Very well kept library! They have a lot of events you can do as an individual and with your kids. A lot of there selection isn't something I would see myself reading, but still a nice place to hang out. read more

Julia Yates Semmes Library - Libraries Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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Really cute library. I love the outdoor area, it has lots of seating and cute little interactive instruments for kids to play and stay entertained. They have a pretty good variety of books and great options for kids as well. They have a designated teen area and quiet room which is nice. They also of course have lots of computers and printers for visitors to use. Staff here is kind and the people are mindful of the environment. read more

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Great natural lighting! Huge selection of books, friendly librarians. This is one of my favorite locations to go to. read more

Julia Yates Semmes Library - Libraries Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Cute neighborhood library. I renewed my card and go to looking. They have vinyls to check out and even the record player. Along with your membership comes two book apps. I found a new place to hide out this summer. I checked out some cook books and plan to look for more. read more

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June 28th at 10:30 MELODY, short hair with glasses - was absolutely rude, aggressive and DISRESPECTFUL. The manager on duty stated we need to get out and pay for a room instead. - Except Carolyn she was AMAZING. We are apart of a homeschool group and have come to this location multiple of times as we are very pro libraries and encourage our children to get excited about libraries. Encouraging them to be readers and curious about books. Instead today we came in to have an "art class" with our kiddos and asked if we could use one of the conference rooms. We were told that they were both booked but had options to choose from since those were taken. One of those options were "a quiet room", which we ended up choosing. We were half way finished when she, Melody, stormed in and loudly told us we needed to get out since "this is NOT a teaching room this is a QUIET ROOM and you need to pay for a room instead so all of you need to GET OUT" in front of the kids. Remember we previously got permission from another librarian to use this quiet room. The children were drawing and were being quiet and behaved. So we stopped "teaching how to draw cats" and said to just have quiet time and color their pictures so we can follow the rules. So the entire room was quiet and following the rules. So I went back out and found the disgruntled librarian and told her we were so sorry for not following the rules initially (as we were told we could use the room for art class) but we made sure that the kids are now being quiet and following rules. She was still upset and said no you need to all get out. Now. I then told her again the children are being quiet and invited her in to show we were being quiet. No one is talking and she said "no get out now, I'm going to call my manager." The "manager" then came outside and said "you need to get out now of that room or pay for a room. That's a quiet room, no talking. Here's my card for my manager, call him. Give him a call. But he's on vacation. But go ahead. Call him" So I went back to this quiet room to tell our group to pack it up and another mom told me they were taking PICTURES of our group which is full of MINORS. I turn around and Melody and the "manager" both had their phones out pointing them toward our room. So I walked out there to tell them to not do that but they left to their back room. So I asked Carolyn if they could delete the pictures as they took pictures of MINORS and she went and told them and stated they were deleted. Our children asked questions why "we were in trouble". Why we couldn't stay coloring if "we were behaving and not breaking any rules" "why don't the library ladies like us, what did we do wrong" I'm very upset with those two librarians poor taste of behavior towards us and setting a bad example for our children. I hope this doesn't happen to anyone else and those two ladies are capable of fixing their behavior. read more

Julia Yates Semmes Library - Melody with the short hair and "manager on shift" - Libraries Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Very well stocked, courteous staff and the quietness one needs to destress and enjoy life.

Very nice library. Shared parking lot with a fun public kids park. It's also connected to a city trailhead. The trail I could see from the parking lot looked really nice compared to some. The library has lots of desk space to work remotely if you need to, even a quiet room. They have a beautiful patio area that's accessible from the library. Nice selection of records available for loan. The librarian I interacted with was extra helpful and very nice! I wish I got her name. She helped renew my card and online account read more

A small, modern looking library. They also pull buses in to drop children off so the parking lot might be packed depending on the time you go. It's a good sized parking lot. It's bright and well-organized inside. I was able to find the sections I needed immediately. It looks very new and clean. It is a bit on the small size, yet neighborhood friendly. It was very quiet and they have computers, small rooms and a little area for children. read more

Julia Yates Semmes Library - Outside the library - Libraries Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Wow. This library is nice-looking! Decided to stop by just to see what they had to offer just in case I wanted to bring my daughter here one of these days. The kids' section is a little small and the books in the cart are really worn down. But, I was impressed with the cleanliness, the view, the reading areas, and of course---Mac computers?! Nice! Lots of charging stations for those of you who still want to make sure their phones get charged. They even have a silent room where you can go or reserve. The library also has a playground outside and I believe it is connected to a park/hiking trails. read more

Julia Yates Semmes Library - Libraries Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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My kids and I have been coming to this library all summer long and have been keeping us busy with all their reading programs and each time you get your library card punched you have more opportunities to win a prize and the likelihood to win it. The kids love the read-to me programs, the cute chairs in the kids add a nice homey feeling to the library. Lunch is free for kids and $3.50 for adults all summer long during the week as an incentive to keep kids reading longer at the library. The best thing about all these programs is that they are free to join! The library staff is always very nice, knowledgeable and friendly. They are very good about informing people about the incentive programs that they've never had before. It's exciting and keeps us coming back for more! Not only that but the library is steps away from a park where kids from all around come before and after the library programs. The Comanche trail park is next door so you can read a relaxing book before or after your workout...I highly recommend this beautiful location to anyone who appreciates literature and nature or who have kids. read more

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Beautiful library, connects to Comanche Lookout Park. Good indoor and outdoor spaces. A bit noisy inside. Can be distracting.

Four stars because I wish their hours were consistent on the weekdays. The interchangeable closing times (6,6,8,6,8,6 ) is honestly kind of frustrating when I just want to go somewhere where I can do homework in somewhat-quiet atmosphere, with WiFi capability. I honestly believe that if it was a consistent closing schedule during the week, I would be there all the time. It's a beautiful library, and the staff is very helpful. John, assisted me in getting my library card a few days ago, and he was excellent in explaining the features of the card, and completed my application in a timely manner. I doubt my request for consistent weekly hours will be considered, it's still one of my favorite libraries in the city. read more

Omg do NOT come here if you want to read quietly! There's a staff member at the front right now (he really should know better,as he looks to be an adult) who is hollering like he's at a pool hall. I had to leave because I could not concentrate on my book. Which is too bad because I come TO the library for QUIET, too much going on at my house. I would've said something to him but it doesn't appear other staff members were bothered & I doubt he would've quieted down anyway. Rudeness is apparently the norm here. read more

i've never felt unsafe and the librarians have always been such nice people. one of my favorite places in the world.

Top notch library, The Center for learning and for many social and political activities/events. Vote here for National, State & Local candidates. The Julia Semmes Yates Library has bern my first & last source of help during the Tax Season. Their staff has gone out of their way to explain how to use their computer & other equipment to obtain documents & forms. Were I not 100% paperless and read e-books & newspapers on my tablet, i would be using this library all the time. It has a beautiful courtyard where its customers can relax. The Library has a children's playground, an outdoor classroom and is linked to Comanche Lookout Park. The Library supports fitness and health. There are 9 exercise machines on the Library Loop Trail. A beautiful library. read more

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We love this library. Architecturally, it's beautiful, nestled adjacent to Commanche Park. We are currently sitting outside on the back covered patio, using free wifi and working (booo). Our dog Gus is also sitting on a chair enjoying the scenery :) +new-ish (approx 5 years old) +friendly staff +free wifi +covered patio (with outlets available) +adjacent to walking trails at Commanche Great for a lazy Sunday afternoon! read more

Julia Yates Semmes Library - Libraries Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

The recent renovations make the library smell like a brand new car and their free WiFi helps you listen to your tunes while diving into a nice book on a comfy lounge chair they offer all around. The teenage or young adult section had moved from the middle to the library to the back near the private study rooms they have. I admire that the building had secure rooms for being needing extreme peace and quiet (although you can get that even outside the quiet rooms). The staff is very lively and on top of everything you want to know. read more

Really beautiful library. I come here about once a week (more if I can) and absolutely love it. This is truly a great family library. There is a playground on one side of the parking lot for the kiddos and an awesome hiking trail that is connected to Comanche Park. The views from the ginormous windows overlook the park and landscaping. Really exquisite usage of local plants and flowers. The back patio area is serene and perfect for getting lost in a book. I had to deduct one star because this is a rather small library so there is not a huge selection of books. read more

Julia Yates Semmes Library - Libraries Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

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I love libraries! This one is nice enough, quiet enough, & so far they have most of the books that I'm looking for (not the lesbian ones I was looking for but popular mainstream books are available. Staff are friendly and helpful usually. Lots of comfy chairs with electrical outlets for charging your electronics. read more

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I have been wasting time and money when all I should have done was head out to my local library! What a great place with great books, cds, movies and the quite one can only get from a library. If you don't have it, get the app! Reserve books and get email confirmations when they are available. So easy and simple. read more

Library closest to my house. They always have great services and service. Never had any trouble here. No complaints. I love The San Antonio Public Library system. read more

Was my first time here, came to study. It was surprisingly nice. Very clean and organized. They also had a very peaceful garden area which I enjoyed. After studying I went for a little hike too. Very nice trail. Well shaded and maintained. I will defenatly be back, especially since I checked out a book lol read more

Julia Yates Semmes Library - Garden Area. Very nice. - Libraries Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Recent renovations to the interior and parking area make this library even better. The staff was very helpful regarding my items that were on hold during the construction period. I enjoy visiting this branch. read more

Friendly & helpful librarians have located Peppa the Pig children's books for my toddler. The library itself has a nice outdoor area and is well-situated with a playground for older & younger children. You can also walk right into Comanche Lookout Park which has some shaded trails and equipment for outdoor working out. Much of the park you can walk around pushing a regular stroller. read more

Very nice library branch with a great story time. Their toddler time is age-appropriate & engaging, with songs, instruments, dancing, and of course, stories. Since they have story time in a rec room to the side of the actual library, you don't have to worry about disturbing other patrons or your kid running away (too far away) from you. The library itself is quiet and has lots of natural light. Bonus: this branch is right across the street from a lovely park & playground. An ideal place to spend some time with the kids. read more

I went to the library this morning and returned all my books. This time I made sure I had all my books. I gathered them all up and counted them all. I had 38. My mom told me to go pick out books. Mainly I read mysteries such as Nancy Drew and American Girl and the Red Rock series which are easy for me to read and don't require using my brain. My mom stood there and watched the lady check in the books. Somehow, a Nancy Drew mystery for younger children titled "The Circus Scare" must have not registered somehow. I ended up calling AGAIN to get this straightened out. The lady, Julie, said she couldn't find it on the shelf and said she would call me back. This is the third time this year that I have had to do this and from this point on, I will have to stand there while they check them all in. Julie called me back about 5 minutes later and said she had found the book. She told me that the RFID tag on the book that I had returned did not register. She told me that she was sorry about it and was removing it from my account. It wasn't her fault that this happened, the lady who checked them in has a cat calendar by her seat. Not sure of her name, but she was the one that checked them all in. I told my mom that I knew it had to be there because it wasn't anywhere in our house. The staff needs to make sure that books that are returned register as checked in before someone puts the books on the shelf. I wasn't paying for a book that I know I had returned. My mom helped me look at the computer desk and on the coffee table. I only have my library books on my computer desk and on the coffee table in the living room. These are the only places that I keep books because they are within easy reach of my computer or the couch. I have a laptop computer and I sit at the desk in the morning and evening as I start and end my day. I was raised by my mother to be as organized as possible. I always make sure that before I leave for work that the computer desk is straightened out. And I ALWAYS make sure that the books are organized before bed as well. After I am done using my computer which is about 9:45pm, I read until it is time for the 10pm weather and then my mom and I start getting ready for bed. This way I always know where my books are and I don't have to turn the house upside down looking for my books. I don't like how they stack books on top of one another to check them all in. I always check my books out individually so that I know they are there when I am done. When I am done, I print my receipt and verify the number of books. I don't think it is appropriate to stack books on top one another because that's how some books don't get checked in or out. I wish it would go back to where they checked each book in and out individually. I know that it might be inconvenient for a lot of people, but this would cut down on the number of times I have to call and see about a book not being checked in at the library. Fewer mistakes would be made, that's for sure. I was not going to pay for a book that I know was at the library. I was not going to pay them a penny because it was there all along. If I hadn't called and got it straightened out, I would be paying for a book needlessly. That is not acceptable to me. It is not my job to babysit these folks. I shouldn't have to do that. And, I have a feeling that from now on I will be doing so. I work in retail and if I ever made the multitude of mistakes that this library has over the years, I'd been fired from my job a long time ago. I don't know how many people have had this kind of experience, but I'm sure some have. I don't think that there is any reason to discount what a patron says, no matter where books are checked in or out at. The lady with the cat calendar insisted she had checked in all my books. Books do get misplaced and end up on the floor or on the shelf by mistake without someone knowing that it hadn't been checked in. If it hadn't been for Julie, I'd be paying this library for a new Nancy Drew mystery for younger children titled "The Circus Scare". All I can say is thank you Julie for taking the time to find the book and take it off my account. I am sure she has better things to do than to fix other people's incompetence. read more

This library is a fantastic small public library! They have just enough computers and the staff is very friendly. They make sure to answer your questions and guide you in the right direction. Library card is free and they have an outside park, patio or you can walk the Camanche Trail! I come about three times a week and never leave with any disappointment! read more

A wonderful library in a beautiful setting. Go grab a couple of good books and then take a hike around Comanche Lookout. This place addresses two of San Antonio's targeted goals, improved fitness and literacy, in one convenient location. The staff is always very helpful and friendly. The surrounding community can look at the Semmes as one of our finest assets.. Plus, the price of admission can't be beat:free. read more