In Summer 2024, VIDA San Antonio installed a Little Free Library at Ana Park where families can take or donate books as they please. Visitors can borrow something to read at the park, take one home to read later, or share something you’ve already read with neighbors.
This onsite community book share is another way VIDA residents connect with each other across the community. Residents meet at the parks, along the Madla Greenway trail, through a large number of community events and gatherings.
“There’s a unique closeness at VIDA that makes it stand out. Our neighbors are friendly and welcoming, and the sense of community feels genuine. Our children love Ana Park—a place where they can meet other kids in the neighborhood and build friendships.”
— James W., VIDA Homeowner
VIDA’s Little Free Library is located at Ana Park.
Little Free Libraries work on the honor system—you don’t have to leave a book to take one, but try to add one later if you can. You can also find Little Free Libraries on the Texas A&M University-San Antonio and Palo Alto College campuses, at Mission San José, and other locations around the Southside.
Lucky for library lovers at VIDA, there are several public libraries across the Southside with impressive collections, community events, and resources for everyone. If you’re looking for your next favorite novel, a quiet place to work or study, or a place to entertain a whole family for a few hours, find it in the Southside Library Guide.
San Antonio Public Libraries
The San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) is not only a great place to find books of any genre; they also have CDs, movies and TV shows on DVD or Blu Ray, audiobooks, magazines and sometimes even vinyl records.
They have public computer access, quiet study space, and often have public meeting rooms that can be reserved for various uses. All SAPL locations offer voter registration services throughout the year, and many also serve as early voting and election-day polling sites.
Each location also has its own programming of classes, workshops, arts & craft sessions, and family-friendly events. Public libraries in the SAPL system are typically open from noon to 8 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday through Sunday.
Search the catalog online or using the mySAPL app.
Cortez Library
2803 Hunter Blvd.
SAPL Website | Events Calendar | Google Maps
Cortez Library (Photo Courtesy of the San Antonio Public Library)
The closest public library to VIDA, Cortez Branch Library, is just across the street from Palo Alto Elementary and Palo Alto Park. It has almost 50,000 items in its collection, including CDs, DVDs, Blu Rays, and audiobooks. The Cortez Library gets its name from Raoul A. Cortez, an icon of Spanish language radio and former president of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).
Pan American Library
1122 W Pyron Ave.
SAPL Website | Events Calendar | Google Maps
At I-35 and W Pyron Ave., the Pan American Branch Library is just about a 10-minute drive from VIDA. This branch has over 60,000 items, including a large Spanish language collection. Regular events at Pan American include meditation classes, Lego Time, Teen Time, and more.
Mission Library
3134 Roosevelt Ave.
SAPL Website | Events Calendar | Google Maps
Mission Branch Library – Photo Courtesy of the San Antonio Public Library
The Mission Branch Library is situated between Mission San José, the Mission Marquee Plaza, next to Mission County Park on the San Antonio River—creating a hub of learning, nature, history, and family-friendly fun. The Mission Library has over 50,000 items, 24 publicly accessible computers, a community meeting room, and quiet study rooms. It’s also the only branch south of the Central branch downtown where patrons can check out vinyl records.
Events at Mission Library include children’s storytimes, table tennis meet-ups, tai chi for seniors, and needlework groups, among others.
BiblioTech Digital Library
Bexar County’s BiblioTech is the first all-digital public library in the U.S. With four locations around San Antonio, BiblioTech’s mission is to ensure residents of Bexar County have access to the technology they need to live in an increasingly digital world.
BiblioTech also hosts several events each week, including weekly learning opportunities like Digital Skills Training sessions, which can help people of all ages learn how to use technology.
BiblioTech South
3505 Pleasanton Rd.
Website | Programs & Events | Google Maps
BiblioTech South Hours
Monday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tue–Fri: Noon to 8 p.m.
Sat–Sun: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Life on the Southside
Looking for more things to do around the Southside? Visit the Community News page for community updates, as well as ideas for places to visit and activities to enjoy.