The Signs Of Austin

Austin Public Library

2200 Hancock Dr

The Yarborough Branch of the Austin Public Library was originally the Americana Theater, which was built in 1965 by Trans-Texas Theaters owner Earl Podolnick. It was designed by local architect William B. Saunders and thrived as a single-screen theater throughout the 60s and 70s. It saw a steady decline in the 80s, was closed down in 1988, and purchased by the City of Austin in 1993 with plans of turning it into a library. Several temporary libraries had existed in the area, including a branch in the Allandale Shopping Center and the former Atheist Center on Hancock Drive. The building and sign serve as a model of adaptive reuse.