plus, it leaves a lasting positive impression of libraries in the kids minds (for when they grow up and actually want to learn something!)

I’m a huge fan of this place. it’s close to home for me; it’s fresh and new.
I have to admit that they don’t have the largest selection of books but we have the technology to put books on hold and ship them here so it’s never an issue. Additionally, they have a great selection of DVDs. I’m always finding some interesting documentaries or TV shows. The interior space is nice and new and so relaxing.
Also, they have a self-​checkout system so that I don’t have to interact with humans. YES!!! To me, that’s a big deal. I recently took a friend to this branch and I didn’t realize that not all branches have these systems.
Tops in my book!

Their selection is good for the size of the branch. The parking lot and building are nice. But the computers are frequently all occupied.
The staff is very hit or miss with politeness. I don’t appreciate being addressed as «girl» by a librarian, but maybe that’s my issue???
Overall, I like it. It’s convenient to go in and get my books/​movies and leave. Definitely not a welcoming «sit down and read» place.

Well, the library has moved into a great space and is now an even greater asset to the community. Too bad the move seems to have brought on a new and unimproved attitude change in the staff. Don’t ask them anything unless you want a snide rebuff. Not sure what the problem is with them, but you’re on your own at Twin Oaks.

This is a small branch but its close to the house, and it has a great DVD selection.

I am updating the rating to two stars. I have a Love/​Hate relationship with this library. I love the building, the self-​serve checkout, and the CD/​DVD collection. However, the staff continues to provide extremely poor customer service. They are very rude. There are screaming teenagers all over the place, playing video games online together, loudly, so I can see how they would be a little disgruntled with their jobs there. However, that is no excuse to treat professional adults like crap. I will still support funding for Libraries in Austin, but I would like to see the staff make an effort toward being less rude.

Their new building is wonderful! It looks great both inside and out, complete with thoughtful details that make each library unique in its own way. Congrats to the APL architects and builders who continue to churn out these superb structures.
One of my favourite things is the special pink doorway that you have to duck and go through to access the children’s section — I feel like Alice in Wonderland every time I do that.
I also love Twin Oaks’ impressive selection of young audiobooks, most of which look brand new.

I made my first trip to the Twin Oaks Library as a toddler, and though my visits dwindled over the years, I know this beautiful new facility will rekindle the love affair.
The building is stunning, and the stacks are very impressive… The kid’s section will easily become one of the best handouts for wee ones in the city.
I can’t say with certainty we were the first customers, but my checkout receipt for ‘Texas Gardening the natural way’ says 10:38. My girlfriend and I used the self service kiosk, pure awesomeness!

Twin Oaks and the Downtown branches are the only two I visit. Twin Oaks for convenience, and a decent selection. They are tiny, and their hours are relatively inconvenient (thanks to funding cuts); but they offer some great Criterion movies that are hard to find, as well as some good non-​fiction. I look forward to enjoying my own version of summer reading series with Twin Oaks.