7 Services You Didn’t Know the San Antonio Public Library Offered

Let’s face it: libraries don’t necessarily have the best reputation. I mean, they’re all just buildings filled with old books, right? And while that might be true in some sense, today’s libraries are so much more than that. Even if you’re not a bookworm, libraries offer a ton of different media options (i.e., movies, magazines, newspaper archives, online resources, etc.), as well as plenty of community events, activities, and classes. If you’re still under the impression that libraries are just for books and people who like to read, consider this your wakeup call.

The San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) system is one of the nicest in the state. The SAPL is a collection of 26 libraries throughout the City of San Antonio, with the Central Library being its main hub. Built in 1995, the six-story, 240,000-square-foot Central Library is one of downtown’s most recognizable buildings, and offers limitless learning opportunities for the curious mind – including more than 500,000 volumes of literature! To help educate you about the other great services the SAPL provides, however, here’s a short list of some of the best services library cardholders can take advantage of:

1. Adult Education and Assistance

For adults that are looking to learn English, improve their skills, or earn a GED^® , the SAPL offers special adult learning classes at their Bazan and Westfall locations. Here, members can attend GED^® info sessions, peer study groups, individual tutoring lessons, and use computer centers to stay concentrated on their work.

2. Express Collection

Whereas other libraries might not stock the latest bestsellers, the SAPL’s Express Collections always have the most popular book and media titles that are in high demand. And because these items can’t be renewed, they’re more likely to be available when you want them.

3. Jobs and Small Business Center (JSBC)

Need someone to review your résumé? Maybe you want to conduct a practice interview? Whatever you need help with when it comes to business, the specialists at the Central Library’s JSBC are there to help. The JSBC is open whenever the library is open, and you can even receive live, online assistance from 10 am to midnight every day.

4. Live Homework Help

Stuck on your reading assignment or need help with a calculus problem? The SAPL offers free homework assistance online for elementary, high school, and college level courses in math, science, English, and social studies. The tutors speak both Spanish and English, and are available every day from 2 pm to midnight. If that isn’t enough, you can also use their 24/7 online resources to download study guides, worksheets, practice lessons, and videos.

5. Laptops for Checkout

Need access to a laptop? You can borrow a laptop and use the library’s free WiFi anytime with your library card. All you have to do is give them your card and driver’s license, and you can borrow a laptop for up to two hours at a time.

6. Books by Mail

Despite all SAPL locations being ADA accessible, sometimes you’re just simply unable to visit the library. Whether you have a physical disability or you’re otherwise homebound, you can sign up for the library’s Books By Mail service and have books mailed directly to your home.

7. SAPL Events

Rather than listing all of the different events the SAPL puts on, you can view them all in this convenient online events calendar. You can even sort by branch location, audience, and event type to help narrow down your search results.

For more information about the SAPL’s available services, and to apply for a library card, please visit their website.