Collections & Special Collections
The San Antonio Public Library system is home to a number of unique and specialized collections that provide rich cultural and intellectual experiences to the community, free of charge.
Art Gallery
The Art Gallery on the 1st floor of the Central Library is open with current exhibits that feature local artists and our community partners. We're also right across the street from the Southwest School of Art.
Read more about the Art Gallery.
Catalog
There are over 2.5 million items in our Library, which has locations throughout San Antonio. Looking for a book, audiobook, movie, or music album? Chances are we have it. Start your search here.
Read more about Catalog.
Digital Collections
Access eBooks, eAudioBooks, magazines, music, movies, and more on your personal mobile device or computer. All you need to access these free services is your San Antonio Public Library card.
Read more about Digital Collections.
Express Collection
Express Collections are made up of popular book and media titles that are in current high demand. These popular items and best sellers can be checked out just like other items, but cannot be placed on hold or renewed, so they're more likely to be available when you want them.
Express Collections are currently available at all library locations, including the Central Library on the 1st floor.
Kampmann Collection at the Kampmann Library Portal
Come see collections based on the following topics: Women of the American West, The Native American Perspective, The Farm Workers Movement, The Geography of the West & Southwest; also come see a collection of western art.
Read more about the Kampmann Collection.
Latino Collection and Resource Center
Located on the 1st floor of the Central Library, the Latino Collection and Resource Center is a cultural and educational resource that chronicles and celebrates the literature, heritage, and contemporary life of Latinos in the United States.
Read more about the Latino Collection and Resource Center.
Marie Swartz Art Resource Center
The Marie Swartz Art Resource Center is a partnership with the Southwest School of Art (SSA) that serves as the library of record for the School’s BFA degree program. The 4,500-square-foot center, on the 2nd floor of the Central Library, houses print materials and periodicals, and includes access to art-databases within the Library, all accessible to both SSA students and the public.
Read more about the Marie Swartz Art Resource Center.
Special Needs Services & Collections
We have a variety of resources for our patrons with special needs, and all of our locations are ADA accessible. If you're unable to visit a branch due to a physical disability, or if you're otherwise homebound, check out our Books by Mail service.
Read more about the Special Needs Services & Collections.
Texana/Genealogy
Located on the 6th floor of the Central Library, the Texana/Genealogy Department acquires, preserves and offers access to research materials relating to San Antonio, Bexar County and Texas history, and North American and Hispanic genealogy. Home to historical books, periodicals, maps, newspaper clippings, city directories, census records and military records, these collections are some of the Library's most valuable resources. Texana also offers free classes each month covering genealogical research and a variety of other topics.
Read more about Texana/Genealogy.