Initiatives

The First Edition Society is a group of young San Antonians that support the mission of the San Antonio Public Library Foundation. The members’ mission is to engage and cultivate the next generation of young leaders by hosting great events that raise both money for and awareness of our library system.

This committee under the Library Foundation organizes great books seminars, which are modeled after the great books liberal arts program at St. John’s College. Led by Foundation Board Member Paul Martin, these are hosted twice a year – Spring and Fall – for those interested in attending.

In fall 2017, the San Antonio Public Library celebrated the grand opening of the Latino Collection and Resource Center at Central Library. Within the first six months of opening, the center hosted 36 unique events that impacted more than 1,000 individuals and families. The 13,000-volume Latino Collection has increased 200% from February 2016 to February 2018.

The Foundation has been working with Library staff to establish a vision for the department’s future. With appropriate investments of private dollars, the collection can be made more comprehensive and relevant.

A special effort of the Library Foundation, Voices of San Antonio is a collection of personal stories from some of our city’s greatest and most influential leaders.