Public Library to Open for Brisk Browsing at Most Locations

April 8, 2021 - San Antonio

By Jade Esteban Estrada, Staff Writer | San Antonio Sentinel

Beginning April 13, San Antonio Public Library will reopen for “brisk browsing” at all locations with the exception of Central Library, Forest Hills, McCreless, Memorial, and San Pedro Branch Libraries which are still under renovation.

SAPL locations have been closed for browsing since March 2020, at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The library’s brisk browsing service will provide one-way traffic browsing of SAPL’s collection for the first time in over a year.

Contact-free pickup, computer access by appointment, and free outdoor Wi-Fi will continue in addition to the new service.

READ: City Opens Cooling Centers Ahead of Expected High Temperatures

The hours for brisk browsing and contact-free pickup service are Tuesday from noon to 8 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hours for computer appointments are Tuesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

Hours for outdoor Wi-Fi are from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily. 

Full details on updated services and protocols can be found at the library’s website.

During brisk browsing, the following protocols will be in place:

• Temperature check and symptom screening

• Masks required for everyone over 10 years old

• Number of people in the building will be limited

• One-way directional signage and physical distancing

• Holds can be picked up inside or with contract-free pickup

• Study rooms and seating inside the library are currently unavailable, to allow for social distancing and to limit the number of people in the building. 

Library staff is available by phone at 210-207-2500 or via chat at ask.mysapl.org.

Jade Esteban Estrada is a staff writer for the San Antonio Sentinel, where he covers public health and other citywide issues. jade@sasentinel.com | Twitter: @getjaded