Since my family is now the proud steward of a Little Free Library, I’m always on the hunt for reasonably priced books to place in it.
With books marked as little as FREE (yes, free!) and 10 cents at mySAPL’s BookCellar, spreading the joy of reading has never been easier or more affordable.
Located in the basement of the Central Library at 600 Soledad Street in downtown San Antonio, The BookCellar is a bibliophile’s dream, and it’s not gloomy, like most cellars, thanks to abundant natural light.
Besides scoring some free books, you can also score FREE parking for up to 2 hours and 59 minutes in the library’s garage! Just be sure to have your ticket validated at the first floor’s reference desk.
The BookCellar is open Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., thanks to the volunteer support of Friends of the San Antonio Public Library.
“I’ve been with the BookCellar 12 years,” said Andrea Mason, former manager. “I started volunteering once a week, like most volunteers. Those of us who were educators love promoting literacy among our young customers, and we love making inexpensive resources available to teachers!”
Mason said they now have 23 volunteers who cover eight weekly shifts, and they welcome more. About a third of the volunteers choose to work multiple days per week.
“Most of us feel that our work keeps us young, fit and engaged!” said Mason.
All of the money raised at The BookCellar helps fund San Antonio Public Library materials and activities, like the Summer Reading Program.
I stocked up on children’s books on my last visit, and I even found a coffee table book for my favorite San Antonio DJ, Jim Beal Jr., whose Thursday shift at KSYM Radio from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. often features Cajun music, including Zydeco.
The BookCellar takes cash, checks and credit cards. Besides books, you’ll also find sheet music, CDs and DVDs. What are you waiting on?!
Denise Barkis Richter, Ph.D., author of “San Antonio’s Passport to Fun,” has been blogging about San Antonio since June of 2010. Follow her at facebook.com/SanAntonioTourist so that you’ll never miss a post. Her love affair with the Alamo City began at Hemisfair in 1968. She moved to San Antonio in 1979 as an 18-year-old college student, and San Antonio has been her home ever since. Denise completed certification to become a professional tour guide in 2019. Please contact her at sanantoniotourist at gmail dot com if you’d like for her to curate a fabulous San Antonio experience for you!
Thank you for writing about The BookCellar! (I used to volunteer there.)
I consider it a city treasure. I’m amazed at the wonderful finds I’ve stumbled across there.
Shirley, The BookCellar is a city treasure, and the friendly, helpful volunteers are the icing on the cake! Thanks for reading/commenting. Cheers, Denise
I love books!!!!!
Me, too! You will LOVE the BookCellar. Over the years, I’ve found some real treasures there. Happy exploring! And thanks for reading/commenting! Cheers, Denise
I didn’t know about this. I think I will be making a trip to see what treasures I can find over spring break. Thanks for the tip.
Michelle, You will be in HEAVEN! Wonderful selection for every classroom…and home library! Let’s have lunch when you’re in town. It’s been too long! Cheers, Denise
Never heard of the “Book Cellar”! Thanks for making me aware. Need to go there soon.
I think you’ll love it. I do! Happy exploring, and thanks for reading/commenting! Cheers, Denise
🙂
Ms. Richter – Might you consider updating this post? Most important is that the BookCellar hours have changed, now Thursday – Saturday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Ms. Mason is no longer the manager. Ms. Pearl Banks is the manager now and is the person to contact with any questions including interest and volunteering. Many thanks, Nancy Oseasohn
Nancy, Consider this comment an update! I will fix the hours because I don’t want people to go on a day you all are closed and be disappointed. The BookCellar is one of San Antonio’s best places! (I included you all in my new book, “San Antonio’s Passport to Fun”!) Cheers, Denise