Check out these new San Antonio-inspired library cards. | Photo by San Antonio Public Library
When was the last time you visited a local library? We have to admit, it’s been a while for us. Last year, Mayor Ron Nirenburg 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.
San Antonio Public Libraries
The San Antonio Public Library system has 29 branches (28 locations 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. In order to access these amenities, you need to get yourself a library card.
Speaking of cards. SAPL is celebrating Library Card Sign-Up Month with fresh card designs ranging from lotería and music inspired, to the organization’s mascot and city skyline.
Library card perks
SAPL offers more than just book rentals: it also offers these perks to card holders:
eBooks
eAudiobooks
Magazines
CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays
Vinyl records
SAPL also allows members access to 100+ publications including National Geographic, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal.
How do I sign up?
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 valid 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.
39th Annual Zoo Run Relay | Friday, Sept. 6 | 6 p.m. | San Antonio Zoo | $45-$50 | Run, walk, or race in this outdoor athletic event while supporting our local zoo.
1st Friday Kundalini and Sound Bowls | Friday, Sept. 6 | 7-8:30 p.m. | Blue Heart Studio | $21-$25 | Master breathing techniques and perfect your yoga poses with this end-of-the-week reset.
First Friday | Friday, Sept. 6 | 8 p.m.-12 a.m. | BARRIO DOGG | Cost of purchase | Listen to live music, support local artists, and marvel at custom cars.
Saturday, Sept. 7
Vinyl Record Show of San Antonio | Saturday, Sept. 7 | 8 a.m.-6 p.m. | Schertz Civic Center | $15 | Discover vintage, rare, and discounted record finds to grow your collection.
Planting Wildflower Seeds in Texas | Saturday, Sept. 7 | 10-11 a.m. | Rainbow Gardens Bandera | Free | Join Michelle from Native American Seed and learn how to sow wildflower seeds for the fall season.
Bonsai Weekend | Saturday, Sept. 7-Sunday, Sept. 8 | Times vary | San Antonio Botanical Garden | $0-$22 | Walk through the garden and view bonsai trees from the San Antonio Bonsai Society.
Sunday, Sept. 8
Downtown West Farmers Market | Sunday, Sept. 8 | 12-4 p.m. | Legacy Park | Cost of purchase | Shop from local produce sellers and businesses in the heart of downtown.
Second Sunday Fall Market | Sunday, Sept. 8 | 12-5 p.m. | Boxcar Bar | Cost of purchase | Sip + shop with local vendors, listen to live music, and enjoy a Sunday football tailgate.
Alamo Beer Co. may close — unless it can find investors to help restructure and keep the business open. The site on which the brewery sits is already for sale. Current zoning is permitted for hotel, office, residential, or entertainment development. (SA Business Journal)
Arts
A new $2 million public art installation is coming to San Pedro Creek. The open-aired structure is a collaboration between the San Antonio River Foundation, San Antonio River Authority, California artist Gordon Huether, and poet laureate emerita Andrea “Vocab” Sanderson. The project is slated to be complete in February. (SA Report)
Plan Ahead
Speaking of Alamo Beer Co. The Burger Showdown returns on Friday, Oct. 18, from 7 to 10 p.m. The fifth annual competition will feature local chefs like Chef Brandon Peterson of Smash’d + Chef Diana Anderson of JD’s Chili Parlor. Proceeds go towards benefiting Gardopia Gardens. Tickets start at $55.
Furry Friend Friday
Meet Buttercup. This Terrier mix has endless energy and is very affectionate. When she’s not playing fetch, she enjoys snuggling while watching Netflix. Add a new furry family member through San Antonio Pets Alive! Don’t miss: Adoption fees are waived through Tuesday, Sept. 10.
Today Is
National Read a Book Day. If you need some to be read inspo, give our City Guide a browse featuring 29 authors with ties to the Alamo City. Already have a book in hand? Check out our favorite places to read across the 210.
Edu
What would your high school’s football team do with $100,000? School officials can register your high school for the chance to win T-Mobile’s Friday Night 5G Lights contest. Psst — Bandera High School is already in the running.
Sports
Michael Connor discusses how the Reds swept the Astros right out of the Queen City. Get the latest news, analysis, and insider information for the Houston Astros with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Edu
This local school district is searching for graduates to join their Alumni Network, working to build relationships and inspire future generations. Sign up to hear more about events, outreach opportunities, and activities throughout Judson ISD — and check out the unique stories of three community members (including WNBA player NaLyssa Smith).*
Finance
It’s almost fall — that chill you feel should be from the air, not your credit card bill. Experts recommend these four cards with 0% APR for up to 18 months (almost two years) on qualifying balance transfers.*
Seasonal
Imagine the crunch of crisp autumn leaves underfoot, the cries of geese flying south, the crackle of a bonfire. What if you couldn’t hear the sounds of fall clearly? This revolutionary hearing device makes sure that you can. (Test it out for 45 days with zero risk.)*
In an era of fragmentation, we’re focused on uniting the community. | Graphic by 6AM City
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We’re a place where people come to learn and fall in love with what’s local, from dining options to community events. We never accept political advertising, so if your brand is tired of being constantly bumped by those ads, consider us your safe space.
These new library card designs are so cute. I’ll admit that I don’t have one myself, but in the spirit of Library Card Sign-Up Month, I may just have to change that. The Lotería design is calling my name.
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