SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) has secured $385,000 in additional funding for the renovation of the Las Palmas Branch Library, located at 515 Castroville Rd. The additional funding increases the total project budget to $6.4 million.
The additional funding comes from two sources. A total of $250,000 was donated by the H-E-B Foundation for the naming of the new expansion of a 2,000 square feet community gathering space. This gift from H-E-B was secured through the work of the San Antonio Public Library Foundation. The remaining $135,000 comes from a Federal Appropriation initiated by U.S. Representative Joaquin Castro (D-20) to provide for construction for the new Learn at SAPL site at the Las Palmas Branch.
“We are immensely grateful for this additional funding brought to this project by our library partners,” said Kathy Donellan, Interim Library Director. “These additional dollars will help restore a few elements of the renovation of Las Palmas that were previously removed due to rising costs in the construction industry. The Las Palmas Branch Library community has tirelessly advocated for the very best outcome for this renovation project, and this additional funding helps to achieve our shared vision for the library.”
Residents are invited to attend a community meeting to receive a construction update and provide input on a professional recommendation regarding how the additional funding for Las Palmas should be spent. The public meeting will be held at the recently renovated Memorial Branch Library (3222 Culebra Rd., 78228) on Wednesday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will also be livestreamed on SAPL’s YouTube page. More information about the meeting is available on the SAPL website.
The Las Palmas Branch Library renovation is funded by the 2017 and 2022 City of San Antonio Bond Programs as well as private donations and other funding sources. The project is a complete renovation of the library, including an expansion, new digital monument sign, new Learn at SAPL adult education site, new information desks, shelving, and furniture, and completely renovated children and teen spaces. Construction began on the library in 2023 and is expected to be completed in 2025. The first phase of construction funded by the 2017 bond was recently completed.
While Las Palmas Branch Library is closed for renovation, SAPL continues to offer interim service out of the Sueltenfuss Library at Our Lady of the Lake University (411 SW 24th St., 78207). Patrons may pick up library holds, return materials, browse a high-interest collection of books and materials, and access account services at the interim location.
For more information about San Antonio Public Library, visit mysapl.org. Library staff is available by phone at 210-207-2500 or by chat at ask.mysapl.org.
Source: City of San Antonio
