SAN ANTONIO — Pan American Branch Library is celebrating 50 years of service in the southside community.
- Library is on Pyron Avenue
- Originally opened in 1969
- 145,000 people use Pan American yearly
On Saturday, the public library on Pyron Avenue marked the occasion with a 60s-themed event. The San Antonio Public Library director Ramiro Salazar opened the ceremony with a few remarks on the library, which opened in 1969.
Before opening more than five decades ago, the Pan American Library was described as a silver bullet on wheels.
"It was a trailer that was converted into a book mobile and that was the service that was provided," Salazar said.
He said it wasn't long though before city leaders did away with the trailer and purchased land in a neighborhood community near I-35 south. He said the library's building has remained there since.
"To me, it was touching to hear the testimonials from folks that remembered when this library was built," he said.
In the crowd was Marisol Gutierrez. She grew up nearby and has been using the library for most of her life.
"A lot of people don't have resources so when they come here they're in the community doing their research, doing everything they need to do," Gutierrez said.
Library staff say roughly 145,000 people use Pan American yearly to check out books, conduct research and complete homework. To keep the library accessible and up-to-date, the building recently underwent some renovations.
Through the 2018 City Budget, the branch received new furniture, new teen and children’s areas, new and improved computer tables. In addition to the renovations funded in the 2018 city budget, the San Antonio Public Library received a $40,000 grant from Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas, Inc. for technology enhancements.
"We ask the public to take advantage of the libraries that are theirs and utilize them," Salazar said.
To learn more about Pan American Branch Library and its history you can visit this website.