Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    San Antonio Central Library

    3.7 (62 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

    San Antonio Central Library Photos

    Recommended Reviews - San Antonio Central Library

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Just another view of the library
    Sara M.

    So, about 1 million years ago, I used to come to this library quite regularly to stock up on reading material. There's always a large selection of new books and DVDs. Plus, I always feel like there is so much to see and so many areas to explore. Sadly, I haven't been to this library quite as much anymore, but every time I come here, I discover something else. Today, I discovered that you can rent out fishing equipment and laptops from the library. I really think this is a spectacular library with many amenities. They have a business resource center, a Texas genealogy area, an art gallery, a Latino section and resource area, and of course fascinating, art all over the place. It really is one of the best that San Antonio has to offer. Just a quick side note: they do get a lot of homeless people. Today in particular, due to the cold, it was fairly full. At one point, when I was looking for a book, there was an individual who kept getting louder and louder the longer I stood there looking at the shelf. However, most of the people there are just simply trying to get out of the cold and do their own thing. I do think that if you live in San Antonio, you should visit this library at least once. It has so many resources and so much to offer to city residents.

    Isabella M.

    Lovely library ! They have such beautiful views within from art, to decor, and beautiful colors all around. They have lots of computers available for use which is very nice. They also offer access to the book cellar which is really great to take home books for good. Although there is a parking garage they offer free parking for 3 hours for just visiting the library. The library staff is nice and helpful. The place was very clean and all the books were organized. All around a very great library to visit!

    Meg F.

    Our central library is so amazing! Their gallery walls are always filled with free amazing art. The art book section is HUGE. They have hundreds of titles. It's always peaceful, clean, and staffed by helpful people who care deeply about our rights to have uninhibited access to knowledge. I love this library! They have a great basement store with dirt cheap books, and a huge catalog of movie titles to rent, as well! Check it out!

    Lisa K.

    This library is beautifully set up. With wonderful art work and a great amount of setting for people to sit and enjoy. Getting a new card since we just moved here was very simple. The Librarian was very helpful and informative. Once you have a card there are 29 local libraries you can use. They have DVD's, Vinyls, VIDEO TAPES! Magazines, newspapers- everything you could want and more. The area is very clean. Multiple bathrooms. Parking is very easy- covered parking $5 an entire day or you can get it Validated within 3 hours for FREE parking. Highly recommend a visit here if you're into a calm relaxing area!

    Artwork at library
    Cristina B.

    My first time here and definitely will not be my last!! Especially since I got a library card! Yay! Clearly I was geeking out and I did not want to leave after the Yelp event we attended here! This library itself is a historic gem! So much natural light, beautiful artwork, a very large selection and a secret "Cellar" downstairs! Highly, highly recommend! One of my new favorite hideaways! Staff is so kind and helpful. Thank you!

    The Real Book of Real Estate by Robert Kiyosaki and a gooooooood view.
    Montrena P.

    Clean, nice art work/gallery on the 1st floor. Clean restrooms on just about each floor, and the staff is helpful.

    Ino R.

    First time in a long time to the Central Library. It was a field trip for the kids. They had a blast. I truly enjoy taking them to a place where they can have fun, relax and enjoy quiet so ace while exploring their imagination and creativity. The staff were great. All friendly from, Ms. Kaylee at the front desk to the team at the children's department. For newcomers they have a scavenger hunt. The Central Library is clean, spacious, and wonderful. Parking is free for three hours with validation, but one can spend hours here. Happy space, happy place.

    Melanie S.

    I'm glad I finally went to this library downtown. It's huge and on Thursdays-Sundays they have the Book Cellar open downstairs which sells books for as low as .50 or $1. They also have an extensive selection of books/magazines, etc in Spanish. The staff here couldn't have been friendlier and helped me find everything I was looking for plus shared a bunch of information about events. They are repainting the courtyard outside and will host more events there like outdoor movies for free.

    Cumbia Class
    Marcos D.

    I was there for a cumbia and bachata class. The class was excellent detailing the different types of cumbia and bachata styles in Latin American countries and how to combine them in social dances. The class started with basic patterns then partner dancing with pattern movements. Library staff were fantastic, facilitating the instructors and participating as well.

    Marisa P.

    The library recently underwent a three million dollar renovation so I was interested in seeing the changes. The main differences are renovated bathrooms, more technology including computers in the children's section, and of course a new coat of that outdoor bright paint. There are self check out stations now, so much faster to check out or renew a book. If you are not a library member I highly recommend joining because it's FREE and they have online books, magazines and all kinds of downloads. The book festival runs once a year in April and offers a chance to meet authors and attend book signings. If visiting the library they have a private garage by the entrance and if you take the ticket inside there is a machine that will validate it for three hours. If you have kids check online because they offer all kinds of activities.

    My 2 year old enjoying his first trip to the library.
    Ari E.

    I took my family with me and it was the first time for all four of us. first impression? The place was huge. second, it's very clean. we did notice a few homeless people here and there. surprisingly, if you mind your own business, they don't bother at all. Not sure why it bothers so many people. That's just my experience though. The library was clean and well kept. It was also the middle of the week, late afternoon so it was nice and empty, a personal favorite. we headed straight for the children's book section. i have a 2 year old and an 8 year old and this area kept them busy for well over an hour. the librarians were extremely friendly and made a good effort with the children. Not just my children, but the others there too. They seemed genuinely pleased to have us and it was such a welcoming feeling.

    See all

    21 days ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 2
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 2
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ino R.
    195
    723
    6873

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    What went well at the library is the environment is very nice. Additionally, the bookstore is nice as well.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jen L.
    227
    2960
    1788

    14 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Allison F.
    95
    226
    337

    17 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mister D.
    58
    857
    343

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jody D.
    12
    57
    0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of M A.
    0
    1
    0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Noe B.
    2
    80
    1

    14 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    18 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Curt C.
    2559
    4229
    1494

    12 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Good library, but it is also a favorite hang out for local homeless folks.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - San Antonio Central Library

    Review Highlights - San Antonio Central Library

    It's huge and on Thursdays-Sundays they have the Book Cellar open downstairs which sells books for as low as .

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Libraries 1,087 times last month within 5 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Parman Library At Stone Oak - Story time group

    Parman Library At Stone Oak

    4.3(38 reviews)
    14.1 miStone Oak

    Traveling these days looks a lot different with a toddler in tow. We were in SA to visit family for…read morea week and wanted to keep up our general routine and visited this library twice for story times. Their schedule is online and while they don't have as many story time events as I would like, they are quite popular and well done. Arrive a few minutes early to get a ticket for entry. The library itself is clean and welcoming with kids art and games around. The child area has small seating and dedicated computers for appropriate games. I like that the board books are in an elevated bin to easily sort through. Staff at the checkout/info desk were kind and helpful, too. Bonus points for having a playground a few steps away too. I also got my mom signed up for a library card for the first time in decades and it was a quick and easy process.

    Best library in town!. This location is huge, well lit and always looks so clean and organized,…read moreunlike the one that is closer to me. The ladies at the front were so kind and welcoming. I was looking for a book called "Dark Matter", which the lady knew the author quite well. Sadly, it was already checked out. But she put it on hold for me, and recommended several more great authors in the field of Sci-fi mystery. I couldn't believe how helpful and delightful the environment was at this location. I was told there were trails with beautiful scenery to walk around a couple of the exits. They often have free classes here near the end of week and weekends. The meditation and martial arts sessions look promising. Parking was very plentiful at this branch and the landscaping was absolutely gorgeous. I will definitely be going a little farther for this one. What top notch service and selection!

    Photos
    Parman Library At Stone Oak - Story time ticket

    Story time ticket

    Parman Library At Stone Oak - Books honoring Hispanic heritage month

    Books honoring Hispanic heritage month

    Parman Library At Stone Oak - They have a tiny art gallery!

    See all

    They have a tiny art gallery!

    San Antonio Central Library - libraries - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...