News Summary
San Antonio will commemorate the 30th anniversary of its Central Library, often called the ‘Enchilada Red’ Library, on May 31. The event will include a ceremony with city officials, a library scavenger hunt, arts and crafts, live performances, and free paletas. A Community Memory Wall will invite guests to share their memories of the library. The celebration also marks the kickoff of the Summer with SAPL program, offering free activities for families over the summer months.
San Antonio is set to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its Central Library, a key cultural institution often referred to as the “Enchilada Red” Library. The anniversary event occurs on Saturday, May 31, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., marking three decades of service to residents and visitors since the library’s opening on May 20, 1995.
The day will commence with a ceremony featuring various city and library officials, including Mayor Ron Nirenberg, Library Board Chair Juspreet Kaur, Library Director Sukrit Goswami, and former Mayor Henry Cisneros. Following the opening ceremony, attendees can participate in a range of free, family-friendly activities designed for all ages.
Activities planned for the celebration include a library scavenger hunt with exciting prizes, arts and crafts stations, a selfie photo booth, and the chance to meet the San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) mascot, Smarty. Live performances will also enhance the day, featuring classical guitarist Brenda Cervantes and local DJ Bonnie Cisneros, known as DJ Despeinada. Additionally, all guests will receive a free paleta, a popular frozen treat, while supplies last.
One of the highlights of the event is the Community Memory Wall, encouraging visitors to share their fond memories of the Central Library. Attendees are invited to contribute copies of images and artwork for the wall. These contributions will be preserved in the SAPL’s Texana and Genealogy Department, ensuring that the library’s history is recorded for future generations.
This anniversary celebration also marks the kickoff for the annual “Summer with SAPL” program, which offers free activities during June and July. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the program lineup and collect the first of eight collectible bookmarks that will be distributed every Monday until July 22.
The establishment of the San Antonio Central Library was made possible by a $28 million bond approved by voters in 1989, alongside an additional $10 million contribution from the San Antonio Public Library Foundation. Its construction followed a competitive architectural design selection, won by a team led by distinguished Mexican architect Ricardo Legorreta in July 1991. Groundbreaking for this significant library took place in July 1993, and its design has played a crucial role in transforming downtown San Antonio.
The library spans an impressive 240,000 square feet, serving as a flagship for the San Antonio Public Library system and welcoming millions of visitors over the years. Its vibrant and iconic architecture has become a symbol of the city’s commitment to literacy and community engagement, making it a beloved resource for education and culture.
For those planning to attend the anniversary event, there is free parking available for up to three hours in the Central Library garage, with validation provided at the library entrance. For anyone needing to park beyond that timeframe, the cost is a flat rate of $5 for up to 24 hours.
The Central Library’s 30th anniversary is not just a celebration of its past but an invitation for community members to engage with their library and access the myriad of resources it has to offer. Whether through participating in the day’s festivities or exploring the rich array of programs and services available, residents are encouraged to join in this milestone celebration.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Antonio Central Library Marks 30th Anniversary with Milestone Events
Celebrating Women in San Antonio’s Education History
Additional Resources
- Spectrum Local News
- Wikipedia: San Antonio Public Library
- Hoodline
- Google Search: San Antonio Central Library 30th anniversary
- KSAT
- Google Scholar: San Antonio Central Library
- Spectrum Local News Evening Briefing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio Central Library
- KSAT News
- Google News: San Antonio Central Library 30th anniversary
