This library is so beautiful and has so much character! It's old and outdated but beautiful nonetheless. I have been here a handful of times. However, my first 2 times were unsuccessful because they were closed and I had other places to be so we didn't stay. The 2nd time we came for a play day with my daughter but she fell asleep and I didn't want to wake her so I waited for her to wake up and just browsed around and played on the swings for a bit. This time we actually made it on time for play time. Very packed house today but it was a fun experience for my daughter. Especially since she's an only child. I highly recommend! It's FREE!! FYI we were informed today that the library will be closing Jan 26th until May sometime I'm glad we experienced the old version of this beautiful library! Excited to see the remodeled/ renovated version once it's done! read more

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5 stars for gorgeous landscaping, beautiful trees, and lovely architectural details. It's no wonder that people are often having photoshoots here. 5 stars for the awesome connected playground, with thoughtful separated spaces for littles under 5 and fencing so you don't have to worry about kiddos running away. 5 stars for a great kids space inside the library, with simple craft supplies and play sets for kids. The library itself is pretty small, and for a library, it may feel a little lacking. There's just not a ton of space to get lost in books. For parents with young kids, Landa Library is a great place to go! read more

Is she super cute in photos - yes Is she conducive to studying/getting work done - not really. If you need a table to get work done I do not recommend coming here. As a PA student I need to have my laptop and iPad out when I'm studying and this library is just not conducive to that. Most of the seating is chairs with the little attached desks or mini tables pulled up beside. I understand the layout of the space is not the best suited for lots of larger tables but I would really encourage the library to add some. read more

This is one of the most beautiful libraries in San Antonio that includes a very large play area and plenty of space for meeting up or having a picnic for large groups. The trees and landscaping here is kept up very well and makes it even more inviting for you to grab a book from inside and come sit down under the trees while you read. I have come here a couple of times that included one with my nephew so he could play on the playscape and run around and another to specifically get some remote work done. Both times were super pleasant and easy to find parking. I felt very safe walking the grounds and hanging out inside all the cute nooks inside the library. WiFi is strong here and the upstairs desk areas and seating allows you to have space to get your work done while overlooking the trees and playground below. Staff here are alway welcoming and helpful. They can help you figure out the layout of the library if ya ask. There are several helpful signs on how to set up an account or getting on a computer. I saw some cool upcoming community postings and announcements too. I saw a large conference room area when you walk in that is open for the public but also might be able to be reserved if you talk with the staff. I have seen several people just hanging out in chairs and reading away. It is very welcoming and such a large and unique library that it is worth walking around and checking out the views, statues, and the cool textiles here. read more

Lots of cozy nooks and crannies -- the kind of place you just want to tuck away in with a good book. I spent about an hour studying here and could've easily stayed longer. It's beautiful inside, warm and inviting, and feels like the perfect spot to slow down for a bit. read more

Landa Branch Library - Libraries Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Landa Library in San Antonio is certainly one of the nicest libraries I have ever been to aesthetic wise. It was once a private residence decades ago that was turned into a public library and you certainly feel at home coming here if you need to do some studying or just reading books. It's located in a nice area, nearby lots of activities you could do like going to the Zoo or Witte Museum. The yard outside the property with a playground which is also nice and a good place to take kids as well. It's not the biggest library, but it's a beautiful place. If you're not a local here then there isn't a ton of reasons to come here, but it's still a cool place to check out during a quick trip if you're a bookworm. read more

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One of the most unique libraries I've ever been to. It's one of the most perfect places to take your kids anytime of the day. Even if you need to get work done, the library has plenty of things to keep them occupied. I found so much peace coming here and my kids actually ask me every week to bring them here. My new favorite library in San Antonio! read more

Landa Branch Library - Libraries Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

This library is so beautiful! I have been visiting since studying in college, and I continue to enjoy working and taking meetings from here. The inside is breathtaking, as is the architecture. There a plenty of places to sit at desks, as well as books to read! The library can get extrenely busy though, so it may not be the most quiet at times. There outdoor spaces are very green and nice- perfect for studying or working outside. There is also plenty of free parking! read more

Landa Branch Library - Book shelves - Libraries Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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It's a great space- unique. I love the shaded playground right next to it for the kids, too!

We love the Landa Branch! It's a converted mansion with a huge yard. They have story time and activities like Lego building weekly. read more

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Very cute library to visit. Not a lot of space to study and it can fill up quick. In the future I'll go to another public library to study.

Landa is a perfect library for us. They have a 2-5 year old section which is CLUTCH and not offered a lot. Their study area upstairs is always quiet, comfortably at the right temperature and has a lovely view of the park downstairs. The building itself is historical and beautiful. There are a lot of local business and coffee shops around the coffee in that area. I love Landa, it's in my top 3 of libraries in SATX. I'm going to actually visit all locations before we move from San Antonio. read more

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I stumbled upon this library when looking for a place to study. What a wonderful tranquil study environment. On a level of 0 ( can hear a pin drop) to 10 (rock concert) this location is a 3 from open to about 3pm. After that it looks like there are more children so it gets noisier. When I first arrived, I explored the library to find the right spot and I found a nice empty room. They do have separate conference room as well as designated quiet areas. I will absolutely be back! Pay attentions to hours as they do changes based on the day of the week. read more

Landa Branch Library - Entrance - Libraries Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

I've been a member of the Landa Friends for a few years. My sister has been with them much longer than me. We have book sales a couple of times a year. I have to remember to create the event in Yelp. Ha, ha. There is a book cart in the lobby. Paperbacks, larger paperbacks and some hard cover books are there for $0.50 and $1.00. Just put your money in the locked cash box. On your honor. Really good deals. Some of the books are barely used. Maybe read the one time and then donated. The library itself is a converted home. So beautiful with many rooms, nooks and crannies. The grounds are immaculate and are the site of many a wedding photo. Just this past Saturday a group of photographers were there to take pictures. There is a playground. A really nice library well worth the trip if you do not live in the neighborhood. Go there. read more

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The hours of operation are incorrect. It says opens at 10am but it actually opens at noon so I have to wait 15 minutes in the heat. Not very happy right now!! They should update their hours of operation. read more

I am writing this review from the parking lot. I've been coming to Landa for months now.. to do tutoring. It's a beautiful space and everyone is very kind. The library is well kept the only thing is they're very strict with closing time which I understand. One, you want to go home two, it's their closing time. I was leaving and need it to go to the restroom, was going to take me 30 seconds and the guy looked at me sorry we have to close the building at 6:00pm. Maybe, I am overthinking this but for real? anyways - I will always recommend this library but today it wasn't not a good experience. read more

Went for a photo shoot for a Senior! It was hotter than buckets, but the staff and all the patrons were very respectful! It is such a gorgeous San Antonio treasure. Make certain to pay a visit to this local library of you are near the Pearl, the Zoo ñ, etc with your children and want a tranquil playground plus Library!! read more

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Love the look and the fact that it's cozy! My son loves the playground as well! Once took his photos in the garden in back of library with my photographer. They came out great! read more

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Beautiful property. I took my cap n gown photos on the property and it was stunning. Great place to hang out and read a book.

I really like this library. The only thing is the parking. Def go early in the morning read more

A beautiful library very involved in the community. We almost missed it, because as another reviewer said, it's an old mansion. Stepping inside was like a bookworm's paradise. Parking was a little tricky, but this is mainly because I went for an outdoor movie viewing. They had the giant inflatable screen set up, and we were told to bring whatever we needed, blankets, chairs, snacks, etc. One kind person shared their mosquito spray with us. Despite it being a hot day, the trees kept us well shaded, and as soon as it got dark, the movie was ready to go (The Greatest Showman). Audio could have been a bit higher, but that and parking were my only issues. The Landa Library is a beautiful, fun place for all ages and if you have the opportunity to enjoy one of their outdoor movie nights I highly recommend going! read more

Library is a historical building and very beautiful. The library is well maintained and the librarians are very helpful. The outdoor playground is very pretty and well shaded. read more

Very nice environment with nice staff and a garden. Recommend for a little afternoon trip.

Very cute library with beautiful architecture. The staff was very helpful and the playground is a wonderful addition!

Super super cute library and the staff are very helpful! The playground area is also really nice.

This library holds a special place in my heart. I've known it since I was little. It's an old house, and they've redone the outside adding a great playground, beautiful courtyard, and great area among trees to run around and have a performance. They built a kind of amphitheater. I had my bridal pictures taken here, and now I take my daughter to checkout books. Very helpful and sweet librarians. read more

Landa Branch Library - Libraries Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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How I've been in San Antonio for nearly 6 years and haven't known about Landa Branch Library, I don't know. It's a beautiful old Spanish-built home that was converted to a public library branch in honor of the donor's wife. Sweet story, but thank goodness for it. The place is simply beautiful. Some days I work out of my home office. I'll go basically anywhere there's free wifi and a reasonable amount of quiet. In all my searches, I've not found any place that's in Landa's league. There's a bit of must in the air, a bit of a chill that might get to some. But to not have that feel, that spirit about the building would feel out of place, I'd suspect. Working, reading and studying here is simply a pleasure. If there's anything that might take away from the experience for some -- not for me, btw -- is that there is a wonderful fun-looking play area outside and the children's section of the library dominates the downstairs. Both of these factors contribute to this branch attracting more than the normal number of small children. You'll find them chirping and stomping about the lower level. More than once I've been accosted by under-fours whose days have been enriched by some book or other or a new Elmo DVD. If that sounds like a drag, don't show up. Otherwise, come enjoy the atmosphere of the building or take a short walk around the grounds where you'll find a quaint garden, attractive landscaping, a stylized pagoda with picnic tables, a fair-sized grassy area perfect for blankets and a large number of clean, curved steel benches. Tall trees offer just enough shade to allow you time to enjoy a chapter or two. read more

Landa Branch Library - Landa Branch Library: San Antonio, TX - Libraries Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

This place had a amazing playground for the kids. Great lawns to play on and take pictures on.

The Landa Branch was closed for months to make improvements. One of the things not addressed was the chronic shortage of parking spots. All that beautiful landscaping, breaking up the parking area to preserve a parklike atmosphere. Laudable, yes. Practical... ?? Sometimes we patrons have to park off grounds, on side streets because of this inadequate design. Another problem with this library is the lack of sun and rain cover at the entry. This is San Antonio, where much of the year it is hotter than blazes. Didn't the landscape designers know how to address this issue? Or was it too great of a challenge, integrating a lightweight open structure with the old house's facade? (This is not such a difficult thing actually.) Another option: plant cedar elms in the paved approach to the front door to provide welcome shade. Inside, the library is very well kept. There are plenty of restrooms and they are exceptionally clean. (I wish the same could be said of the Main Library downtown.) The library staff is above average, although some of the ladies behind the desk sometimes come across as grumpy, as if they would like to be somewhere else. The staff this location had ten years ago was infinitely nicer. Sorry... but that's the plain truth. read more

There "ARE" no libraries like this in Houston! Just the building alone it won me over and the inside is mouth dropping. It's so beautiful and says so much about the history in San Antonio had and has. Around the back of the library is a play area for kids and families to let they're kids play or couples picnic and enjoy the scenic view. The library has about everything any other library has but being at this location does make you feel is visit this library. Location 10/10. Library 10/10. read more

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Love this library.So tucked away in its own little world yet so accessible.I love it here it's lovley and quaint. read more

Landa Branch Library - Libraries Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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This library is a gem in the Monte Vista area and it has many beautiful assets. The building is an old Spanish style mansion with beautiful design. It has a nice park for the children and a herb garden. Great views that many photographers come to take family pictures. read more

Beautiful grounds. We took quick family photos and it was beautiful here! So many small spots and well hidden. They even have a play ground. Can't wait for my baby to get bigger to play here. read more

Absolutely gorgeous library in the monte vista neighborhood. We frequent this library often especially on Tuesdays and Fridays for baby/toddler time. The playground is pretty shaded which provides us a great opportunity to get outdoors even on the hottest summer day. I often see people getting their pictures taken on the ground as it is quite lovely.Definitely a smaller library but worth the stop! read more

This library is a true gem. It's in an old house and is breathtaking inside and out. Lots of computers to use and great staff. I walked through the house and just enjoyed it's beauty when I was done. Can't wait to go back!!! read more

This is easily my favorite branch of the SA public library! It's an old mansion that they've converted into a library! You can tell it's an old house because they didn't get rid of all the decorations from the previous owner. The wooden floors creak, the stairs moan, but it's still a beautiful building. When you enter, be sure to look up at the vaulted ceiling fresco- simply beautiful. It's peeling a bit, and I wish the Landa foundation would touch it up some, but it's amazing. They have a few quiet places to read undisturbed. The outdoors garden is amazing! They've obviously put a lot of hard work into decorating the place, and have done a glorious job! They have a garden to wander through, full of flowers and veggies. They have a jungle gym and play area for the little ones, with park benches with all kinds of deep thoughts carved into the plaques. The staff has always been very accommodating, and if you flirt with them a bit, they usually let you slide on your library fines. I don't know what's up with the swastika designs on the East porch... read more

What a great place to visit!! As a book lover, an art lover, & a nature lover I found this place to be the kind of place I could visit on any day! They have a great little community garden out front labeled with the category of plantings (herbs, medicinal, fragrant, etc.), as well as beautiful grounds to explore with a playground for the kids and benches scattered here & there. The building itself is beautiful, inside & out! I love the light fixture hanging outside the front door!!!! I so want one!! It is a beautiful wrought iron dragon holding a hanging lamp in his mouth, very gothic, very beautiful!! Inside the fresco on the ceiling is breathtaking and it all just makes you go, "Ooooohhh, aaahhhhh!!" (in a hushed voice, of course). I loved the marble mantle in the children's room as well as the many paintings on the wall. There is one of Cleopatra in the meeting room that is fantastic!! The staff was very friendly and helpful. Even if you are not a resident of San Antonio & don't have a library card, this is still a great little stop I think. read more

This is hands down my favorite library in San Antonio (Central is a close second). Landa is housed in a historical grand house with antique furnishings and gilded fresco ceiling. The librarians there feel like friends or neighbors, and they are knowledgeable about local history and lore in addition to their professional librarian organizational know how. The library has been renovated recently, so there is no better time than now to get over there and enjoy the beautiful setting. Many professional photographers use the grounds for wedding and quinceanera photo shoots. Do not miss the outdoor gardens with a pavilion in a faux bois style unique to Old San Antonio. A smaller garden offers herbs that you can snip to take home. Children love the playground. Inside the library you can use free computers with internet, sit in one of several sunny rooms to read, or attend a free event. If you do not find what you are looking for, you can request the item to be delivered to Landa and held for you. There is a free community magazine exchange and there is free parking. read more

This is my new happy place! The swings: Perfect for grow ups who act like children. My husband and I stayed on the swings for 15 mins before going inside. Best. Decision. Ever. The landscape: Dreamy. Tons of places to sit and relax. There was an amazing climbing tree but we didn't go that far. Maybe next time. The library building: Again, dreamy. It had great ornate detailing. There is a dragon near the entrance. See if you can spot him. The book selection: Excellent. The staff and patrons: Super friendly. Pro tip: Have you kid's birthday party her! read more

San Antonio's Best Kept Secret! I love the Landa Branch Library. It's a beautiful library set up in an old estate in the old money area of San Antonio. The staff is amazing at this library and are really on top of things. In addition to being a library with lots of books, Landa also has DVDs for rent, for free! I love picking up movies here since I'm a college student on a budget. I can even put DVDs on hold through the online catalog and pick them up at my convenience. If you have some extra time, stop by Landa and explore all that it has to offer both inside the library and out around the grounds! read more