San Antonio’s main library, opened in the mid-1990s at a cost of $38 million, has a number of important holdings, including the Latino Collection and Resource Center. It is perhaps most notable for its architecture, a wildly colorful and whimsical public space designed by Ricardo Legorreta, renowned for his buildings throughout Mexico. People apparently love to enter this space—by the second month after the library opened, circulation had gone up 95 percent. The boxy building, painted what has been called “enchilada red,” is designed like a hacienda around an internal courtyard. A variety of skylights, windows, and wall colors (including bright purples and yellows) afford a different perspective from each of the six floors.
San Antonio
Travel Guide
San Antonio› Attraction
San Antonio Public Library
600 Soledad St., San Antonio, TX 78205
Our Rating
Neighborhood
Downtown
Hours
Mon–Thurs 9am–9pm; Fri–Sat 9am–5pm; Sun 11am–5pm
Transportation
Bus: VIVA lines 11, 40, and 301
Phone 210/207-2500 Prices Free admission Web site San Antonio Public LibraryNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.