Central Library’s Texana Resource Center Opens November 16

San Antonio’s landmark Central Library is about to unveil a new treasure. The Texana Resource Center, home of the San Antonio Public Library’s special collections, opens to the public on Monday, November 16, 2026, following a $4.55 million renovation, with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 1 p.m. on opening day, the city announced.

What’s New on the Sixth Floor

The Texana and Genealogy Unit collects materials on San Antonio and South Texas history, along with regional and international genealogy resources and local newspaper archives. The renovation adds a new classroom, a listening station and a gallery with rotating exhibits, plus improvements to the vault that protects rare historic materials. Visitors will also find new study areas, individual research spaces and improved shelving.

First Exhibit: Hassett Ranch

The opening also debuts the center’s first exhibition in the Library Foundation Gallery. “Hassett Ranch: A Tejano Family Story” traces a South Texas ranching family through photographs and historical ranching items, and it will be on display through November 13, 2027. On Saturday, November 21 at 2 p.m., author and Hassett family descendant Edna Campos Gravenhorst presents on discovering her Tejana roots. Opening week programs include family history workshops, genealogy themed lotería and lectures.

Preserve Your Own History

One of the most visitor friendly additions is the Memory Preservation Lab, where guests can book an appointment to digitize audio cassettes, VHS tapes, film negatives, slides and photographs. The renovation was funded by the city’s 2017 and 2022 bond programs with support from the San Antonio Public Library Foundation. The Central Library sits downtown at 600 Soledad Street, an easy walk from the River Walk. Like every San Antonio Public Library location, the Texana Resource Center is free to visit. For hours and appointments, visit MySAPL.org or call 210-207-2559.