My kids and I usually love this library, but today my kids came in a little excited and rushed to a computer (they know they shouldn't run, they just got carried away.. hence, they're kids and they weren't running wild we had just got there, my six year old may have been the only one rushing, while two of my children glided, they have healys on, and my oldest walked over). My six year old just got her library card and can do ABC mouse on the computer, she's ready to learn! Well that was it, the lady at the desk frowned upon our entrance, mind you they were not loud just a little fast, and as we sat there I didn't hear much and all of a sudden the lady at the desk came over to let us know that if my children are going to be on the computer and there is volume they must have earphones... I didn't even hear any noise and I am sure that was because the volume was already up prior to my son's use and he just happened to get on a site that had something playing. He quickly turned it down, because he does know that he shouldn't have volume unless he has earphones. It just wasn't quick enough for her and she made it clear that they must not have volume unless they have earphones... I feel that she was just judging us from when we first came in, which was not at all too wild... just an FYI if you work in a children's area, you should be a little more understanding of children being children. I do understand sometimes it's too wild, but there are some parents who teach their children how to appropriately behave wherever they are!

When the library is open its a sanctuary for tnose who need a break from the daily grind and monotonous schedules we conform to and will not abandon easily until "it happens"! You find a viable reaaon to breach boredom and succumb to adventure at will through freedoms only imagined in time and places at a library or such to explore mind, soul and body. Get engulfed by literature, art and craft a means of conveyance to beyond belief by way of bookworm ambitions through wormhole, theory or glow of blackness whole in our eyes remain pupil to life lessons and dialate sight of fact and fiction for mighty tales of molds broken to forge through a find in time to remain cemented by legacy or fairy tale BUT all in the namesake of reading and live motivate moving through wtitten words that take action in our intuition, soul and propel us into our own readers digestive spirit for sanctuary of stationary moments not bliss.

Pretty place, friendly staff, and tons of books and movies, spanning the arts, philosophy, world religion, science, and of course general fiction. They have sections set up for age groups and a separate reference section. They even have books in spanish: libres de Español, I think I got that right. You can also borrow a book from there and return it to a San Antonio network library so it makes it super convenient. Getting a library card on a busy day took a few minutes. The check out time is 3 weeks. They also have workshops and informal classes. Finally, the space is well laid out and organized to find the book you need easy, with a simple computer aided Dewy Decimal System index search. I found a book in 5 minutes among the over half a million. They also planned out plenty of quiet places to hang out and read a book. I enjoyed the visit, and would recommend it for everyone!

This library isn't ethnicity friendly OR trans friendly at all! Apparently BEING African American AND transgender is a target for Central Library! i am deeply hurt that managers like Kate Simpson will back staff members who harass and humiliate people in public no matter who is around. Kate's condescension knows NO BOUNDS and she ISN'T FOR the patrons SHE IS ABOUT HERSELF! She would not even identify herself as a manager to my family because apparently she is ashamed of her placement and sits AGAIN in the shadows waiting to judge others! My family and I have been coming here for years AND NOW it is apparently unacceptable for us to be here merely because we are don't fit THEIR depiction of what THEY WANT us to be! I want my son to be able to come to the library to where he won't see his mothers' discriminated and harassed!

Much like Borges I imagine heaven is a library. The central public library is a boon for San Antonio offering a lot for everybody. Their Texas focus collection rivals that of say major university libraries and they offer a book on every interest that isn't illegal. Overall I'd say the staff is pretty cool except maybe the underlings who work the first floor, but considering the library is a second home for homeless people especially during the summer (who can blame them when the summer is 100F on many days). Personally I've never been bothered by any of those people plus there are security guards who regularly patrol the building. The library offers free/paid garage parking and a teen area for high school kids. They host art exhibitions, public classes, lectures and readings year round.

as many of the reviews. the Central Library is overrun by homeless people. when the library was closed during the pandemic. i sat in the garden area, enjoying the free Wi-Fi. then many homeless people asked me did i sell "dope" i was visibly confused and i declined. saying, no. i didn't sell Dope. this happened multiple times in just thirty-minutes. then these homeless people where asking for money. i truly didn't have a cent in my pocket. then a person was asking to borrow my bike. i didn't trust him. he started asking personal questions like "where do you live?" I awnsered generally and he litterally wanted to know my adress, and when i didn't tell him he tried to reach for my bike. but i move it, jumped on and took off. it was scary

We visited 6th floor Texana and Genealogy records today. Wow, we must return to this amazing collection for further research, and also to discover what the other floors have to offer. Also learned about Books and Misc For Sale in the basement. These items that have been retired or were donated. Central Library is an impressive building filled with art, exhibits, open spaces, books, various forms of media, computers, escalators, elevators and plenty of tables and places to read, write and research. Also, it has a parking building. At parking entry, press button and get a time-stamped ticket for 3 hours free parking. The Central Library is across from Baptist Medical Center and Southwest School of Art. Enjoy this and more!

I’m not sure why the central library (main library) in the middle of the seventh largest city in the United States, funded by the public, is only open like 7 hrs a week. Closed on Saturday and Sunday. Opens at like noon and closes at like 7. Why? Why wouldn’t the central library have better hours of operation? I believe it’s because the city likes the funding which they just recently completed a really expensive renovation, but hates to deal with the homeless people that go there so they cut hours to make it more inconvenient for them and in turn everyone else. The hours are terrible and should be expanded. Or just shut down the whole thing, it’s a waste if it’s not opened to the public

I run several websites and businesses online and I can tell you how frustrating the SAPL and Overdrive apps are! A terribly complicated, not user-friendly process. And now another app called “Libby” is further muddying the waters of this whole thing. I’m pretty tech savvy but these apps take you to the others to sign in, then another to check your holds, then another to actually download your ebook or audiobook. My advice is spend the money to either buy the book or get a paid subscription book app like Scribd or Audible and avoid the enormous time vacuum that is this whole digital circus!

Beautiful modern architecture landmark. The gallery cycles through exhibits which are always interesting to view. Staff is courteous and kind. More books than you would ever read in 200 lifetimes, with a lot of great variety. They more often than not have a book you are interested in. Computers can suffer from a bit of lag (depends on which one) and you better double check to make sure you clear your history before you log off, as it can still show up in other sessions. Very quiet, perfect place to study. If you want a spot with a charging port you better arrive pretty early in the day.

You can find helpful staffing, great books to read and use computers for internet. Always some activities going on, including free movies. Actually, due the renovation in progress, you have limited access and less options for books if you go there, better go online, browse the catalogue and put on hold. So just go there for pickup. Hours changed, Monday and Tuesday 12pm to 6pm, Wednesday through Saturday, 10 am to 6 pm. Closed on Sundays. Still in the renovation phase, computers are available for patrons and books to borrow in limited choices, to get more need to go online.

Wow! Breathtaking! First time actually walking through this beautiful library today. Very very nice facility. Lots and lots of things to do for everyone of all ages. Activities galore! We attended a Halloween event and our kids had a great time. One section specifically for our teen son and one area for our daughter. Also, check out movie videos and save a few bucks. You can download a video application that lets you download movies for free and returns them without late fees. Card carrying members only though. Come out and check it out. (3) hours of FREE parking also!!

Horrible experience and will not go back. Wasted gas and $5 parking for nothing. For some stupid reason the Texana Genealogy Department doesn't open at 9am with the rest of the library. It apparently has it's own fluctuating hours and days, why? Also there parking garage is no longer free for the first 3 hours. Now it's $5 upon entry, even if you can't find a place to park and the garage elevator is disgusting with odor and broken buttons. Obviously this library was built specifically for the collage crowd. Not senior citizens who paid for it!!!!!

The homeless have taken over and the security plus library personell cater to them while treating me a taxpayer and homeowner as if I were homeless.How do you like them apples .Sick people.Ther is noise pollution and disruptions by both the homeless and library personell plus security.No more peace and quiet to be able to concentrate and learn.This has to be stopped.Please.It is unsanitary and unhealthy no matter how much in trying to keep it clean.It feels like highway robbery.

I know there is a lot to gain from here. Which I love. I just don't know what all I have available to me other than books and computers. And I asked for help with an Excel issue I was having and the poor man looked in terror and said he would get someone else to help me. I didn't havr time to wait though. Big issue: The AC is way too cold. It was set to 62 when I walked past the thermostat. I mean come on people, 72 is room temp; we are not cold weather mammals in the norm.

It was a great experience. I haven't been there in six, almost 7 years. The security guard was Cool I didn't get her name. Or else I would put her on blast. And the young lady that gave me a new library card was cool also. Again I don't remember her name or I would put her on blast also. Although the only problem I had. And this is just me talking. It was darn cold in there I puty sweater on. And I was still freezing my behind off! Can you make it a little warmer?. Please!

Today was so much fun!!! the library has so much to offer. We went in for books on coffee but left with so much more. There was a class going on for how to make dog toys and it was so much fun the instructor I think her name was Christina was so welcoming and nice. It was all for free! We then were able to check out some vinyls they had. They had a good mix of different genres. All the staff was so friendly and helpful Ps our dogs loved the toys we made!!!

Library is a great community place. There's many spaces for kids, an entire "teen room" with instruments and computers, many areas to sit and read. I had a hard time finding a place to work on my computer where I could talk to my friends, I was looking for a place to "group study". Eventually left because there were no real options. There were no areas where you could have conversations and do work, which is understandable but something to keep in mind.

Central Library is a great place to get information for any subject, school assignment, or just personal interest. You have an option of 6 floors full of information. If that doesn't help you all the staff who will be more then glad to assist you and point you in the area that you looking for. In my opinion I would tell you "Be curious and go discover." You will never know where you will land next in your pursuit of secrets lol

I was looking up a book that was not on the catalog on the computer on the second floor and some rude lady looked she just got out of high school told me to get off the computer i said okay ill go she thought i was cussing at her she called security on me 3 security guys came questioning me i said I didn’t say anything and they left i want to report her and get her fired other than that this place is good just avoid the douchebag young girl

I love this library.it has a basement store where you can find rare books.they also take volunteer work and working there is very interesting The library has movies it shows.it has specisl events for children.there is also a spot for artwork and displays that change.there is a floor dedicated to genealogy. The place has escalators what library has that ?? And the grounds are peaceful serene and its a great place to learn or relax

What was a space of marvel and wonder is now a hollow shell of what it once was. No longer can one wander freely in the building nor browse the great selection of cds. This place has been pillaged by the "you-know-what." I hope it gets opened up fully. The people are very nice and helpful, but it is a crying shame what happened to this once amazing library. It has been completely decimated, emaciated and forgotten post 2020

Beautiful large library with large windows and great views. Book selection is okay. Unfortunately, the library is full of homeless individuals. Many of these individuals have no where else to go and I don't begrudge them being there. No one was rude or loud. However, several are unable to maintain good hygiene and there is a smell present in multiple areas of the library. I have no solution...just affects the overall experience.

Haven't been in years..Took the kids there it was great! Friendly knowledgeable staff,very clean,and they have 5 yes 5 floors 6if you include the basement..The basement is a used book store open from certain days and times only though so be sure to check if it is open if you would like to go buy some books..Vast selection of all types of goodies I even checked out some vinyl records for my record player can't wait to spin them

Have had library card since I came to SA 10 years ago. Used to read a lot. Good book by favorite author would be done within two days. There is so much offered at the library for seniors. Of course check out books, but also movie and music videos. Books can also be purchased extremely cheap. Use of computer, copies, downloads, unlimited. Great staff who will assist you, walk you through whatever you need! Fabulous place.

Love to come here to do research and read! But only one complaint, i accidentally left something in the teen center so i went back for it 3 minutes after the library closed and they refused to let me it or try to get it for me. Yes i know they have to get everyone out when they close but for them to not even try to help someone retrieve a forgotten item is wrong. Good place but not very well service.

A most excellent public facility conducive to learning and fostering academic enrichment. This Library sits well on top of the list as other titans such as NYC's flagship building. All media types are available, and the ease of convenient accessibility through the website, user friendly intranet and always pleasant staff members makes this an icon and a gem in the Alamo City. Two Thumbs way up!

My favorite library in San Antonio amazing art style and architectural design, as well as a great kind staff on site to help at any time. It gets packed and hours may vary but that is to be expected with this large amazing location, while they are still adding on more construction to this history piece of a library. AMAZING selection of books, and more; as well as a book store

First time here after just moving into town. The staff seemed friendly and there's a huge selection of items. I noticed they do exhibits events here which caught my attention. I think I saw a lot of new Mac computers which must be nice (too busy reading to pay attention), overall the library was satisfactory with the downside of MANY homeless and some illicit activities around the perimeter.

They really have rejuvenated and altered the place. Although there's a lot on construction happening all around the area streets, im just grateful it's still opening. It's kind of confusing where everything is, but it never hurts to ask the librarian for assistance in finding the floor needed.It's still an absolutely beautiful library. I love this place, and I can't wait to go back!

This library is huge and beautiful. The children's area is large and well organized to make books easy for kids to find. There is also a teen space that is very teen-friendly. All employees that I interacted with were kind and helpful. We were able to park in the attached parking garage and get our parking validated, which was really nice since parking downtown can get really expensive.

Only one floor was open when I went back in the beginning of this year. I was told the other floors were being upgraded. Way too much security. I felt like I was in a prison. Security constantly walking around and watching everything people do. Makes me lose my sense of privacy. Also makes me wonder why they require so much security. Is it really that dangerous?

Such a beautiful library. It was my first.time going there. The nice people of San Antonio gave me great directions. THE security guard was super nice and helpful. ONLY half of the library was open.Due to covid, upstairs is closed. I FOUND my two cookbooks,a mystery and anime.Yay.Great experience.The librarian was so helpful and kind.I will be going back.

Love Central library and they many resources they have for the community! The children’s library on the 3rd floor is wonderful, tons of books and every subject and a numerous amount of bilingual books. The librarians in the children’s library are very helpful, inviting, inclusive and excited to offer their knowledge! Would recommend this library to all!

Beautiful building, well kept and full of any kind of knowledge you could ever need. Bathrooms were clean too. I'm glad the homeless can use it as a cool space to seek shelter but while I was there browsing books a man took of his shoes and socks and started scratching dried skin off his foot. You could see it falling into the carpet like snow...

Always a favorite of mine since I was a child. Right now there's construction , so it's not fully accessible, but the cellar is open again and they are willing to bring books down if you need. Super friendly staff. I don't have an issue with all the homeless people who are usually in there, but just a heads up there are always quite a few.

PSA they validate parking up to 3 hours!!! Love this library, so vast and they have lots of great events and activities open to the public too. It's a great place to dive into a book and get out of the heat. Great community resource. There's a book drop on the outside of the building if you need to drop a book outside of normal hours.

What happened to the other five floors?!? I swear ppls mess it up for the rest of us. Used to be able to go to any floor. Now your stuck on the first. Guess all the homeless there. Shoot when I was there on the computers two dude were getting loud with each other and acting like they were going to fight. Ppls y'all behave. Smh …

I used to go at least twice a week to read and/or study. I can deal with all the homeless people using all the plugs and computers. But now I have to pay just to enter the parking garage and not guaranteed a parking spot. After 17 years of going to that library I’ve decided to just stay at home and find my books online or ebooks.

Central library is artistically beautiful. The new technology center is awesome and they feature exhibits and live presentations. I love this library. SAPL library will allow you to check out materials (books/dvd's) from sister libraries and return it to your nearest library. And don't forget to check out the Bibloteca.

I absolutely love this library. They are very nice to the homeless people and treat us like human beings instead of looking down on us. Any time one homeless person acts up they are quick to kick that person out. The only reason I rate it 4 stars is because it is closed and only people with "appointments are allowed"

Great library with great staff. And to those who have mentioned the number of homeless people, this is a PUBLIC library in the center of a large metro area, and the homeless are about as PUBLIC as you can get. I've never seen anyone harassed by a homeless person at this library so try not to harass the homeless here.

Friendly and knowledgeable staff. Very helpful in obtaining a library card and providing an overview of the various sections of the library. Ample parking in the garage, validated for up to three hours. Clean, safe, peaceful environment. Good collection of books and assorted audio visual media.

Such a wonderful library, right in the heart of downtown. They have a lot of resources to offer and is such a benefit for the community. Lots of floors, great books, tons and tons of resources here. Plus great art!!! Love this place! Always a great pleasure coming here.... …

A wonderful facility by itself. You can find a great collection of books and proper spaces for reading. The place is great for the whole family, kids included. It has also galleries and events like movies and workshops. A section for blind people can be found in the third floor.

Great modern architecture, walking distance from CBD. Great book collection. Lots of magazines to read. There is a teenager room to learn about music and media. Paid parking but free if you are a member taking books out. Great helpful friendly staff. Small exhibition area.

I love all my library's here in San Antonio. The Central Library is my favorite because it has its history, the people are always so helpful and you get to meet nice people there. The Book Cellar has a lot of great books for a very cheap price. Great place to visit.

They not only have a great show case in art and information they also have services like resume building and offer job help resources. This is a great place for information help resources just all around what a library should be. Keep up the great work you guys!!!!!

I was really overwhelmed with this location; but it had all the books I was looking for. The staff was helpful, and knew their way around. The colors in every room are cheerful. I'd pick a smaller library for regular use; but this was nice for the day. Thank you!

Huge library! Lots to read! They also have this cool sculpture in the middle of the library that was pretty cool. We were just wandering around and we found that they have little study rooms for individuals to read or do research in. Thats a really nice feature.

A staple to the Local community. Did you know that you can check out DVD’s and even learning programs for children at your local Library. Central Library is the hub of our City Library system and it’s design and it’s content is absolutely majestic.

I was thrilled that you had a Wedns night class to help people with their devices. There doesn't seem to be that much help nowadays for computers and there is so much to learn. Please keep the class open as I will certainly be back. Thanks.

Love this place. It's a GREAT library... only have one complaint. The parking. They have a parking garage but it can be a bit expensive. They do give you an hour free and then free all day Tuesdays but shouldn't it be free all the time?

I haven't been to the Central Library in a few years, lots of construction all around the area. I found one slot available in the parking lot, which I took. You do get three hours of validated free parking, so that part was great.

Still slow there is more homles people like it's been for years not talking down about the homles but I was a little homles at one time and the same old people still goes there and the security let them do what ever they want

No maps or diagrams of locations of books or divisions of 6 floors . Rude staff. Genealogy was confusing and no one was available to help in Texiana. I drove a long way and left in tears.also parking costs so be aware.

Online option the SAPL has is horrible!!! It's supposed to be set up so we can read here at home to be safe. BUT... you have to come in to be able to use. Information given is does not allow you to use . Smh horrible

I guess because of of the pandemic they only have around 5 isles of books to look at and are going to renovate some of the upper floors so who knows who long that will take. I won't be going back for awhile

Awesome library. they have a cool space age place for teens to hang out. a place just for the little ones to hang out. and many floors for meetings, reading, computer work and more. the art is fabulous

Love this place. Nice place to hang out and great selection of books and media items. The only downside is that there is often a long wait list to get on the computers for Internet and occice software.

First day back to this Central Library on a year. Staff was courteous and helpful when I got stuck navigating the computer. Kind when I needed to print to say my page printed was free due to Covid-19.

I went here for a Best of the Best art show for San Antonio ISD. I didn’t get to explore like I would have liked but just walking in it looked really awesome. I’d love to come back at my leisure.

Pay to Park? My wife wanted to stop and pick up a book for her book club. $5.00 for parking!!!! I thought the Library is a public service that we pay for with our taxes!!!! I’m a bit miffed!!!

90% quiet time. Free wifi. Staff do their best to help out. They have a bookstore with reasonably priced books in the cellar. They have a gedunk machine with snacks. They sell can sodas...

Omg the staff is a one, fast and accurate they get the job done for people like me very outstanding staff thank you for your concerns and support be blessed and have a blessed evening.

A nice space for everyone that wants to attend. Staffs courtesy is to the point and very accurate. It is nice to have a place of books still open when its not safe to touch everything

I love this library. The staff are so friendly. Thank you so much for offering the contact less pick ups. I love driving down here and getting great booms,thank you for your service

This library had a very unorganized mario tournament with many people who didn't supply enough chairs for everyone including the competitors! I think they could have done better.

One of my top three favorite libraries in San Antonio. A great place to study and meet with peers. They have a large children section and plenty of cozy places to sit and read.

I use to love going it's just a place to get away unfortunately now, the homeless are everywhere including here so be cautious and aware of your surroundings also kids/teens.

The Best Library EVER Its Huge With Any possible Book You Can Find And Comfortable seating To Read And Focus they Did A Marvelous Job With This is A Kick Ass Library!!

The staff was very helpful and attentive to their surroundings. The building itself is absolutely stunning!! Can't wait to see the changes once construction is over.

The play and learn for toddlers is so awesome!the librarian who hots interacts with the children and even remembers their names. Totally worth the drive. Thank you!

I love San Antonio 's library system. The employees are always helpfull and friendly. Don't know what we would do without our lical library. Thank you ‍♀️ …

Speedy service. Book cellar is awesome. Most floors are closed due to renovations. Librarians will get book requests and bring them to you at the first floor.

Beautiful library but way too many homeless people who camp out on the desks, eat food and leave trash everywhere. Won't be coming back. Place was disgusting.

Great place to study, amazing collection of books, I can spend a whole day checking out the building. The only complaint is - drug addicts in the facility.

This is a great place for resources, but unfortunately the homeless problem makes it unattractive. Too many homeless and problem people are in this area.

Lots of resources. And they have the Launch SA program here which is geared towards upcoming entrepreneurs. Movie rentals and audiobooks are also a hit.

Brought my little ones to the 3rd floor (the children’s floor) the reps were so kind and helped us get settled in! Super happy and will come back again!

Mega library with lots of resources great staff and a new make over, with self checkout laptops! The remodel really looks awesome just the best library

Great! Even while under construction improvements, the availability of books and services retained its viability. It's a great user friendly library.

Beautiful! Job search, fun things to do for the kids, and the staff is very helpful! First three hours of parking is free and its .20 cents to print.

I like the quiet environment in this library. I would always study for my college courses in the children's 3rd floor. The tables are so comfortable.

A must see architectural structure. Has lots of beautiful cultural arts on display. There's multi-level floors, A nice place to spend the whole day.

This library is truly a gem. A wealth of important public services are offered here, lovely architecture, beautiful art onsite, and kind staff.

More worried about beautiful art than about your dirty disgust sidewalks. To be honest the artwork took away from looking at filth.

Love that the SA library has access to ebooks and a Contact-free option. It's one of the heroes from the pandemic for our family

Downtown San Antonio LibraryA very nice placeThey have everything you need you looking forPeople at the front desk or Nice

The staff here is great. First floor has a monthly movie screening. The 4th floor even has career development resources.

They just remodeled and it feels like a library that is in a digital age... Physically empty. Good app, great wi-fi,..

One of the best libraries I have been to. Lots of areas to study and read. They have several art exhibits. Very nice.

San Antonio book fair was an awesome event.. thanks to all who took part in planning and participating ..well done

Wonderful location and building design. Great place to take your kids to checkout books. The staff here are great!

Great Friends bookstore (on insta @bookcellarSA), excellent access, great art, including the Chihuly sculpture.

There in the need of control of the people making loud noise and parents controlling their children behalf

Great infrastructure, staff is friendly, however a lot of homeless people use the library as a shelter.

Library visit was amazing. Personnel was very attentive to every need and the facility was in order.

Beautiful space. So many services. Free parking for 3 hours with validated ticket. Highly recommend

The building and collection are outstanding, but go for the welcome you receive from the staff.