Our Mission

To Strengthen The Library In Service To Our Community
Looking Forward! - The San Antonio Public Library Foundation

Looking Forward!

A Letter from Cameron Redding, SAPLF Board Chair

As I step into the role of Board Chair for the Library Foundation, I’m both honored and excited about the path ahead. Last year was an incredible success, and I’m eager to build on that momentum—respecting our history while embracing fresh ideas and new opportunities.

Having served on this board for many years, I can honestly say I’ve never been more energized about the future. While our core mission remains to financially support SAPL’s priorities and bond projects, our board has made a deliberate decision to focus on enhancing Teen Spaces systemwide.

In the wake of the heartbreaking tragedy in Uvalde, we reflected deeply on how we could make a meaningful impact within our mission—ensuring that no child falls through the cracks. We recognized a critical gap in support for teens. While many funders gravitate toward early childhood programs, investing in teens is often more challenging. But we believe it’s essential—especially in underserved communities. By improving teen spaces, we’re sending a powerful message: you matter, and you’re worth investing in.

The results speak for themselves—branches with upgraded teen spaces have seen usage increase by up to 400%. The Teen Librarians at SAPL are already doing an incredible job creating innovative, branch-specific programs that engage teens. Our role is to give them the tools and spaces they need to succeed. So far, we’ve secured funding to improve teen spaces at six branches—and we’re committed to expanding this initiative until every branch has a welcoming, well-equipped space for teens.

We’re also looking forward to the launch of a Capital Campaign for the complete renovation of the Carver Branch Library. This project will transform the Carver into a state-of-the-art facility, featuring a new concept Tween Space, a recording studio for podcasts, and an innovative African American Resource Center. We know this will be a project the community will rally behind and many will want to invest in, and we can’t wait to see it come to life.

And let’s not forget the exciting events on the horizon! Since it’s an odd-numbered year, we’ll be hosting Catrina Ball on November 1—with a fresh take. Plus, we’re already gearing up for the return of Over the Edge in 2026!

Finally, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our incredible donors. Your generosity makes all of this possible. I hope you’ll continue to stand with us as we support San Antonio’s libraries and the transformative work of the Foundation.

– Cameron Redding, SAPLF Board Chair

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Putting Your Dollars Into Action

Focus: Texana Resource Center

Each year we work with Library staff to define mutually beneficial programs and efforts that match the Library’s needs with the community and our donors’ interests.  From 2019 through 2022, our biggest fundraising focus has been on the transformation and creation of a Texana Resource Center at the Central Library. The 2017 Bond Program provided $700,000 to begin the first phase of the project, and the Library Foundation has been committed to bringing private dollars to the table to allow for a state-of-the-art center on the 6th floor of our flagship library. The Texana Resource Center is currently under construction; we are looking forward to the Grand Opening!

What We Fund - The San Antonio Public Library Foundation

What We Fund

Technology and More!

From capital improvements and repairs to new technology and system-wide programming, SAPLF raises funds to provide robust offerings for library patrons of all ages throughout San Antonio and the surrounding areas.

Thank You To Our Supporters

 
Brown Foundation
Nancy Smith Hurd Foundation
Literati
Dollar General Literacy Foundation
Frost Bank
HEB
Najim Charitable Foundation
Silver Eagle Beverages
Bertetti
RK Group
Phyllis Browning
Greehey Family Foundation
Mays Family
Semmes Foundation
Smothers
United Way
Valero