Everyone knows the library is the place for freebies: free books, free movies, free Internet—even free A/C in the heat of an Austin summer. But seriously, compared to lots of libraries I’ve had the pleasure of haunting, the Austin Public Library truly brings their A-game. They’ve got a collection of zines at the main branch (Faulk Library), in addition to their extensive magazine subscriptions, and some of their branches (Spicewood Springs) even have drive-through pick-up service, so you can reserve your books online and drive (or bike, or walk!) up to grab your books on the run. Sweet!

Austin Public Library card - passport to Book Heaven

I’m also a huge fan of the Faulk Library’s “self-serve” reserve section. Reserve your book online, and when it’s available they email you to come pick it up. Instead of waiting for a librarian to help you out when, let’s face it, they’ve got plenty of more important things to be doing, they’ve got your book on a special shelf (just to the right of the main staircase) where you can locate it under your last name. Then, use the easy automated system to check that puppy out.

How will they know it’s YOU and not somebody else trying to check out your reserved book, swiping your spot in the literary line? Once reserved, only the person whose card reserved the book can check it out. It’s a neat use of technology, and a cool way of allowing librarians more time to help people with their research, rather than the mundanities of shuttling books around.

Speaking of better things to do, just look at this crazy laundry list of services they offer! Everything from chatting with librarians online or by phone to blogs with recommended reads, book clubs galore, weekly Spanish practice groups, and even events like free movie nights.

One of my favorite services is the TexShare card, which enables library members in good standing (i.e. those with no fines!) to borrow directly from university libraries, such as UT’s amazing Fine Arts Library. If you haven’t discovered this gem of a library yet, I’m sharing my secret with you today: check out as many CDs, DVDs and books as you like with your honorary UT library card. Yes, y’heard right. CDs, DVDs and books galore!

UT’s Fine Arts Library has an excellent collection of all kinds of classical music, jazz and even select modern music of the pop/rock and rap varieties. If you’ve been looking for that rare Miles Davis album, it’s a safe bet that they’ll have it; and if you’re looking for Biggie CDs, well, they might have a few of them, too.

Only one word of warning: Some of the music and movies are for library use only, as they’ve been flagged for UT classes. You can listen or watch ‘em on a library station, or bring a laptop of your own for this purpose, but they can’t leave the library. Sadly, I discovered that Blade Runner is one of those flicks during a recent trip. But on the plus side, at least you know Blade Runner‘s always available for a quick sci-fi pick-me-up, right?

So, if you need someplace to beat the heat as the temps in Austin soar, or just want to rock it with freebies, check out the APL—and UT’s Fine Arts Library. Word. Adjective. Verb.

P.S. Extra bonus points for those with an APL Gold Card. Seriously, is this thing cool or what? It’s totally on my To Do list, now that I’ve discovered its gilded elite existence (and at $25, it’s a steal of a deal to support your local library in style).