San Antonio Library Reaches 9 Million Checkouts in 2024

News Summary

The San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) has marked a significant achievement by surpassing 9 million items checked out in 2024. This milestone reflects the growing enthusiasm for reading and entertainment in the community. Notable trends include the popularity of Sarah J. Maas’ book series among teens, despite facing bans in schools, and continued love for J.K. Rowling’s works. The library serves not only city residents but also those in Bexar County, although funding challenges persist. With new initiatives and technology, SAPL is committed to serving its diverse community.

San Antonio Library Hits Major Milestone: Over 9 Million Items Checked Out!

San Antonio, Texas has seen a remarkable surge in library usage as the San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) announced that its visitors checked out more than 9 million items in 2024 alone! This impressive number showcases the community’s love for reading, movies, and entertainment.

Buzzing with Popular Titles

As patrons continue to dive into the offerings, SAPL has shared a list of its most borrowed books, movies, and TV shows available on Kanopy, the streaming service that cardholders can enjoy from the comfort of their homes. Among the top favorites is Sarah J. Maas’ enticing “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series, which has captivated many local teenagers. It’s hard not to notice the buzz surrounding this book series—even though it has sparked discussions among parents due to some of its mature themes.

Controversial Picks on the Rise

Interestingly, this series hasn’t just won young hearts; it has also attracted the attention of critics. According to reports, Sarah J. Maas was deemed one of the most banned authors in U.S. schools during the 2023-24 academic year, with a number of her books—including “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” “A Court of Mist and Fury,” and “A Court of Wings and Ruin”—being prohibited in over 50 school districts nationwide. It’s a classic case of “love it or hate it” when it comes to this popular fantasy collection.

SAPL’s popularity is not limited to just one author, as renowned works from J.K. Rowling continue to fly off the shelves. Her magical realms remain a firm favorite among both teens and younger children alike in 2024.

A Library for Everyone in Bexar County

It’s worth noting that approximately a quarter of circulation at SAPL comes from Bexar County residents living outside San Antonio’s city limits. This shows how much the local library appeals to a broader community. However, not all is smooth sailing when it comes to funding. There’s an ongoing debate regarding how much financial support the library gets from the county versus what it needs to function properly. Currently, the county contributes about $3.5 million, while the city’s estimated cost for library services stands at around $13 million.

Fundamentally Speaking: A Complex Relationship

This complicated relationship around funding has roots going back to 1936. With changes to payment arrangements happening over the years, many people remember how past funding conflicts led to the creation of BiblioTech, an all-digital library that opened its doors in 2013. The previous four-year agreement between the county and city came to an end in 2019, leading to negotiations for yearly flat fees since then. This year, the interim director, Kathy Donellan, hopes to nail down a multiyear funding agreement before 2026, focusing on how residents use the library.

Celebrating Milestones and Innovations

While funding conversations swirl, SAPL is still making waves in the community. The library celebrated five anniversaries in 2024, including the 40th anniversaries of Brook Hollow and Cody libraries! New initiatives launched this year, like “The Corazon Collection,” design upgrades for library cards, and curbside pickup services, have also added to the ongoing excitement.

The list of top checked-out books from 2023 reflects a wide range of tastes among readers, including popular novels by Colleen Hoover, children’s favorites, and heartfelt memoirs.

The Future Looks Bright

So, whether you’re a student hunting for the latest fantasy novel, a parent seeking engaging materials for your kids, or just someone eager to binge-watch the hottest titles, the San Antonio Public Library is undoubtedly a treasure trove waiting for you. Here’s to many more items checked out and stories shared in the fantastic city of San Antonio!