Austin Public Library (now Austin History Center)
historic place
This location in Travis County is home to Austin's first permanent public library building. The Austin Public Library's journey began in 1925, with its initial opening in a rented room in 1926. Designed by architect Hugo Kuehne in the Italian Renaissance Revival style, this building opened in March 1933 at West 9th and Guadalupe Streets. It showcased local craftsmanship, including ironwork by Fortunat Weigl and woodcarving by Peter Mansbendel. This structure served as Austin's main public library until 1979. In 1983, it was renovated and reopened as the Austin History Center. A historical marker, erected in 1993, designates this Recorded Texas Historic Landmark. It highlights the building's 1933 completion, its Italian Renaissance style, and its role in Austin's civic history.