Take a look inside Austin’s new Central Library

In what is easily Austin’s most anticipated public building completion in years, Downtown’s new Central Library will open its doors Saturday with a celebration for the whole city.

Designed by renowned regional architecture firm Lake/Flato, along with national design firm Shepley Bulfinch, the 198,000-square-foot building represents a significant moment in the creation of Austin’s civic community space. Overlooking Shoal Creek and Lady Bird Lake, the LEED Platinum-designed project anchors the Seaholm EcoDistrict, making good on the city’s commitment to sustainability by reclaiming 40,000 square feet of the former brownfield site and converting it to a community gathering space.

The 200,000-square-foot building—which replaces Downtown’s Faulk Central Library, now likely to become part of the Austin History Center—is also an actual library, of course: The flagship facility will provide access to digital information and technology and community resources, as well as traditional books.

The ambitious and artfully executed building—which Austin American Statesman arts and culture critic Michael Barnes has rightfully called a “place of consequence”—features a six-story, sunlight-filled atrium, surrounded by collections, event space, reading porches overlooking the lake and Shoal Creek, and a cookbook-themed coffee shop. The structure connects beautifully with its surroundings from both indoor and outdoor spaces, and its design is a perfect example of the kind of “Central Texas modernism” that made Lake|Flato’s reputation as well as one that is completely apt for its specific site.

Saturday’s grand opening will start at 10 a.m., and the library will be open until 6 p.m.

Courtesy of Austin Public Library