Time to dust off your library card. Austin just made libraries cool again.

This week our Zilker Media Digital Marketing team ventured to the Seaholm District to explore the Austin’s new Central Library. The library opened to the public this past Saturday and has been filled with people ever since.

The nearly 200,000 square foot building is a sight to be seen with an incredible layout featuring towering staircases, large windows overlooking some of the best downtown views, collaborative workspaces and more. This place is more than a book lover’s dream come true. It’s a perfectly designed landmark that encourages innovation for children and students and provides inspiration for Austin’s most creative minds. If you work remotely or just need a place to unwind with gorgeous scenery, we highly recommend making your way to the library.

Below our team shares their top five favorite things from this new Austin hotspot.

Staircase

The industrial staircase is on centerstage here at the library. Towering five stories high and alternating at each level you climb, it’s an Instagram worthy shot that you just can’t pass up.

Reading Room

While this library isn’t the most quiet library you will ever go to, it does have a designated space to escape the noise and focus with picturesque views and a featured literary quote wall that spans the outside of the building. You can come in here to work, study or (you guessed it) read!

Rooftop Workspace

Rooftop workspaces are a must when you live in a city that has summer nine months out of the year, and the library’s rooftop is breathtaking. It has gorgeous sights, great amounts of workspace and a garden. I promise you this is a sight you don’t want to miss.

Technology Petting Zoo

The name Technology Petting Zoo obviously makes it a fan favorite alone. Here you can test your creativity with a VR headset amongst other new and innovative technology.

Coming Soon: Cookbook!

Cookbook is the new cafe that is soon to open here at the library courtesy of ELM Restaurant Group, the company behind Easy Tiger, 24 Diner, and Irene’s. The menu will feature items from various cookbooks within the library. We can’t wait till it opens!

The Austin Public Library is guaranteed to be added to Austin’s must-see tourist attractions list but will remain a local’s favorite for years to come.