San Antonio public libraries (Kyle, Helotes: live, nicest, architecture)

[motown mary]

How is the library system in San Antonio? Where are the nicest branches? Where is the main library?

[catriona]

I've used the library system for years. What I like about it is you can log in and search the entire catalog. When you find a book you want, you can have it sent to the nearest branch for pickup. It is a very user friendly system, allowing you to check when your books are due, renew them, put them on hold, etc. They also have a new system where you can self-check out your books. Again, very easy to use.

Our nearest branch is the Cody Library. The only other one I've been lately is the main library, a.k.a the Red Enchilada building downtown. Nice building, but it is just easier to order online, so to speak, and then go pick up the books. Google their website and check it out!

[PopsGuysRule]

Yes, ditto to what catriona said about the convenience and ease of 'online' transactions with the San Antonio Library system.

My nearest branch is the Maverick branch and I LOVE it. If you go to the main website, look at photos of all the branches. Even though it is not the KEY component to having a good library system, the buildings are beautiful and UNIQUE. None of them have that "institutional" look that many libraries do. (Of course, this is San Antonio, and they are pretty unique here, overall, in their architecture.)

I needed some reference books on MS VISTA and the new MS Office 2007, when I got my new laptop. I searched the library website; most of them were still on order and weren't available anywhere yet. When the two that I wanted came in, they were immediately sent to my branch, and I got an email that my books were ready for pickup.

Such ease and such convenience!

[motown mary]

I definitely think a nice building adds something - it means the city invests in its public libraries and it also makes for a more comfortable place for people to research, read and lounge.
Which branch is best for kids/kid-friendly? (in the NW)
Does Helotes have its own library?

[mojokitty]

As far as I can see Helotes only has a bookmobile. I wish they would make a library on the west side of town. I'm at Potranco/1604 area.

[PopsGuysRule]

Originally Posted by motown mary

I definitely think a nice building adds something - it means the city invests in its public libraries and it also makes for a more comfortable place for people to research, read and lounge.
Which branch is best for kids/kid-friendly? (in the NW)
Does Helotes have its own library?

Depending on where in Helotes you live, you are probably closest to the Maury Maverick branch on Mystic Place.

It's off Bandera and New Guilbeau.

I couldn't find a Helotes Library.

[Joli]

A new library just opened on the Northwest side on the new branch of
Kyle-Sealse off Hausman just inside Loop 1604. I have not visited yet, but
saw the grand opening signs a couple weeks ago when traveling Hausman
to I-10.

[Joli]

Here is better information on the location of the new library that just opened:

http://www.sanantonio.gov/library/branch/igo.asp

Joli

[PopsGuysRule]

Originally Posted by Joli

A new library just opened on the Northwest side on the new branch of
Kyle-Sealse off Hausman just inside Loop 1604. I have not visited yet, but
saw the grand opening signs a couple weeks ago when traveling Hausman
to I-10.

You know, I had heard that, actually from someone that works at the Maverick branch, but I have not been able to find the new one....

is it ON Kyle-Seale, or is it on Hausman.... I never did see the grand opening sign, but I do want to go check this out.....
I am much closer to Maverick, but I still want to see the new one...

thanks......

[Drzy]

Originally Posted by PopsGuysRule

You know, I had heard that, actually from someone that works at the Maverick branch, but I have not been able to find the new one....

is it ON Kyle-Seale, or is it on Hausman.... I never did see the grand opening sign, but I do want to go check this out.....
I am much closer to Maverick, but I still want to see the new one...

thanks......

I tried to go the first day and had trouble finding it. I knew there were two separate roads of Kyle Seale, one off 1604 and the other off Prue. What I didn't know is that there are now three completely disjoint sections of Kyle Seale, none of which are accessible from the others.

The library is in the middle section. To get there, take Hausman inside the loop and turn right at the first light you come to (the new Kyle Seale). It's almost immediately on the left. It's not on Google Maps, Mapquest, etc. yet.