Welcome,  Friends  of  the  San  Antonio  Public  Library  (FOSAPL)

Here, you can get updates, share information and read our newsletter, SAPLings, online with color photos and extra content.
News & Events

FOSAPL Calendar & Book Sales

July 4

ALL IN-PERSON EVENTS ARE CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

​​​The Sept.-Oct. 2020 issue of SAPLings is here!

SAPL is still here for us, even under quarantine!

Beth Graham, FOSAPL President

If you haven’t taken advantage of the many virtual resources offered by the San Antonio Public Library, now is the time! The library offers a wide range of online and downloadable resources:
No fines? No fines! First, although not a virtual resource, while the
library is closed, due dates do not apply and fines will not accrue. Second, one advantage to downloadables is that they return themselves to the library when they are due, and since they never become overdue, there are no fines.             — Adults:  https://tinyurl.com/field-trips-adults
            — Kids:  https://tinyurl.com/field-trips-kids
            — Teens:  https://tinyurl.com/field-trips-teens Many of these resources are available without a library card, but if you know someone who needs one, a virtual card can be obtained at www.mysapl.org. Your virtual card will let you check out items available online.
​
We hope this helps! NOTE: for those who may get SAPLings in hard copy, the TinyURL links above will not work. Go to www.mysapl.org and check out the revolving header for resources. Finally, don’t be afraid to explore the whole SAPL website – who knows what great things you will find?

​MONEY, MONEY, MONEY!
​HAS BEEN CANCELLED

Please check back once the "stay in place" has been lifted.
Nancy Gandara

We know you’ve got questions—come to a cla$$ for answers! ALL branch Friends group presidents, treasurers, “Book Nook” and book sale coordinators are requested to attend one of these sessions during March:
  • Friday, 3/20/2020 1:30–3:30 Mission Branch
  • Friday, 3/27/2020 1:30–3:30 Brook Hollow
  • Saturday, 3/28/2020 10–12 Central
  • Sunday, 3/29/2020 2–4 Great Northwest
To ensure that your questions and frustrations are addressed, send those questions to fosapltreas@gmail.com today!

    MONEY, MONEY, MONEY RSVP
Support
Support the Friends:
Join
Membership benefits include
  • Invitations to all programs
  • Announcements for exhibits & events
  • Attendance at book sale previews
  • Bi-monthly newsletter, 
    ​    SAPLings

Nominations for Arts & Letters due by Sept. 1

The Friends of the San Antonio Public Library is accepting nominations for the 2020 Arts & Letters Awards.

For almost 50 years, the Friends have recognized members of the community for their outstanding contributions in the fields of arts and letters. The awards are presented annually to artists, writers, musicians, educators, community leaders, and entertainers. In addition to being leaders in their field, their passion in their chosen fields has enriched the cultural and spiritual life of San Antonio.
 
Nominations are open to those residing in Bexar County. The selection committee evaluates the nominees’ work, their on-going production, commitment to their field, and lastly their commitment to the greater San Antonio area.

The link to the nomination form is https://www.jotform.com/71348191184155/

The deadline for nominations is September 1. For more information, and applications, please contact John Costello, jacostello310@hotmail.com. 
 
The winners will be announced in late September, and a virtual awards ceremony will be held on November 1.

SAPL DIGITAL RESOURCES JUL–AUG 2020 

Even when San Antonio Public Library locations are closed, the digital library is available 24/7! San Antonio Public Library is Providing Contact-Free Pickup and Public Computer Access!

Contact-Free Pickup of holds is now available at all San Antonio Public Library locations. Just go online or call your nearest location to reserve your materials. Nine SAPL locations are also offering one-hour computer sessions by appointment, and all SAPL book drops are now open. For details on times and locations of services, call 210-207-2500 or visit mysapl.org.​
FOSAPL Board Meeting Locations and Dates
Meetings start at 2 p.m. on Zoom until further notice
July 4
Date Library
Sept. 20 Zoom unless otherwise noted
Nov. 22 Pan American Branch Library
Jan. 24, 2021 Central Library

Phased Openings 

San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) is resuming partial services on Tuesday, June 16, 2020, in accordance with the phased reopening plan announced by City Manager Erik Walsh. The reopening includes contact -free pickup services at all SAPL locations and limited public computer use at nine locations.

Contact -free pickup of reserved library books and materials at the Central Library and all branches will occur during specific service hours. Nine library branches will also offer access to public computers for one hour per user to allow for other users and disinfection after each computer use. Book drops will be reopened at all locations. SAPL will also offer expanded phone, chat, and online reference, increased outside Wi-Fi availability, expanded e-programming and online assistance.

The nine locations offering public computer accessibility by appointment only in addition to pickup services are Bazan, Carver, Collins Garden, Cortez, Johnston, Mission, Pan American, Schaefer, and Westfall, branches. These branches were selected in order to assist residents in areas of San Antonio with less internet and computer access. Residents can call each library location to schedule an appointment.

“We are looking forward to reopening library locations for the community. We will continue to adapt operations to keep our employees and residents healthy and safe, while also bringing equitable access to the Internet, digital materials, and computers to the neighborhoods that need it most,” said Ramiro S. Salazar, Director of the San Antonio Public Library System.

​For more information, go to https://www.mysapl.org/.
The Friends of the San Antonio Library website is maintained by AWA Communications.