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Exterior of Menchaca Road Branch library

Austin Public Library Postpones Old Quarry Branch Reopening and Menchaca Road Branch Closure

Austin Public Library Postpones Old Quarry Branch Reopening and Menchaca Road Branch Closure

Additional utility and electrical infrastructure work remains before the renovated branch can safely open to the public


Austin, TX – Austin Public Library announced today that the reopening of the Old Quarry Branch Library, previously scheduled for June 22, 2026, has been postponed. The Grand Reopening Celebration event planned for June 27, 2026, will also be rescheduled.

During final utility coordination and building commissioning, additional electrical infrastructure and approval requirements were identified that must be completed before the branch can safely open to customers and staff. The library and construction contractors are currently working toward reopening later this summer. Austin Public Library will announce a specific reopening date for the branch, and a new date for the Grand Reopening Celebration, once the remaining work is finalized.

“The renovated Old Quarry Branch is going to be an incredible community asset, and it is important that the remaining infrastructure work and approvals are completed before the building reopens,” said Austin Public Library Director Hannah Terrell. “We appreciate the community's patience and look forward to welcoming customers back to the Old Quarry Branch as soon as the project is ready.”

The renovation project has transformed the branch into a brighter, more flexible, and more welcoming space while preserving its role as a neighborhood gathering place. Renovation highlights include:

  • A completely modernized interior layout and updated design
  • A new outdoor reading patio
  • All-new literacy and learning zones for children and teens
  • New shelving, flooring, furnishings, and fixtures
  • Upgraded HVAC and building systems
  • Technology, accessibility, and sustainability improvements throughout the building
  • Comprehensive asbestos abatement and other infrastructure upgrades

To minimize the impact on library customers caused by simultaneous branch closures, Austin Public Library has also postponed the planned closure of the Menchaca Road Branch Library, which had previously been scheduled to begin after June 14, 2026. The branch will remain open until closer to the Old Quarry reopening date, helping maintain access to library services in the system while work at Old Quarry is completed.

The Menchaca Road Branch renovation project remains planned and will include:

  • A redesigned and modernized interior layout
  • New dedicated areas for children and teens
  • Literacy and learning zones with colorful, child-scaled design elements
  • Technology upgrades and infrastructure improvements
  • Updated furnishings, shelving, and finishes
  • Additional accessibility and sustainability improvements

Updates on the Old Quarry reopening and the revised Menchaca Road renovation schedule will be posted on Austin Public Library's Closures, Renovations, and Construction Updates page: https://library.austintexas.gov/closures 

 

 

ORIGINIAL PRESS RELEASE: 

Reimagined Old Quarry Branch reopens June 22 with reopening celebration on June 27; Menchaca Road Branch to close June 14 for major modernization project

Austin Public Library is excited to announce the reopening of the Old Quarry Branch Library following a major renovation project, as well as the upcoming temporary closure of the Menchaca Road Branch Library for its own modernization improvements.

The Old Quarry Branch Library will reopen to the public on Monday, June 22, 2026, with a free community Grand Reopening Celebration taking place on Saturday, June 27 beginning at 10 a.m.

“We are excited to welcome the community back into a reimagined Old Quarry Branch Library,” said Austin Public Library Director Hannah Terrell. “The renovations have transformed the building into a brighter, more flexible, and more welcoming space while preserving the branch’s important role as a neighborhood gathering place. These investments help ensure the library can continue serving the community for decades to come.”

The renovated Old Quarry Branch has been redesigned and updated from the inside out, with improvements including:

  • A completely modernized interior layout and updated design for a brighter, more welcoming space
  • A new outdoor reading patio
  • All new literacy and learning zones for children and teens
  • New shelving, flooring, furnishings, and fixtures
  • Upgraded HVAC and building systems
  • Technology, accessibility, and sustainability improvements throughout the building

The project also included comprehensive asbestos abatement and other infrastructure upgrades to support the long-term future of the branch.

Additional details about the Grand Reopening Celebration, including activities and performers, will be announced on the library’s website.
 

Old Quarry Branch Library Grand Reopening Celebration
Saturday, June 27, 2026 – 10 a.m.
7051 Village Center Dr., Austin, TX 78731
Free and open to the public


As Old Quarry reopens, Austin Public Library is also preparing for the next major branch renovation project.

The Menchaca Road Branch Library will temporarily close for renovations beginning after business on Sunday, June 14, 2026, which will be the branch’s final day open to the public before construction begins. The branch is anticipated to remain closed for approximately one year while the work takes place.

The renovation project at the Menchaca Road Branch will include:

  • A redesigned and modernized interior layout for a brighter, more welcoming experience
  • New dedicated areas for children and teens
  • Literacy and learning zones with colorful design, floors, and shelving scaled to young children
  • Technology upgrades and infrastructure improvements
  • Updated furnishings, shelving, and finishes
  • Additional accessibility and sustainability improvements

Previous work at the branch has already included roof and HVAC upgrades, allowing this next phase of renovations to focus on improving the customer experience and functionality of the space.

Austin Public Library encourages customers who regularly use the Menchaca Road Branch to visit nearby locations during the closure, including:

  • Twin Oaks Branch Library
  • Pleasant Hill Branch Library
  • Hampton Branch at Oak Hill Library

The Old Quarry Branch and Menchaca Road Branch renovations, along with the ongoing renovations of the Willie Mae Kirk Branch and the parking lot updates at the Hampton Branch at Oak Hill are among the final Austin Public Library projects funded by 2018 bond funds.

Updates on the project, including plans, renderings, and additional information about the Menchaca Road Branch renovation project will be posted on Austin Public Library’s Closures, Renovations, and Construction Updates page: https://library.austintexas.gov/closures