San Marcos Public Library provides events and resources, benefiting community

By: Cayla Soriano

Assistant Copy Editor

SAN MARCOS – The San Marcos Public Library is an institution that is utilized by many, but what some people don’t know about public libraries is that there are numerous amounts of resources and programs, such as available free-to-use computers, quiet workspaces and events for the community to gather and socialize with one another.

San Marcos Public Library offers many resources that some might not have easy access to such as scanners, printers and, of course, access to information and education. Standard library cards are free for the residents of San Marcos and Hays County while residents who live outside of Hays County can purchase a library card for an annual fee of $56 or $28 for three months.

Don’t let the idea of not having a library card scare you away from utilizing your local library. Regardless of your location or status, the library is open to anyone in the community, and it is often used as a hangout spot for locals. Deborah Carter, San Marcos Public Library librarian, said, “You do not need to have a library card to go to any program or to use the library as a space. Library cards are really just to take books home.”

The local library is also helpful to those who need solace or a safe space to be able to escape the worries of everyday life.

“The library has been a place for people who are in crisis. We have free internet and computers, we provide a space for those to get out of the heat or cold, and we’re open seven days a week,” Carter said.

Although free access to helpful resources is a bonus, the real treat is the events that the library puts together for the community. There will be several events during February that all age groups can enjoy. For all the San Martian bookworms, there will be a Friends of the Library Book Sale where you can purchase a collection of hardcover and paperback books at two dollars for hardcovers and one dollar for paperback; This includes antique and collected books. This sale will be from Feb. 16 through Feb. 18.

Black History Month is around the corner, and the San Marcos Library will be joining Calaboose Museum to host the 2nd Annual African American Read-in. The Read-in is located at 205 Martin Luther King Drive on Feb. 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be all types of books for the public to discover, read and learn more about African American history in San Marcos.

“You can go across the street and get a tour of the African American History Museum, and it is a good opportunity to visit the historic neighborhood and learn about our history,” Carter said. The museum is in a historical neighborhood where you can also visit sites such as the Eddie Durham Park and Cephas House.

Another event to put on your calendar will be the Queer Game Night. Located in meeting room A, this event will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and it is for ages 18+. There will also be a Family Queer Game Night, which is available for all ages and will be on Feb. 7 & 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. This will be for the families of LGBTQIA+ as well as for those who love and support the community.

Victoria Alaniz, San Marcos Public Library peer support specialist, expresses how holding events for the LGBTQIA+ gives those an opportunity to meet others with the same background and how this helps families with queer children form bonds within their community. “I think it is really helpful, and it can help with finding resources within each other and building connections. The more people that come, the better.”

To learn more about events, programs and resources at the San Marcos Public Library, visit their website at https://sanmarcostx.libcal.com/.