The San Antonio Central Library is such an iconic staple to the San Antonio community and I think everyone should visit this amazing library at least once a year! This amazing library is located in the heart of downtown and was built by renowned Mexican architect, Ricardo Legorreta. The building is absolutely stunning and has actually been featured in Hollywood movies. If you love art as much as I do you'll be happy to hear that they have a Chihuly inside the library, as well as other pieces of art by very popular artists. The San Antonio Central Library is so much more than a local library. Within the building, you can find other nonprofits that help support small businesses in our community, as well as numerous events they host almost daily. One of my favorite parts about the SA Central Library is their second-hand bookstore located in the basement. You can find some true gems in there, and all the money raised from sales goes back to the library. If you have children I highly recommend exploring their kids' section. My kid loves to play in that area and the staff there is always amazing! Last but not least, the library has its own parking lot and you can get up to three hours of free parking when visiting. You just have to validate your ticket at one of the kiosks located by the entrance. read more

I ended up at the San Antonio Central Library kind of randomly... I just needed a restroom and figured I'd stop in. I got there right when they opened and there were a lot of unhoused people outside, which caught me a little off guard at first. But once I got inside, it felt like a completely different space. What I didn't expect was the art. They have a gallery area with rotating exhibits, and the pieces they had up when I went were actually really nice. It didn't feel like a typical library moment at all. I also wandered upstairs and there's this big blown glass sculpture that's hard to miss. Super pretty and kind of unexpected. I didn't check out any books or anything, so I can't speak to that side of it, but if you're nearby, it's worth popping in just to walk around for a bit. read more

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The San Antonio Central Library (also known as the "Enchilada Red" library) is such an iconic spot downtown, both inside and out. Once you're inside, there's so much to take in. As you explore, you eventually notice the big glass art piece hanging in the atrium above, a stunning Chihuly installation, along with several other beautiful art pieces throughout the building. Some are permanent and some rotate, which makes each visit feel a little different. Every time I visit, I leave feeling really grateful to live in San Antonio and have access to a place like this. And beyond the art, it's also an incredible library. I'm a book club girlie, and I have to say the book selection at SAPL is world-class. The Central Library itself is spacious and airy, the staff are kind and helpful, and the whole place genuinely feels like it belongs to the community. Whether you're there for the books, the architecture, or just a quiet moment downtown, it's always worth the visit. A true San Antonio treasure! read more

San Antonio Central Library - Libraries Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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So, about 1 million years ago, I used to come to this library quite regularly to stock up on reading material. There's always a large selection of new books and DVDs. Plus, I always feel like there is so much to see and so many areas to explore. Sadly, I haven't been to this library quite as much anymore, but every time I come here, I discover something else. Today, I discovered that you can rent out fishing equipment and laptops from the library. I really think this is a spectacular library with many amenities. They have a business resource center, a Texas genealogy area, an art gallery, a Latino section and resource area, and of course fascinating, art all over the place. It really is one of the best that San Antonio has to offer. Just a quick side note: they do get a lot of homeless people. Today in particular, due to the cold, it was fairly full. At one point, when I was looking for a book, there was an individual who kept getting louder and louder the longer I stood there looking at the shelf. However, most of the people there are just simply trying to get out of the cold and do their own thing. I do think that if you live in San Antonio, you should visit this library at least once. It has so many resources and so much to offer to city residents. read more

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I normally enjoy this library and appreciate having a dedicated area for job searching, but honestly the "quiet" expectations are not enforced there at all. Staff frequently talk loudly with each other near the computers, and many people are allowed to use phones/watch videos at the stations, which make it very difficult to focus on resumes, applications, and interviews. Ironically the downstairs area with much heavier traffic is often quieter and more respectful than the designated job-search section. I understand libraries want to be welcoming and avoid conflict, but some balance is needed. People using that area are often trying to apply for jobs, attend virtual interviews (in the soundproof booth), or complete important paperwork and need more consistently quiet environment. read more

Lovely library ! They have such beautiful views within from art, to decor, and beautiful colors all around. They have lots of computers available for use which is very nice. They also offer access to the book cellar which is really great to take home books for good. Although there is a parking garage they offer free parking for 3 hours for just visiting the library. The library staff is nice and helpful. The place was very clean and all the books were organized. All around a very great library to visit! read more

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MAJESTIC. The last time I was at The Red Enchilada was over ten years ago for a job interview. I was there for a Yelp event, but I did have some small business to attend to before I went to that. I'm a huge fan of BiblioTech, and I also wanted alternatives to big name streaming services, so I downloaded Kanopy on my app and TV. I had registered for a temporary library card but I kept forgetting to go in-person to a library (even a branch - Cody Library is the closest to me) to get my permanent card number. So before I trekked downstairs, I approached the front desk and asked to get a library card. The front desk clerk was SO NICE. She explained everything thoroughly, and the two sections where returns needed to be at the main library (vinyls and latino collection). The return policy is also very generous, so I think digital checkout is definitely going to be my preferred option. Overall this library is so beautiful and spacious. I wish I lived closer to it. read more

Our central library is so amazing! Their gallery walls are always filled with free amazing art. The art book section is HUGE. They have hundreds of titles. It's always peaceful, clean, and staffed by helpful people who care deeply about our rights to have uninhibited access to knowledge. I love this library! They have a great basement store with dirt cheap books, and a huge catalog of movie titles to rent, as well! Check it out! read more

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Good library. Have lot of different topics to chose from. They even have a basement and sell books there. Been here for years and love it Think they used to have a coffee shop but think it closed. Have different events here as well like book festival which I love read more

This library is beautifully set up. With wonderful art work and a great amount of setting for people to sit and enjoy. Getting a new card since we just moved here was very simple. The Librarian was very helpful and informative. Once you have a card there are 29 local libraries you can use. They have DVD's, Vinyls, VIDEO TAPES! Magazines, newspapers- everything you could want and more. The area is very clean. Multiple bathrooms. Parking is very easy- covered parking $5 an entire day or you can get it Validated within 3 hours for FREE parking. Highly recommend a visit here if you're into a calm relaxing area! read more

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My first time here and definitely will not be my last!! Especially since I got a library card! Yay! Clearly I was geeking out and I did not want to leave after the Yelp event we attended here! This library itself is a historic gem! So much natural light, beautiful artwork, a very large selection and a secret "Cellar" downstairs! Highly, highly recommend! One of my new favorite hideaways! Staff is so kind and helpful. Thank you! read more

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Clean, nice art work/gallery on the 1st floor. Clean restrooms on just about each floor, and the staff is helpful. read more

San Antonio Central Library - The Real Book of Real Estate by Robert Kiyosaki and a gooooooood view. - Libraries Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

First time in a long time to the Central Library. It was a field trip for the kids. They had a blast. I truly enjoy taking them to a place where they can have fun, relax and enjoy quiet so ace while exploring their imagination and creativity. The staff were great. All friendly from, Ms. Kaylee at the front desk to the team at the children's department. For newcomers they have a scavenger hunt. The Central Library is clean, spacious, and wonderful. Parking is free for three hours with validation, but one can spend hours here. Happy space, happy place. read more

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I'm glad I finally went to this library downtown. It's huge and on Thursdays-Sundays they have the Book Cellar open downstairs which sells books for as low as .50 or $1. They also have an extensive selection of books/magazines, etc in Spanish. The staff here couldn't have been friendlier and helped me find everything I was looking for plus shared a bunch of information about events. They are repainting the courtyard outside and will host more events there like outdoor movies for free. read more

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I was there for a cumbia and bachata class. The class was excellent detailing the different types of cumbia and bachata styles in Latin American countries and how to combine them in social dances. The class started with basic patterns then partner dancing with pattern movements. Library staff were fantastic, facilitating the instructors and participating as well. read more

San Antonio Central Library - Cumbia Class - Libraries Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

The library recently underwent a three million dollar renovation so I was interested in seeing the changes. The main differences are renovated bathrooms, more technology including computers in the children's section, and of course a new coat of that outdoor bright paint. There are self check out stations now, so much faster to check out or renew a book. If you are not a library member I highly recommend joining because it's FREE and they have online books, magazines and all kinds of downloads. The book festival runs once a year in April and offers a chance to meet authors and attend book signings. If visiting the library they have a private garage by the entrance and if you take the ticket inside there is a machine that will validate it for three hours. If you have kids check online because they offer all kinds of activities. read more

San Antonio Central Library - Libraries Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Me and the kiddos had a blast visiting the Central Library this weekend. We participated in the Creppy Creatures art session and made some Halloween art out of clay. We walked around and looked at books and art all over. Visited the teen room and my youngest got his first library card. Everyone was so friendly and helpful when we didn't know where to go. They already want to go back. read more

I took my family with me and it was the first time for all four of us. first impression? The place was huge. second, it's very clean. we did notice a few homeless people here and there. surprisingly, if you mind your own business, they don't bother at all. Not sure why it bothers so many people. That's just my experience though. The library was clean and well kept. It was also the middle of the week, late afternoon so it was nice and empty, a personal favorite. we headed straight for the children's book section. i have a 2 year old and an 8 year old and this area kept them busy for well over an hour. the librarians were extremely friendly and made a good effort with the children. Not just my children, but the others there too. They seemed genuinely pleased to have us and it was such a welcoming feeling. read more

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What went well at the library is the environment is very nice. Additionally, the bookstore is nice as well.

I love this library! Organized and efficient with plenty of places to sit. Feels secure because there are constantly security guards patrolling. Check out the vault too! It's awesome down there read more

Books constitute capital. A library book lasts as long as a house, for hundreds of years. It is not, then, an article of mere consumption but fairly of capital, and often in the case of professional men, setting out in life, it is their only capital. Thomas Jefferson read more

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I was in training classes at this library over the last couple of days and am completely impressed. The art is gorgeous....love the Botero horse sculpture near the front door. All library staff were really friendly and helpful (including the security guards). The shelves seemed well stocked and the meeting rooms were impressive. I know others have complained about the homeless issue. Get over it, that's modern urban public libraries. read more

After moving to San Antonio, I immediately noticed this bright red, modern building with weird purple balls and yellow squares attached to it down town. Modern art museum? Had to be. I was shocked when I learned that it was actually the San Antonio library. I don't know if y'all know it, but the majority of book-loving people have nothing (I mean, zero, zilch, nada) as cool as this book-filled, modern mix of library and museum. I made my way down there just a few weeks ago because I was helping a family member do some family research about an ancestor. On the 6th floor, they have a family history center complete with classes on how to do research and bright and bushy-tailed staff members who know all about scary things like microfiche and archival paper. Having never been to the library, I was a bit distracted by the soaring ceilings, amazing art and general coolness of this place. The security guards and parking garage really do make the library seem like a museum, but one that is free and loans you happy things, like brand spankin' new books and movies. I have to give props to the city of San Antonio for putting some major resources into this place. Yeah, when I went they were doing construction, which was obvious while I rode the cardboard covered elevators, but with a library this cool, who cares if you have to wade through a bit of construction mess? In my opinion, it just shows that they are putting in effort to keep this place top-notch. People from little towns where libraries smell like coffee and mold know this library is a true gem. Give thanks for what you've got, people! read more

I really had my hopes up when visiting this building. It was opened in 95 and designed by well known Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta and I usually appreciate his spaces, scale, and proportions. Fortunately, the parking was free. If not, then I would really struggle to find something positive about this visit. Every area of this building, interior and exterior, was covered in scaffolding and construction paper. Every surface that wasn't currently being worked on was dirty and a slight smell to it. The entrance is not at all people friendly and seems like a commercial cul-de-sac more than a library entrance. The building has no context to the surrounding area in color or shape and seems a little like tooth ache... It's painful because you're constantly aware of it. Since I was an out of towner, I can't speak to the ease of checking out books, or the selection, but they seemed adequate. The computer terminals were full of men either playing farmville or surfing google for porn. I think the best thing the building had going was the outdoor courtyards at various levels that were intended to be used as reading rooms. Unfortunately, every single one of them was closed to the public and now only cater to pigeon nests. read more

San Antonio Central Library - Libraries Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

The San Antonio Library offers 6 floors of nerd filled bliss! I was pretty intimidated by its size and all the books they carry but ultimately I was in my element, I love books! We needed more than the hour I paid for street parking so we had to make our trip fast. Getting a library card is easy, fill out the application and show them your drivers license(must live in San Antonio) and they hand you your ever glowing card. There's plenty of work space on all floors with their large tables, you can trace your family history on the 6th floor, search for internships/employment opportunities on the 5th floor, and check out the latest CD's/DVD's on the 1st floor. There's art everywhere, admire it! The library offers a free hour of parking in their garage, a much safer option. Street parking is $1.80 per hour...SHEESH! read more

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It's 2021. SAPL needs to figure out a better way to do logins on the mysapl site. Considering library cards are randomly generated and I really only got one for digital content, there should be a way to replace the standard library card with an email address or some other sort of token that's more memorable for both logging in and checking out content. Public libraries are supposed to be about removing barriers and allowing equal opportunity/access to resources and this just seems counter to that mission imo. read more

Hmmmm.... I see room for lots of improvement here. This building is massive and houses quite a bit but I was seriously disappointed in the children's section. The entire 3rd floor is devoted to kids but for the most part, it's just books. Don't get me wrong, that is why we are here but it would be great to have little nooks and reading areas for them. More color, more story book themed decor, etc. Bring reading to life! There were a couple computers and an area for toddlers but that was the extent of it. I was really disappointed. Our local library is more welcoming than this one. I DO like that they have books in the front which are new releases and can't have holds. It was nice to pick up a few new releases (must return within 7 days). There is a parking garage where you can have an hour validated inside. read more

San Antonio Central Library - Libraries Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

This place was a huge deal back when it opened and I think it still holds up well. Local artist display their pieces throughout the library and there are usually exhibits as well. Although this location is a little older than some other libraries, they continue to keep it up to date with technology, books, media and things for children. One of the things I really like are all the areas to study. Most are by the windows, so you don't feel like your day is wasting away. The layout is great too, so you can change locations daily and feel like you're in a whole new building. The only thing i don't really care for is the fact you have to pay for parking. Yes the first hour is free, but who goes to a library for only 1 hour? Some might not like the amount of homeless people that hangout in the library, but i don't find them to be an annoyance. They're there, but remain quiet and to themselves. read more

Warning do not walk in here when you are short on time! This place is huge. For a book lover it is literally heaven. Although the at least five story building full of books is super exciting it can also be overwhelming. Luckily the librarians are super knowledgeable and friendly. If you don't have a specific book in mind then you can get suggestions in the section to your right immediately when you walk in. These are newer and popular books. If it says "new book" on it then you can take it out for three weeks and can renew it as long as no one else has placed a hold on it. Unfortunately, if it is a high demand book then chances are someone will place a hold on it before you get a chance to renew but if not then you can. If it says "express collection" then you can still take it out for three weeks but you cannot hold or renew it. There is a parking garage here and you can park for free for up to three hours but then it costs 5 dollars. It is also super close to the riverwalk so you can combine a trip here with your evening stroll. read more

I hadn't been here in years until this weekend. The place was packed with homeless people. I don't begrudge them being there but it is intimidating. Every single computer was in use by individuals who appeared to be homeless and the collective smell was awful. The facility is great and so are the staff but I will never return. My neighborhood branch is so much nicer. read more

I went on a Saturday afternoon to do some studying. I left twenty minutes later after being unable to find a table. The entire building was packed with homeless people. Nothing against the homeless folk of San Antonio, just a warning, if you're needing to study go somewhere else. read more

Warning! Parking meter trap! Parking no longer automatically validated. Need to bring your ticket to the 1st floor info desk near the public computer area. Reference: http://ask.mysapl.org/faq/141382 Myself and nearly everyone exiting had to pay the $5 flat fee. Please post signs cause there are none! Also update the Central Library website/parking, and if possible send an email to all Central Library cardholders about the new policy since April. This should not still be happening! read more

Generally I'd say that the library is an accurate indicator of the sad state of the U.S. economy. There are so many vagabonds who use the library as a base camp on a typical day. If you use a restroom, be prepared to see someone half naked washing themselves at or in the sink. If you use a computer, I would advise you to clean off the keyboard with a sterilizing spray before you put your fingers on it. Yes, there are serious issues with this place and you have to ask "Why is this allowed?" Is this our democracy in action? Some areas on the periphery of the library are hidden behind the open stacks. At these tables you might find street people working on a nice pile of snack foods. Are they filling out a job application? Probably not. I was told to go see the Dale Chihuly art piece in the library central atrium. I did, and you know what? I would say it is not one of his better works. I say this as someone qualified to have an informed opinion (art degree from a major university). That thing looks like a mishmash of those long balloons that the clown at a children's party turns into giraffes and wiener dogs. "It's Fiesta!" someone told me. (People in San Antonio always say that to justify something gaudy and slapdash.) I cannot imagine that a great library would have something this tacky as a centerpiece -- Seattle and San Francisco come to mind for having really superior art. I have been told that "Art" in San Antonio has a weird fascination with kitsch and things that look like they have been thrown together by amateurs. If there is something at this library that everyone should appreciate, it should be the entry space called "The Blue Room" by Stephen Antonakos. Be grateful that there is a beautiful space in the building. On a torrid summer day you will quickly feel relief from the heat. But back to the library. The building is a landmark nonetheless. It would be great if it were more in a high density urban setting. Right now it is a lonely outpost without a significant supportive context. The arts center across the street is sadly ignored by any real connective gesture. Front door to front door? Someone was asleep when this issue should have been addressed. Five (5) stars for the people who work at the Library. They are generally very polite, cheerful and helpful. I'm sure they do not get paid what they are worth. read more

I was there today with some time before going home and so much homework so with determination to knock out some assignments I was there for only 1 hour due to the cold. However, this being only my 2nd time I was there, it did not disappoint with its priceless art pieces, it's beautiful furniture, and beautifully landscape gardens. read more

San Antonio's Central Library is a big red arty building in the northern downtown area. There you'll find a wonderful assortment of books, pleasant staff, and you'll probably find yourself going upstairs just to look out over the city. That's right: six stories of book heaven. Granted, some of the place seems a bit run-down, but overall they keep everything clean and well-maintained and I've yet to find any damaged books. The biggest problem I've had is finding the parking garage, which after a few times you won't have any problem at all. Find Soledad St. and head north towards highway 35 until you see the big red weird-looking building. Soledad will be one-way, north, at that point and the parking garage is just south, the entrance being right next to the library. Grab your ticket and pay a few dollars on the way out. Library cards aren't a problem, just make sure you've got your ID and maybe a utility bill to prove you live in San Antonio (but apparently our San Antonio driver's licenses were enough). And here's something you'll really like: when you return your books? You can use /any/ branch library in town! As far as the selection is concerned by main peeve is the same for any library I've been to: there's never enough. They don't stock a lot of the books I have at home, books I've seen advertised, and so-on. Well, it's a city library, not the Library Of Congress, but it's a big library with a huge selection. read more

Shhhh!!! Don't tell anyone too loudly about how great this place is. It's the coolest library I've ever been in. It's got such an innovative design with cool geometric shapes and bright, vibrant colors that make cool areas to hang out and study in. It's the same architect that did MARCO in Monterey, Mexico. The upper floors contains the Texas genealogical area to search through antique manuscripts and electronic databases for family information. The art around the library is always fresh, and rotated out regularly. The piece in the center is a permanent piece by Dale Chihuly, the same guy who did the ceiling of the Ballagio in Vegas. There are always computers available to do a search through the catalog. If you need to do some Yelping on their computers, they have this available too. You can even print there! The Book Cellar in the basement is a hidden gem, with semi-annual sales with dirt cheap sales on books! read more

One of the nerdiest things about me when I travel is I have to visit the city's main public library. I always find that these are hidden gems with beautiful pieces of art and a unique design for architecture. The San Antonio Central Library was no different. Absolutely gorgeous glass sculpture and clean architectural lines. The only downside is that the outside was being remodeled and wasnt too great to take pictures. Parking structure on Soledad Street is not free. read more

I'm a straight up certified nerd, so it's no surprise that one of my favorite spots in town is our Central Library. This particular branch is so San Anto that it's worth a trip to every local. The enchilada colored building is giant, with floors accented by art everywhere. Some of it honors local artists and landmarks, but there's also internationally acclaimed pieces like the stories-high Chihuly blown glass sculpture made of hundreds of individual pieces of colorful glass. One of the librarians once told me they have to take it apart and individual clean each piece of glass and put it back together in the right place. There's always great community events going on. If you have teens, they have a great teen section with after school programs for music, art, and science. There's big, beautiful Macs, and students in high school can use them and print for free. Students can also access free live tutoring and homework help from the website with a library card number. There's also lots of adult events including community performances, visiting lecturers, film screenings, and political and educational panels. I usually have both a physical book and an audiobook going at all times, and the library allows you to download lots of audio and ebooks for free from anywhere with your library card number. True story: my library card is so beat up that it's falling apart and they keep trying to replace it, but I have my number memorized because of all the downloading I do and I don't want it to change, so I won't let them. See? That is legit nerd status: memorizing your library card number. And feeling attached to it. Their website is also great for requesting books from other branches, or requesting new books. Once your book arrives, they'll email you and you can pick it up. They'll also email to let you know when your book is due, so really I have no excuse for my late fees. I like to think of them as community donations. The lobby is beautifully set up and I often stumble across books I hadn't heard of while browsing the displays. The librarians here do a really amazing job maintaining the beauty of the building while showcasing the collections. This is one of my favorite places in the entire city. read more

The place is terrible. They won't give you good computers and half of the working computers don't work correctly. The staff is extremely non understanding of everything to the point of harassment. They monitor every motion you do on the computers and try and stop you from charging your phone for no reason. I try to be as polite as possible. The nicer I am, the meaner they get. The more information I act like I know, the more angry the people become. I recommend any other library branch. A man came in there so angry he destroyed the handicap working station and they acted like they didn't know why, but I witnessed them harassing the man on a daily basis. read more

Good library, but it is also a favorite hang out for local homeless folks.