15 Things You Didn’t Know About the San Antonio Central Library

By Sara Branstetter | November 10, 2024

I love the San Antonio Central Library - like, REALLY LOVE it. The library has been one of my happy places for the last 25 years of my adulthood. I attribute this to the fact that I grew up in a small, rural town, with a very limited library. It had books and magazines and newspapers to check out, but really nothing more. And you were in a serious pickle if you needed to conduct research for school or work because even the print resources were very minimal.

This meant that acquiring books usually involved waiting for months, sometimes years, until the library was able to raise the funds necessary to purchase what you wanted. Or - and this is what happened more often than not - you gave up and ordered the book yourself. So, imagine my utter delight upon moving to San Antonio that I could get my hands on just about anything I wanted to read, and all for absolutely free!

In our ever evolving digital world, the San Antonio Central Library and the other branch locations have expanded in recent years to not just offer print material, but eBooks, audiobooks, and music. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. Libraries are not just repositories for books anymore – they are cultural centers with opportunities for education, fitness, art, technology, and community.

And the San Antonio Central Library is no exception to this. However, many people are simply unaware of all the great things they can find and do at the library, arguably a seriously undervalued resource. So here are 15 things you didn’t know about the San Antonio Central Library and the whole SA library system to help you take advantage of everything your tax dollars go to support.

ABOUT US

We’re Kelsey and Sara, two local foodies with a combined 29 years of eating in San Antonio, two travel books, and millions of blog readers. We adore local spots, rarely visit chain restaurants, and we aren't afraid to tell you the truth. After spending thousands of our own $$$ at hundreds of local hot spots, we're sharing the best with you.

1. The Size

The San Antonio Central Library, located off of Soledad on the north side of the downtown area, is absolutely HUGE. Construction was completed in May 1995 on this 6-story, 240,000 sq. ft. monster of a building that can seat up to 1300 people.

2. Newly Remodeled

The library is in the final stages of completing a massive $3 million dollar renovation that gave a much needed facelift to many floors of the library including the 1st floor entry area and 3rd floor children’s library. Floor 6 is still undergoing final renovation work.

3. World Famous Art

The San Antonio Central Library is home to a beautiful piece by a world-renowned artist. Glass artist, Dale Chihuly, is known the world over for his breathtaking and colorful works of glass art. And in 2001, he was commissioned to create an artwork for the San Antonio Central Library.

What resulted was The Fiesta Tower, a gorgeous and vibrant display of twisted glass, that is a mind-blowing 26-feet tall artwork which is suspended in the middle of the library and visible from all floors. If you are just in San Antonio for even a few days, it is worth popping into the library for a few minutes just to see this.

4. Art Exhibitions from Local Artists

But if you happen to have more time on your hands, the library hosts art exhibitions from local artists throughout the year. Just head inside the front doors and turn right. You will walk straight into a sculpture hall followed by a few galleries showcasing the mad talents of a number of local artists.

5. Learn at SAPL

Learn at SAPL is a free adult education program that offers a number of learning resources to adults looking to further their education or careers. Basic computing, English courses, yoga classes, and job-seeking support are just a few of the offerings at Learn. You can find Learn locations at a number of the libraries including the San Antonio Central Library. For more information or hours, check out the Learn at SAPL website.

6. Vinyl Records

Vinyl records have seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years and you can actually check out records direct from the San Antonio Central Library – none of the other locations offer this service. To browse the catalog of records, simply visit the MYSAPL website or app.

7. Internet Access and Laptop Checkout

The library is home to a vast number of computer terminals where guests with a library card can come in and browse the internet or conduct work. Additionally, those 13 and older can check out laptop computers for personal use directly from a kiosk for up to 3 hours at a time.

8. Outside Wi-Fi Access

The San Antonio Central Library and other branch locations offer complimentary wi-fi access between the hours of 7:30am and 10:30pm, daily. This means that anyone with a device can access the internet using the library’s wi-fi from the comfort of their own vehicle or from a bench outside, even when the library is closed.

9. Digital Library Access

In addition to the print resources found at the library, the digital catalog, which can be accessed with a library card from home, is extensive. Audiobooks, eBooks, eMagazines, eMovies, and music can all be found via the MYSAPL app, or the Libby app. Additionally, San Antonio library card holders can access Craftsy, an online resource for crafters, Udemy, a catalog of more than 12,000 on-demand video courses on a range of topics from business to design, and the Chilton Library, a digital library of how-to and repair manuals and videos.

For a complete list of all the digital offerings found at the library, check out the SA digital collections page.

10. Private Meeting Rooms Available

Businesses and non-profit organizations can rent private meeting rooms for a small fee up to two months in advance. Reservations can be by phone or in person at the specific location desired.

11. Genealogy Resources Available

The Texana Genealogy department offers a number of resources to researchers conducting historical or genealogical analysis. Currently, the department is operating on the 1st floor as the 6th floor at the San Antonio Central Library is renovated, but resources are still available in a limited capacity. For more information, click here.

12. Newly Expanded Children’s Library

Thanks to the multi-million dollar renovation, the children’s library at the San Antonio Central Library is first-rate. The littles now have access to shelves and shelves of age-appropriate reading material, a toddler play area, kid-sized computers, and a cozy story room. Check out the library’s calendar for info on daily kid-friendly activities.

13. Teen Library

There is also a dedicated teen library at the San Antonio Central Library that caters specifically to the tweens and teens in your life. Computers and print materials are available, but so are a TON of teen friendly classes, activity groups, video game get-togethers, and meet-ups that focus on all sorts of interests and hobbies. The San Antonio Library calendar provides an extensive list of teen-focused activities coming up over the next few months.

14. Children’s Low Vision Reading Room

The San Antonio Central Library has a low vision reading area that houses a large collection of resources for blind or low vision guests. Resources include books in braille, closed captioned DVDs, audiobooks, handheld magnifying glasses, interactive art, and computer narration. More accessibility information is available online.

15. Free Parking

The San Antonio Central Library has a dedicated parking garage with free parking for library patrons for up to 2 hours and 59 minutes. To take advantage of this, take your parking ticket inside the building with you and when you exit, look for a small kiosk that will validate your ticket.

For those planning to be in the library for 3 hours or more, parking is still available in the garage for a flat rate of $5 (a veritable STEAL for parking downtown).

WEBSITE | 600 Soledad St., San Antonio, TX 78205