City of San Antonio Central Library: Children's Library
San Antonio, Texas
14,319 SF
The San Antonio Central Library is one of the most recognized iconic buildings in the city. Designed by Ricardo Legorreta and completed in 1995, the Central Library attracts tourists and local visitors of all ages. With funding from the 2012 bond, the City of San Antonio was looking to transform the facility into a model for a new generation of library services and provide a better experience for the community. Marmon Mok assisted in planning for new projects and designing the renovation of new service areas such as Launch SA, the Teen Center, and the Latino Collection & Resource Center.
Children’s Library
The San Antonio Central Library: Children’s Library offers a fresh take on traditional library spaces by integrating a dynamic story room and a flexible programming area. This multi-use space is designed to accommodate a wide range of activities, from lively storytelling sessions to interactive early literacy play sessions. The flexibility of this space ensures that it can evolve with the needs of the children and families it serves.
An important feature of the new library is the Family Connect computer lab, where children and their families can explore digital learning and access a variety of resources. This space fosters a sense of community by providing a common area for learning and exploration. Additionally, the interactive early literacy play area encourages hands-on activities that engage young learners and promote a love of reading and books.
Our design philosophy emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming and accessible environment. To support families, the new library includes a family restroom and a lactation room, providing parents and caregivers with essential facilities for a comfortable visit. We understand that a supportive environment is crucial for children and their families, and these additions reflect our commitment to that ideal.
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the atmosphere of the Children’s Library. The design features adjustable lighting, including natural light, allowing for a range of ambiances from lively and active to warm and calming. This flexibility ensures that the space can adapt to different activities and sensory-friendly programming, creating a safe and inclusive environment for all.
In addition to these features, the library offers essential amenities such as a family restroom and a lactation room, making it a comfortable space for parents and caregivers. The adjustable lighting, with ample natural light, can be set to create different atmospheres—from lively and active to calm and sensory-friendly—tailored to various activities.
This new library space supports the San Antonio Public Library’s mission to foster a love of books, reading, and learning while being responsive to the needs of children and their families. The design balances function and accessibility, creating an inviting environment that encourages joyful and positive connections with the library.
