What you can find at the Howson Branch:
- Access to over 40,000 books, magazines, recorded books, DVDs, and music CDs
- Public Internet computers and wireless access
- Meeting room space for public use
- Books in Chinese, Korean, and Spanish languages
- Graphic Novels
- Mid-century modern building
- Green Garden
- Solar Panel shaded parking lot
- Comfortable periodicals reading room
- Books clubs for adults and teens
- Programs for all ages - children, teens, adults
- Magazine exchange
About the Howson Branch
The Howson Branch Library opened with great fanfare in Austin’s Tarrytown neighborhood on October 5, 1960. State Senator Charles Herring, who lived in the neighborhood, gave the dedication speech while Mayor Tom Miller cut the ceremonial ribbon. Also present at the opening were Austin Public Library Director Mary Rice, and Eleanor Harris, Howson’s first librarian.
One unique aspect of Howson history is the fact that it was built not from city funds, but from the bequest of Mrs. Emilie Wheelock Howson, for whom the branch is named. A portrait of Mrs. Howson has been on display in the Library since opening day. In 1994, the Howson Branch benefited from another sizeable gift when Mrs. Jean Southerland donated funds for the addition of a periodicals reading room in the library, in honor of her late husband and local architect Louis Feno Southerland. Dedicated in 1996, the Louis Southerland Reading Room includes a decorative glass partition that was designed by Susan Fiedorek and David Heymann as part of the City’s Art In Public Places Program.
Although daily operations have changed a bit since it opened over 40 years ago, today’s Howson Branch Library continues to provide the West Austin community with good old-fashioned personal service, varied collections, and family-oriented programs, all within its warm and friendly “vintage 1960s” environment.
