Saturday's grand opening of the new Twin Oaks Branch public library in South Austin had all the appearances of an amusement park opening, rather than that of a library, but like all things in South Austin, "cool" is found in the unexpected.

Face painters, clowns, local food vendors and a swing band all joined the celebration.

"I think everyone in the neighborhood is excited," one patron said. "We all talked about it. You can tell it's going to be a really well utilized library."

According to event organizers, at least 1,000 people filed in through the library's doors to check out its "book store" feel and unique art. Many patrons came to see their own ideas for the building come to life.

"We have a lot of design meetings with them, we get their input about what they want, and then we try to deliver," Facilities Planning Manager John Gillum said. "I would say from the looks of all the happy faces, we hit the mark."

Twin Oaks hit the mark not only for user satisfaction, but also for environmental responsibility. The library is self-sustaining.

"We have gobs amounts of solar panels on the roof, producing enough energy to power up three residential houses," Gillum said.

A rainwater silo catches water for irrigation, sensors dim the lights when there's enough sun, and the building's bricks are recycled from the post office that used to stand in its place.

"It's all new, and I like it," one young patron said.

Gillum said that's what he likes to hear.

"I guess, what makes me most proud is that the neighborhood seems to love it and embrace it," he said.

Voters approved the funding to construct the 10,000-square-foot branch in a bond election in 1998. It replaces the old Twin Oaks Branch location, which closed its doors several months ago.

The new library is located at 1800 S. 5th St.

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