University Hills Branch Library

There are some very good points about the library. First of all, the staff is wonderful. They are very helpful and friendly (wish I could say the same about other branches). If someone is talking on their cell phone, they will actually ask the person to take their call outside. They seem to be a caring group of people. The downside: this place can be very ghetto. If watching Latino gang members argue is your thing, you may not mind. Or a bunch of kids running around and screaming. i remember when libraries were quiet places… sigh

University Hills 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!)
Beyond that, I found the library to be small, but considering the population that it serves, I feel they are doing a good job. I’m sorry, but it is just a fact that people from lower socioeconomic groups AS A WHOLE (not referring to individuals) read less than those from higher income brackets. Therefore, a huge library here is going to cost more to the city and serve less.
It did do my heart good to see the Youth room full of kids, even if most of them were on computers. They do have board & card games available to play as well as toys for the younger kids. Only a small section, but honestly I haven’t been to a branch YET that has this available. The room here COULD be bigger, as I believe the key to increasing readership in these smaller libraries is to engage the younger generation on a constant basis.
I also noticed they do have a good selection of books geared toward different ethnic audiences here. The actual children’s book section is a decent size, but again, it could be bigger and more engaging.
Overall the experience was good. I hope they continue to do outreach programs (like the video game tournaments) that at the very least seek to bring children into the library and give them a positive experience with the library. Libraries aren’t just places for books, they are places of KNOWLEDGE and however the library can engage these kids today to make them value knowledge is a positive thing.
NOTE: WiFi is free, but slightly slower than other branches.

Ok, first off, I have to admit that I am just unimpressed, and annoyed even, at the overall experience of the Austin Public Library system. If you haven’t lived anywhere outside of Austin, you truly don’t know what you’re missing when it comes to public libraries!!!
I have found the APL system to be both an extreme disappointment and inconvenient. They are closed on Fridays and Sundays at many branches. I have never before lived in a city (even a small city!) where the library closes any day of the week, especially on Friday! I have also visited the Yarborough branch, and from my experiences, branches lock the exterior book drop during business hours. So much for quickly dropping off a book without parking your car and going inside. I have also been sorely disappointed with the timeliness of receiving a reserved book. APL does not purchase NEARLY enough copies of newly released or popular books, especially for a city of this size, which often leads to a wait time of several months for a highly sought after book.
The one positive of the Austin Public Library system, though not at all unique to APL. is the online library and reservation system. I do appreciate being able to reserve a book online to be picked up at my nearest branch.
The University Hills branch is a tiny one, with an extremely limited on site collection of books & materials. I primarily use this branch to pick up books I’ve selected and reserved online, since it’s location is less than 5 minutes from my house. I will share a positive word about the staff at the University Hills branch. I have found them to be friendly & helpful when I stop in.
Coming from lands of drive through pick-​up windows and coffee carts in your nearest branch, I think that the APL system could learn a few things and leaves a LOT to be desired. Especially considering the exhorbitant property taxes I pay to the city each year. If only they would use that money for things I actually care about & use…