Texas: Take a Look Inside Austin’s New Central Library Before Saturday’s Grand Opening

UPDATED October 28 Central Library Windows Defaced a Day After Opening (via Austin American-Statesman)
UPDATED October 28 2017

UPDATED October 28 2017 Austin Public Library Says More Security Needed (via KVUE)

KXAN learned a social work intern from Texas State will be stationed part-time at the new Central Library to provide counseling and connect homeless individuals with resources in the community. Under a 2-year grant, Austin Public Library had three interns stationed at different branches. But that grant expired in August, so right now there is only one. The library hopes in the future, the city will provide a full-time social worker.

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UPDATED October 28, 2017 Updated: Photos From Austin Public Library Grand Opening (via Austin American-Statesman)
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Two articles are linked below.
From the Austin American-Statesman:

During the past 20 or so years, Austin has built many buildings, but few places of consequence.
The new Austin Central Library is a place of consequence.
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The floor surfaces in the 198,000-square-foot, multi-angled structure are made of cut mesquite blocks, so hard a material that it once was used to pave streets in San Antonio. The vast windows and interior surfaces transmit huge volumes of natural light, while perforated metal sunscreens, sometimes rendered as screen porches, sometimes as literary quotations punched through the metal, protect the airy six floors of the library from heat and glare.
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An events room that can hold more than 600 standing guests — perhaps 400 for a seated dinner — will go to the top of any event planner’s list for film, literary, arts or other gatherings. Parking is available below deck, not just for cars, but also separately for bikes, for which the library has hired a “bike concierge” on the Shoal Creek trail for cycling needs.
The foundation helped provide elements and programs not covered by the $125 million project, which ended $5 million over its original budget projection, and for which $90 million was raised through public bonds. The group will hold a gala at the library on Friday, the day before the general public is invited to explore all its nooks and crannies.

Read the Complete Article, View Images
From Texas Monthly: “A Look Inside Austin’s New Central Library”
Slideshow.
See Also: Official Grand Opening News Release
Direct to Central Library Web Site
 

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