John Gillum Branch, Austin Public Library — Attraction in Austin

*UPDATE Several weeks ago, I went to this library to dp some work. I had my dog with me again, but since he couldn't come in the library, I left him in my car, with a sunscreen in the front window, the windows were cracked, and he had ice water to drink. While I was inside, I heard an announcement over the intercom, so I gathered my things and went outside, where a man was standing and on a phone. I asked him if he was asking about my car, and pointed to my vehicle stating that I left my dog in an hot car. I told him that I had parked my car in the shade, the windows were cracked, my dog had ice water and I was limiting my time at the library. Then, I told the man, that it wasn't any of his business. He replied by saying that this is his library. I replied that it was NOT his library, that it is Austin's library. I also told him that he is harrassing me; first he told me that I can't bring my dog into the library, then he tells me about MY dog in MY car. The other thing that is a shortcoming about that particular library branch is that their wifi doesn't even reach into the front row of parking spaces. So this man who is the branch manager is preventing a library patron from using the resources. He shut up after that.

A man approached and a if my dog is service animal. I stated yes, then I was approached by a woman who asked what kind of service animal he is. I told the woman. She then told me that the library does not allow that sort of service animal. I told her that I was not happy and that I would contact the head librarian's office, which I did. To date, the person has yet to contact me. At this point, just fix your...

I am fairly new to the Austin Public Library system as I had been living in Hutto. But, I have to say of the branches I have visited thus far, this one is hands down my favorite!

It has a book return drop box, so you can return outside library hours or if you just don't have the time to go inside.

I also love the facility itself. It looks new and is very well kept, no clutter or books/DVDs/CDs strewn about. I also like that the "quiet" rule seems to be enforced here as there were not unruly children running around unsupervised or talking on cell phones as I have witnessed in other branches.

There is a self-checkout console and the holds pickup section is quick and easy, so you can be in an out in a flash!

But, I must say, the people here are what make the big difference for me! All of the library staff here that I have interacted with have been very kind, helpful, and seemed to be in a genuine jovial mood!

Definite plus for APL across the board is their awesome website! Super user-friendly with a lot...

Don’t even THINK about bringing in your overheated senior service dog WITHOUT sharing just EXACTLY is WRONG with you for you to need a ‘service’ dog…. A man in a stifling mask will politely be as rude as he can. First he assumes the dog is not a service dog even though there is a visible Service dog harness. Then he continues to question, trying to prove that you and your dog in fact do NOT belong there… anyone could make up any illness when questioned. I declined to provide my exact medical condition. I said this dog will let me know when the area I am in is unsafe for my condition and when I need to leave and go somewhere more safe for my condition. He said alright, I’ll let you this time. I felt so uncomfortable I just decided to leave after we cooled down a bit.

I don’t know what was up with this creep but this is the greediest town in the greediest state in America and I guess I would expect nothing less than to be made to feel inferior by the staff in a...