September 13, 2023

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Today’s Forecast

53º | Partly cloudy | 20% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:29 a.m. | Sunset 5:48 p.m.

A declaration of the literary sort

The bright orange facade of Central Library. | Photo by Andres Nunez on Unsplash

When’s the last time you visited a local library? We have to admit, it’s been awhile for us. Mayor Ron Nirenburg recently signed a declaration establishing September as Library Card Sign-Up Month to encourage San Antonians to visit their local library and sign up for a free library card.

Need a library card? Don’t worry, we got you. Let’s dig into the variety of uses + perks your library card has and how to register.

📚 San Antonio Public Libraries

The San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) system has 29 branches (28 branches and a library outlet at the Briscoe Western Art Museum) throughout the city. For over 110 years, SAPL has offered a host of free services + events for the Alamo City community. In order to access these amenities, you need to get yourself a library card.

📚 Library card perks

SAPL offers more than just book rentals, they also offer these perks to card holders:

eBooks
eAudiobooks
Magazines
CDs, DVDs, and Blu-Rays
Vinyl records

What’s the coolest perk of a library card, in our opinion? SAPL allows members access to over 100 publications including National Geographic, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal.
Registering for a SAPL library card is easy and best of all — free. Those who live in San Antonio + Bexar County can visit any library location with a photo ID and proof of current address (like a utility bill). Don’t forget the kiddos under 18, they are eligible for their own cards as long as they’re accompanied by a parent or guardian.

For instant access to digital resources like eBooks and eAudiobooks, you can pre-register for a 90-day eCard. During that time, you can bring in the required documentation to any of the SAPL branches and get a physical card to tap into library’s fullest potential.

Events

Wednesday, Sept. 13

Tea Pawty | Wednesday, Sept. 13 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Pawderosa Ranch, 1203 Mission Rd., San Antonio | $24.95 | Bring the dog for a paw-some tea party with photo ops, eats + treats, and a goodie bag.
Mi Cultura — Bringing Shadows Into the Light | Wednesday, Sept. 13-Sunday, Jan. 7 | 10 a.m. | Witte Museum, 3801 Broadway St., San Antonio | $10-$15 | See the life of San Antonio through Al Rendón’s career featuring portraits of Selena, rock + roll concerts, and more.
Taylor Swift Trivia | Wednesday, Sept. 13 | 7:30 p.m. | Texas Dog Co., 4302 Hyatt Pl. Dr., San Antonio | Free | Gather your fellow Swifties and let the games begin as you test your knowledge on all things Taylor Swift.

Thursday, Sept. 14

Lunch at La Villita | Thursday, Sept. 14 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | La Villita Historic Arts Village, 418 Villita St., San Antonio | Free | Grab a quick bite to eat with local food trucks at this historic downtown destination.
Jazz on the Rooftop | Thursday, Sept. 14 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Fairmount Hotel Rooftop Oyster Bar, 401 S. Alamo St., San Antonio | Free | Sip on some cocktails and enjoy live music from the Noah Peterson Duo.
Hispanic Heritage Month Dinner | Thursday, Sept. 14 | 7 p.m. | Hotel Emma, 136 East Grayson St., San Antonio | $150 | Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month featuring a private six course dining experience with a James Beard Award-nominated chef.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Show

The City of San Antonio has partnered with our Sister City, Darmstadt, Germany, for the production of the 33rd Annual International Youth Orchestra Darmstadt program. Come to a free performance tonight featuring young musicians from 12 countries from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Watson Fine Arts Center at St. Phillips College.

Coming Soon

Sip & Sit With Me, a new coffee shop, is stepping onto the San Antonio espresso scene. Located on the city’s Southside at 3244 Mission Rd., the business has not yet released an opening date. In a hurry? Check out our City Guide to find the best espresso in town.

Eat

As we eagerly wait for the Make Ready Market to open in November, the shopping center is hosting a pop-up on Friday, Sept. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m., featuring Idle Beer, Pescado Bravo, Buje, and eet-up. Grab your tickets for $10 and come enjoy cocktails, cheeseburgers, beer, and taquito ensenada.

Tech

San Antonio-based tech company, Codeup, is hosting an open house on Wednesday, Sept. 20, starting at 2 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with professionals, enjoy free food + drinks, and see if the tech industry is right for them. Registration is required and free.

Plan Ahead

The Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Festival is coming back for its eighth year to Brackenridge Park on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come celebrate nature’s pollinators and butterflies through hands-on activities and immersive experiences. The event is free and is open to the public.

On This Day

In 1945, “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” based on the 1890 novel by Oscar Wilde, premiered at the Texas Theater. The movie features Hurd Hatfield, Angela Lansbury and Donna Reed. Wilde also visited San Antonio in 1882 and lectured at the Turner Opera Hall (now the Bonham Exchange).

Finance

Refinance rates are skyrocketing. But home equity rates remain relatively low — which means that now is a great time to borrow against your home. Calculate your payment.*

Home

Dramatic and moody, yet tranquil and grounded. Are we describing ourselves, or Sherwin-Williams’ Color of the Month for September 2023? Discover the color for your next home project.^

Outdoors

🍂 It’s picnic season

Grab some small bites and drinks at The Pearl and stay for a cozy picnic. | Photo by The Pearl

As we anxiously wait for the temperatures drop around the Alamo City, we can’t stop daydreaming about what we’d do when we get that first wave of fall weather. So grab your insulated wicker basket, a bottle of your favorite beverage, a couple of meats + cheeses, and let’s round up the best places for a blanket-covered eating outing.

The Food Hall at Bottling Department, 312 Pearl Pkwy.

This is a romantic part of the city and perfect for a picnic, so perfect that we think it would be a wonderful date idea to pop that special question.

Legacy Park, 103 W. Houston St.

Take in the city as you dine on your meal with skyline views and a gorgeous sunset. Don’t want to sit on the ground? No problem, the park has bistro tables + chairs for your enjoyment.

3 more picnic spots

Shop

Seasonal

Put your holiday gifting headaches in the past with Six & Main’s gifting quiz. Get the perfect gift for your friends and family with just a few clicks. Start quiz.

Arts

Kathyphantastic items are perfect for spicing up your wardrobe, water bottle, or fridge. From unique magnets to art prints, shop the collection.

Drink

The internet’s favorite tumbler — the 40-oz. Stanley Quencher — is in stock in cute colors like pool, jade, and orchid.

Travel

Love flying first class? Snag an Elite membership from Going and get emailed when first + business class flights are 40-90% off (hello, European vacation).

Wellness

It doesn’t get more luxurious than the Drowsy sleep mask, which is silky smooth on skin and completely light-blocking for the deepest sleep.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Nicholas

From the editor

I have two younger sisters, and back in 2021, the youngest requested that I take her on a picnic for her 11th birthday. We made the picnic extra special by picking up some Raising Cane’s, an All American Cookie, and packing a bottle of chilled apple cider.

Needless to say, the picnic story was inspired by her. Our picnic outing is definitely one of my core memories with family.

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📚 San Antonio Public Libraries

📚 Library card perks

📚 How do I sign up?

The Food Hall at Bottling Department, 312 Pearl Pkwy.

Legacy Park, 103 W. Houston St.