Massive Renovation Commences for Texana Resource Center’s Special History Collection

Introduction

Major renovation works are in progress at the San Antonio Public Library’s special collection called the Texana Resource Center. This ambitious project is aimed to house the tens of thousands of rare and historical documents significant to the history of South Texas.

The decision to remodel and expand was taken in early May by the City Council following years of delay due to escalating construction costs and revisions in the project scope. The work, which is to be executed by Best Built, is set to transform an entire floor of the downtown library into a state-of-the-art history and research center.

Project Scope and Design

The renovation, estimated at $5 million, will expand the special collections space to a sprawling 21,000-square-foot area, making it larger than the library’s largest branch. “That’s bigger than our largest branch library,” remarked Kathy Donellan, the interim library director. This undertaking, part of the 2017 and 2022 bond project, is expected to complete by late 2024.

The project blueprint, created by San Antonio-based architecture firm Marmon Mok, envisages a large archival vault with high-density shelving and advanced climate control systems, private consulting rooms, a flexible classroom space, a genealogy research room, and gallery space.

Preparation for Construction

In anticipation of the extensive construction work, the historic possessions of the center have temporarily been moved to the main floor of the library. Patrons can still access more popular items like newspapers, city directories, and clipping files at the temporary space near the reception desk. The resource center also holds copies of death notices and immigration records, which are among the most requested items.

The Texana Resource Center collection continues to grow through acquisitions and donations, including an impressive collection of original WWI recruitment posters donated by prominent lawyer and circus memorabilia collector, Harry Hertzberg. Among its collections are historic maps, including the comprehensive Sanborn Maps, stored in wide, flat filing cabinets.

Funding the Project

Out of the estimated cost for the renovation, the 2017 bond funded $700,000; an additional $850,000 was raised by the San Antonio Library Foundation, and remaining funds were procured from private donations and the 2022 bond totaling $6 million for library improvements, out of which $3.4 million was earmarked for the Texana project.

The San Antonio Library Foundation has raised over $50 million for library needs since its inception 41 years ago, said Executive Director, Amy Hone.

The Texana Resource Center Staff

As much as the collection is an asset, it is the seven staff members of the Texana Resource Center who are considered the core resource. This team assists researchers, tracking down information through various sources and also responding to inquiries. In addition to that, they host Texana-specific programs for the public.

History and family stories are not all about the city, “We’re really preserving these materials for the whole region,” said Donellan. The objective of the project is to enhance public accessibility and expand what’s available digitally.