New and improved website coming July 19!

A new fresh, more user-friendly and responsive mysapl.org is coming soon.  Key features on the new website include quicker and easier access to key services and resources including the digital library, ‘ask a librarian’, and the events calendar. The new site will also be responsive, and is designed for all your devices. Be sure to visit us on July 19 to check out our new look!

Summer Reading and SummerFest

Celebrate Summer Reading and SummerFest at the San Antonio Public Library!

Children, teens and adults have been celebrating reading and all things GREEN (this year’s theme): animals, plants, recycling and more. Reading during the summer helps children and teens maintain current reading skills and fight the summer slide. School-aged children especially lose reading skills if they don’t keep up with reading over the summer.

Readers will get to learn and have fun with the following performers who will make stops at various library branches throughout July:

• Dinosaur George is all about dinosaurs! Who’s mean, green and invading the Library this summer? Dinosaurs! Dinosaur George will share artifacts and fun info all about these prehistoric creatures.

• Eulenspiegel is all about puppets! Enjoy a puppet presentation of “The Fisherman and His Wife”- a magical story about greed and how happiness is not tied to material possessions.

• Joe McDermott is all about silly songs! This maestro of imagination will have you moving and grooving to the beat.

• TamboRhythms is all about drums! Make some music with Jorge Ochoa and his drums.

Celebrate this summer of reading fun with a party we call SummerFest on Saturday, July 30.  The community is invited to Central Library from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. for music, stories, refreshments and plenty of surprises

Webcast: Holocaust Learn and Remember with Dr. Bernd Wollschlaeger

On Thursday, May 26 at 6 p.m. in the Central Library Auditorium, San Antonio Public Library will close this year’s Learn & Remember programming with a presentation by keynote speaker and author Dr. Bernd Wollschlaeger. Wollschlaeger will discuss his book A German Life: Against All Odds Change is Possible. The story describes his struggle growing up in Germany in the shadow of his father, a WWII German military officer. Dr. Wollschlaeger eventually converted to Judaism, immigrated to Israel and served in the Israel Defense Forces as a medical officer. The community is invited to hear his powerful and personal story. Watch live at http://nowcastsa.com/blogs/webcast-holocaust-learn-and-remember-dr-bernd-wollschlaeger.

May is National Asian Pacific American Heritage month

Throughout the month, we recognize the achievements and contributions of Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders and Native Hawaiians to the American story and celebrate Asian and Pacific American culture and heritage. The San Antonio Public Library will host a variety of events and discussions throughout the month, including; classic Indian dance, authentic Chinese tea tastings, Tai Chi, and Japanese drum performances.

Bharatanatyam: Classical Indian Dance – Sunday May 8, 2:30 p.m. at Central Library and Saturday, May 14, 2:30 p.m. at San Pedro Branch Library

Tai Chi – Wednesday May 11, May 18, and May 25, 10:30 a.m. at Carver Branch Library

Introduction to Chinese Language and Culture – Saturday May 14, 11 a.m. at Parman Branch Library and Saturday, May 21, 2 p.m. at Cody Branch Library

Tea Tasting – Sunday May 22, 3:30 p.m. at Central Library

Okinawa dance and Taiko drum performance – Sunday May 29, 3:30 p.m. at Central Library

Mayor Ivy R. Taylor to Host Mayor’s Book Club Book Discussion at San Antonio Book Festival

SAN ANTONIO (March 25, 2016) – Mayor Ivy R. Taylor and the San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) are continuing the Mayor’s Book Club reading initiative with a book discussion on her spring 2016 book choice “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak at the 2016 San Antonio Book Festival on Saturday, April 2. Mayor Taylor and moderator Elaine Ayala from San Antonio Express-News will host interested participants in the H-E-B Teen Author tent at 10 a.m.

“The Book Thief,” which inspired the 2013 film, is the story of Liesel Meminger, a nine-year-old German orphan who is sent to live with Hans and Rosa Hubermann in the town of Molching, shortly before World War II. Liesel begins stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist—books. With the help of her foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids.  She also befriends the Jewish man who her family has hidden in their basement. Originally published in March 2006, “The Book Thief” received immediate critical acclaim and rose to the top of the New York Times bestseller list, where it has remained for the last ten years.

“I encourage everyone to read ‘The Book Thief’ by Markus Zusak, and to participate in discussions and events that focus on the themes of the book at their local branch library,” said Mayor Ivy R. Taylor. “I especially encourage young adults and their parents and families to read this book together. Reading is a fun, affordable and accessible way to explore the world, meet characters and learn.”

Copies of “The Book Thief” can be checked out from any Library branch, or digitally at mysapl.org. The book is available in both English and Spanish. For more information about the Mayor’s Book Club, call 210-207-2500 or visit mysapl.org/mbc.

MEDIA CONTACT
Marcie Hernandez
Public Information Officer
210.207.2614
marcie.hernandez@sanantonio.gov

Mayor Ivy R. Taylor and San Antonio Public Library Launch Spring 2016 Mayor’s Book Club

Mayor Ivy R. Taylor and the San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) are continuing the Mayor’s Book Club reading initiative with her spring 2016 book choice “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak. The Mayor’s Book Club, which started in 2014, is a community wide read aimed at cultivating a community experience through reading and discussion.

“The Book Thief,” which inspired the 2013 film, is the story of Liesel Meminger, a nine-year-old German orphan who is sent to live with Hans and Rosa Hubermann in the town of Molching, shortly before World War II. Liesel begins stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist—books. With the help of her foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids, as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement. The book explores the many complicated relationships in Liesel’s life, and her struggles with the politics of the Nazis during the Holocaust. Among other themes, “The Book Thief” explores the power of words and propaganda, humanity and dehumanization, as well as abandonment and survivor’s guilt.

“During the months of March, April and May, I encourage everyone to read ‘The Book Thief’ by Markus Zusak, and to participate in discussion and events that focus on the themes of the book at their local branch library,” said Mayor Ivy R. Taylor. “I especially encourage young adults and their parents and families to read this book together.   Reading as a community provides opportunities for people of different backgrounds and stages in life to sit down and discuss ideas that are important to all of us. Reading is a way to learn, a way to find out where we belong in the world, a way to explore. I encourage everyone to get involved and to actively participate in this community conversation.”

Originally published in March 2006, “The Book Thief” received immediate critical acclaim and rose to the top of the New York Times bestseller list, where it has remained for the last ten years.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership with Mayor Taylor to promote reading in San Antonio,” said Ramiro S. Salazar, Director of the San Antonio Public Library. “Mayor Taylor’s spring book choice is particularly poignant as we recognize Holocaust Remembrance Day in May. It is a reminder of the importance of participating in community discussion about topics that affect us all.”

Copies of “The Book Thief” can be checked out from any Library branch, or digitally at mysapl.org. The book is available in both English and Spanish. For more information about the Mayor’s Book Club, call 210-207-2500 or visit mysapl.org/mbc.

MEDIA CONTACT
Marcie Hernandez
Public Information Officer
210.207.2614
marcie.hernandez@sanantonio.gov

San Antonio Public Library Locations are Voter Registration Sites

SAN ANTONIO (February 29, 2016) –  San Antonio Public Library is reminding the community that as a nonpartisan, trusted institution, and in accordance with the state Election Code, all 27 San Antonio Public Library locations are designated as voter registration agencies.  Every person of voting age, who applies in person for an original or renewal of a library card, will be given an opportunity to complete a voter registration application form. Already have a library card? Patrons can still register to vote at any location.

Visit Memorial Branch Library at 3222 Culebra Rd. on Thursday, March 3, from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. for help registering to vote. A representative from the Texas Freedom Network, a state-wide nonpartisan group, will be present to register persons eligible to vote. Make sure you’re ready to vote in the 2016 presidential election. The San Antonio Public Library makes an ideal voter registration agency for many reasons. A San Antonio Public Library Card is your free all-access pass to authoritative resources, allowing voters to research candidates and issues. The Library is impartial, offering access to a broad range of viewpoints and opinions. The Library is open to all; voters of any ethnicity, religion, or economic status, will find the help and information they need to make an informed decision. In addition to providing voter registration, select Library locations will serve as voting sites. Media inquiries should go to Caitlin Cowart, Community and Public Relations Manager, at Caitlin.Cowart@sanantonio.gov or at 210.207.2638.

MEDIA CONTACT
Caitlin Cowart
Community & Public Relations Manager
210.207.2638
caitlin.cowart@sanantonio.gov

Community Invited to Celebrate Black History Month through Music at the San Antonio Public Library

The San Antonio Public Library celebrates diversity and makes rich cultural and intellectual resources available to all. During the month of February, the San Antonio Public Library observes Black History Month, a time to celebrate honor and recognize the central role of Black Americans in U.S. History. Visit McCreless Branch Library (1023 Ada St., 78223) on Sunday, February 28 from noon – 1 p.m. to enjoy a musical performance by St. Phillip’s Youth Ensemble. They will perform selections related to African American history.

On Sunday, The St. Phillip’s Youth Ensemble will perform at two other branch libraries:

• 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., Landa Branch Library, 233 Bushnell Ave., 78212
• 2 – 3 p.m., Forest Hills Branch Library, 5245 Ingram Rd., 78228

St. Phillips Youth Ensemble was founded in 2010 as the premier honor wind ensemble for youth in the San Antonio and surrounding areas. Its purposes are to provide a positive musical experience in an artistic environment for advanced in wind and percussion performance, and to supplement the outstanding music education programs in the public and private schools in the region.

For more information about the program call 210-207-2500 or visit the events calendar at mysapl.org.

MEDIA CONTACT
Marcie Hernandez
Public Information Officer
210.207.2614
marcie.hernandez@sanantonio.gov

Community Invited to In-Depth Discussion of “Their Eyes Were Watching God” at the San Antonio Public Library

In celebration of Black History Month, Landa Branch Library will host a discussion about “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale. The compelling narrative of the life of a southern Black woman in the 1930’s has become perhaps the most widely read and highly acclaimed novel in the canon of African-American literature. Retired San Antonio College Professor Janice Clayton will present her in-depth study of the novel, followed by a question and answer session, on Monday, February 22, at the Landa Branch Library from 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Refreshments will also be served. Copies of the book may be put on hold through the San Antonio Public Library website at http://www.mysapl.org, or by calling Landa Library at 210-207-9090.

MEDIA CONTACT
Marcie Hernandez
Public Information Officer
210.207.2614
marcie.hernandez@sanantonio.gov

Central Library offers extended hours to view “The Book Garden”

SAN ANTONIO (February 15, 2016) —  To honor the closing week of “The Book Garden” sculpture exhibit by internationally renowned artist Long-Bin Chen at the Central Library, the San Antonio Public Library will offer extended hours through Saturday, February 20. Exhibit Hours will be: Tuesday and Thursday Noon – 8 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; group tours are available. Nearly 10,000 visitors have enjoyed the exhibit to date.

The artist, Long-Bin Chen, will return to San Antonio on February 18 to conduct a hands-on workshop with students at the Southwest School of Art. In the workshop, students will create one-of-a-kind book jewelry. On Saturday, February 20, Long-Bin Chen will visit the Central Library for a public demonstration and to discuss the process of creating his book sculptures. Patrons are encouraged to attend for a chance to visit with the artist as he shares his process and what inspires him. Space is limited for the presentation, and registration is required. To register for this free event, visit the events calendar at mysapl.org or contact Marcie Hernandez at marcie.hernandez@sanantonio.gov or call 210-207-2614.

“The Book Garden” is a series of sculptures, appearing to be stone, that are actually carved from books, newspapers, and magazines. New York-based artist Long-Bin Chen is internationally known for his transformational sculptures. Using printed materials as his medium, he carefully combines the East and West by incorporating Asian iconography with imagery from other cultures.

The Central Library was able to host “The Book Garden” thanks to the support and of the International Relations Office and Economic Development Department of the City of San Antonio, the Department for Culture & Creative Development, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of China (Taiwan), Taiwan Academy of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Houston, and the San Antonio Public Library Foundation.

For more information about the exhibit, please contact Caitlin Cowart at Caitlin.cowart@sanantonio.gov or call 210-207-2638. To schedule a group tour, please call 210-207-2577.

MEDIA CONTACT
Marcie Hernandez
Public Information Officer
210.207.2614
marcie.hernandez@sanantonio.gov