Austin Public Library Locations

Faulk Central Library

512-974-7400
Monday - Thursday11am - 8pm
Friday - Saturday10am - 6pm
Sunday12pm - 6pm

The Austin Public Library opened in 1926. The present Central Library building was constructed in 1979. In 1995 the Central Library was renamed John Henry Faulk Central Library in honor of local writer and free speech hero John Henry Faulk. As the main library, Faulk Central serves as the reference and collection backbone for the entire Austin Public Library system.

Upcoming Events at the Faulk Central Library

Faulk Central Library Blog

Friday, January 25

We’re three weeks in to 2013 which tends to be a time when people start to realize they haven’t done as well on all their new year’s resolutions as they’d hoped. But it’s not too late to get a jump on your goals and make up for lost time. And the library can help!

Several people I’ve talked to recently have resolved to begin learning a new language or brush up on a second language they’ve been neglecting. Trying to decide where to begin can be overwhelming. Counter intuitively, I find it especially tricky when you know just a bit of a language and don’t want to begin at the very beginning with numbers and greetings. But the library’s got you covered and has even compiled an Information Guide which lists a variety of language learning resources available to you through the library or free online.

The Info Guide also includes some tips on searching the catalog for language instruction resources and finding items written in a language besides English.

Now is a great time to try out PowerSpeak Languages, which is a subscription service the library pays for on your behalf. You can use this interactive online tool anywhere with internet access to help you with your lessons in Spanish, French, Mandarin Chinese, German, Italian, Korean, Russian and English for Spanish and Mandarin speakers.

If you’re interested in learning a language that we don’t currently have materials for, please feel free to fill out a Suggest a Title form so that our librarians can look into purchasing something for you! And as always, feel free to contact us if you need help locating or using any of our resources.

Happy learning!

Tuesday, January 22

We like series. Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, The Girl With…, Rabbit Angstrom, Downton Abbey. A series offers security and comfort. We have entered its world and know the next installation will offer something rooted in the familiar and something new. Taschen publishes an architecture series –Architecture Now!that ticks these boxes. I know the series format, but am happily surprised by the content every time. Each installment features projects by architects famous and not so famous. Each project profile includes a short introduction to the architect and a handful of beautiful pictures of the project. Many of the projects I quickly enjoy while flipping the pages, but some stick with me, like the public library in Medellin, Colombia; Santiago Calatrava’s fish gills bridge, and Peter Zumthor’s field chapel. These are structures I hope to see in person.   

 The Architecture Now! Series provides a walking tour of the world. So far there are eight books in the original series and Taschen has published material (wood) and industry (shopping) specific editions along with a variety of other focuses.  

 

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