COSA SAPL News — There are several new reasons to get alibrary card this fall. In coordination with the American Library Association’s annual National Library Card Sign-Up Month, San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) is introducing all new, limited-edition library cards reflecting the rich cultural traditions of San Antonio and the unique experience of visiting the library. Featured on the cards are the classic Mexican card game lotería, the famous San Antonio skyline, cowboy boots and bluebonnets, SAPL’s loveable mascot Smarty, and more.
The new cards are available beginning September 3 while supplies last at San Antonio Public Library locations.
“A San Antonio Public Library card is your key to the vast resources and opportunities offered by the library,” said Kathy Donellan, Interim Library Director. “I encourage everyone in San Antonio to take a few minutes to visit their local library and pick out one of these beautiful new library cards while they last!”
San Antonio Public Library cards are free to all residents of San Antonio and Bexar County and all employees of the City of San Antonio. Residents can visit any SAPL location with a photo ID and proof of residency to sign up for a library card and choose their favorite design.
New patrons can also register online for a temporary, 90-day library card that will grant access to SAPL’s expansive digital library, which includes eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming video, and other online resources. After online registration, new library users can visit any location with a photo ID and proof of residency to quickly complete registration and receive a permanent library card to unlock everything the library offers.
Existing library patrons can also swap their classic library card for a new design by bringing a photo ID to any library location. Exchanging for one of the new cards will require changing the library patron’s card number.
A library card provides access to a wealth of resources and opportunities for both learning and enjoyment, all for free. Library cardholders have access to over 2 million items available for checkout in the SAPL collection, including books, music, movies, and magazines. Patrons can also participate in daily programs and activities at SAPL’s 29 library locations throughout San Antonio. For those looking to enhance their job search or learn basic computer skills, there are seven Learn at SAPL adult education centers available throughout the city. SAPL also offers free public computers and Wi-Fi at all locations.
Last year SAPL introduced Kanopy, a streaming service featuring more than 30,000 popular movies, television shows, documentaries, and a large selection of educational children’s programming. This year SAPL began providing Craftsy to all library cardholders. Typically accessed via paid subscription, Craftsy offers over 2,000 how-to videos to unlock new skills in painting, drawing, cooking, and many other subjects. Videos are also available in Spanish. Both of these services, like all of the library’s offerings, are free.
More information about San Antonio Public Library and its programs and services is available on the SAPL website.
