By Bill Oakey – November 3, 2017
You owe it to yourself to check out the new Central Library. It is a fabulous showcase, so much more than just a library. There is an art gallery, gift shop, restaurant and rooftop garden. Plus several event spaces available for rent. The views from the building are stunning, and the atmosphere is unlike any library you’ve ever seen in a library.
But there is just one problem…It’s that horribly ugly thing called parking. Fortunately, the first 30 minutes are free. So, it won’t cost you anything to drop off some books or pick up books that you placed on hold. But the clock will be ticking and here’s how the parking fees will add up:
From 31 minute up to an hour – $3.00
Over 1 hour, up to 2 hours = $5.00
Over 2 hours, up to 7 hours = $7.00
Over 7 hours, up to 10 hours = $9.00
The peak is $30.00 for over 12 hours. If you fall asleep for that long, you probably deserve to be charged that much!
How Much Do Other Cities Charge for Central Library Parking?
- In San Antonio, parking is free for up to 3 hours.
- In Dallas, parking is free for the first 15 minutes, then it’s $.75 per hour for the next two hours.
- In Fort Worth, parking is free for 2 1/2 hours.
- Houston charges $2.00 per hour, but surely we can do anything better than Houston!
- Even Los Angeles only charges $1.00 for the first hour and a flat rate of $1.00 after 3:00 PM on weekdays and all day Saturday and Sunday.
Stay Tuned…
I have been in touch with library officials and several members of the City Council. This battle looks like it might be winnable. Keep your fingers crossed! In the meantime, you should go down there and check out this amazing facility.
Read Kylie McGivern’s KXAN news report on Central Library parking here.
Musical Accompaniment for This Blog Piece:
- “My Heart Is An Open Book” – Carl Dobkins, Jr.
- “You Can’t Judge a Book By Its Cover” – Bo Diddley
- “Book of Love” – The Monotones
- “I Could Write a Book” – Peggy Lee
- “Fun Fun Fun” – The Beach Boys (rare stereo version)
Austin Affordability 
Bill,
During the period I worked for Ora Houston we discussed the new central library for her constituents, her district. Next to the cost of the library itself, the cost of parking was at the top of her list. I asked senior management as opportunity presented but mostly with, we now see, a half lie, of we are âtryingâ on the parking issue.
Simply, if it cost too much to park, District 10âs citizens would not use the library.
As to yours truly, I am not long an Austin citizen. Over and over and over and overâ¦..bad results out of city management and city hall have cost us our quality of life and make it harder and harder to live here.
Itâs just no fun anymore.
On the parking issue at the new central library, the constituent politics should have 9 districts, and their council members, upset at the corporate rate being pushed down library using working class.
Sincerely,
Richard Viktorin