San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) Holds Public Input Meeting For Upcoming Renovation of Carver Library
On Wednesday November 8th, 2023, the San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) held a public input meeting to gather feedback for the upcoming renovation and expansion project of the Carver Library.
This public input meeting was as a result of the record-breaking approval of the $12.5 million dollars during the passing of the 2022 Bond. The premise of the project is to rejuvenate, renovate, and bring about expansion to the original building, built in 1973.
Representatives from the SAPL were present in addition to representatives from Alta Architecture, the architecture firm that will spearhead the expansion project.
The meeting, which was scheduled from 6pm – 8pm, featured an interactive element where Alta Architecture brought several sample renderings with areas to write remarks. Members of the community sat at individual tables and were able to write down what they desired to see.
In a recent press release, SAPL Director Ramiro Salazar stated,“Community input is vital to the success of this major renovation to the Carver Branch Library. We recognize the importance of library users and residents having a voice in the decision-making process for this important project… this meeting is a critical first step for creating a collective vision for an aspirational library building for our entire community in the heart of the east side.”
Several questions and concerns were addressed during the meeting such as: 1) how will the expansion impact current library operations? 2) how will the expansion impact the surrounding neighborhoods? 3) will new services be introduced to the library with this new expansion?, and many more.
HISTORY OF THE CARVER LIBRARY
The Carver Library has been one of the long-standing cornerstones on the San Antonio East side. Originally founded by a group of African American Army Officers on Fort Sam Houston military base, the first home was a room at the end of the auditorium in the then Colored Cultural Center, now presently known as the Carver Cultural Center before finding a permanent home at 3350 East Commerce.
The 10,770 square foot building was designed by African American architect Norcell Haywood. It should be noted that although the original building was helmed by an African American architect, the $12.5 million dollar expansion project is being managed by an architect firm with zero African American representation. It should also be noted that according to the Directory of African American Architects, there are currently seven African American architects in San Antonio.
Furthermore, the recording from the November 8th public input meeting is available on the San Antonio Public Library YouTube page. For more information and updates on future meetings, visit the City of San Antonio website at sa.gov.
