Texana Resource Center to Receive $2 Million Renovation

Published on July 05, 2023

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SAN ANTONIO (July 5, 2023) – San Antonio Public Library’s (SAPL) Texana Resource Center is undergoing a major physical transformation. This renovation project will introduce new and dynamic spaces, archival storage and retrieval systems, and a new gallery exhibit space to the 6^th floor of Central Library. The Texana Resource Center houses SAPL’s historical archives and genealogy collections and provides family history research assistance to the community.

“The resources available in San Antonio Public Library’s Texana and Genealogy collections provide extensive access to records that document the history of our region and the rich stories of the people who call South Texas home,” said Ramiro S. Salazar, Library Director. “We’re excited for the extensive renovation currently underway to improve the experience of all visitors to the Texana Resource Center, and I look forward to welcoming the community back once the renovations are complete.”

The $2 million project will update the 21,000 square-foot 6^th floor of Central Library with the following new and improved amenities:

• New flexible classroom
• New listening station
• New gallery and exhibit space
• Improvements to the Texana vault which houses the library’s special collection materials within a climate-controlled environment
• Improvements to the Family History Area, including study areas
• Functional improvements to group consultation and individual research spaces 

The project, which began construction this summer, is funded through the voter-approved 2017 and 2022 Bond programs. Additional funding for the renovation project was raised by the San Antonio Public Library Foundation through private charitable donations.

The Texana Resource Center and the entire 6^th floor of Central Library will be closed to the public for the duration of the project. Beginning Wednesday, July 5, Texana/Genealogy services will be available on the first floor of Central Library across from the main information desk during regular library business hours. Texana services are not available on Mondays.

Texana/Genealogy Interim Service Schedule:

• Tuesdays: 12 – 8 p.m.
• Wednesday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Sunday and Monday: CLOSED

For ongoing updates regarding this and other Library Bond projects, visit this website.

Library staff are available to assist by phone at 210-207-2500 or online at Ask.MySAPL.org.

For questions or concerns regarding project construction, contact Evelyn Gamez, City of San Antonio Public Works Department, by phone at 210-207-1454 or by email at evelyn.gamez@sanantonio.gov.