Carver Branch Library Renovation
The San Antonio Public Library Board of Trustees approved the schematic design for the renovation of the Carver Branch Library as part of the 2022 Bond at their January 2025 meeting. A recording of the meeting is available below for those who were unable to attend.
The Library, in collaboration with City Council District 2 and the Public Works Department, have sought input and feedback throughout the development of the Carver Branch Library Bond renovation project. Community members provided important feedback at two public meetings, via stakeholder sessions, by direct engagement with Library administration, and through the availability of paper and online surveys. The collected feedback was synthesized and used by the design team to develop a proposed schematic design (linked below) for the renovation of the Carver Branch Library that reflects and responds to the stated needs of the community.
Notes from the Carver Branch Library Schematic
Design Community Meeting
October 24, 2024 | Second Baptist Church Community Center
Council District 2, San Antonio Public Library, and the Public Works Department held a public meeting at the Second Baptist Church Community Center on October 24, 2024 to present the proposed schematic design for the Carver Branch Library renovation. The presentation (linked above) was followed by a public comment and question and answer session. The notes from the meeting are collected below.
Comments and Feedback Provided by Meeting Attendees
Relationship between Carver Branch Library and the community
Second Baptist Church Pastor extended invitation to collaborate since there was shared vision between church and library.
Attendee requested that the library maintain the same staff upon reopening.
Carver is where the community does arts and crafts and bonds together.
Carver is a gem of the community. Large focus on arts and crafts. People want to see themselves reflected in presented history and depictions in the library.
Patron expressed concern about notification of meeting. Recommended listing future meetings in SA Observer and other East side-specific outlets.
History
Attendees expressed concern about erasure of history, and requested to include photographs & décor that show Norcell Heywood and history of the Carver Branch Library.
Recognize Rev. Samuel Horace James, former Pastor of 2nd Baptist and first black SA city council member who promoted and supported the use of church land for Carver Library.
Black history is important and needs to be taught. Black children need to see representation in public spaces.
Facility and Design Feedback
Due to San Antonio's very hot summers, outdoor spaces that accommodate year-round activities are necessary.
Attendees expressed a desire for display cases for community use in the African American Resource Center and also places to display community artwork.
Storage in the meeting room is important.
Focus on providing comprehensive interim service. Proximity to Carver is important for interim service.
The proposed schematic design of the Library is too boxy. Attendee remarked that they did not see much creativity present in the proposed design.
Questions with Answers Provided at the Community Meeting
How are the proposed amenities going to fit into the existing and expanded footprint?
The architectural team will coordinate placement and space usage of the facility, and they are aware of the requirements of the library.
Will Carver keep the same address?
Yes, the address will remain 3350 E. Commerce.
Will continuity of materials be kept between 2nd Baptist Church and Carver Branch, such as brick used in both projects?
Yes, architects are very aware of the importance of material selection.
Where will staff work during the closure?
The interim service model is still under development with location to be determined. Staff will be assigned to the Carver interim service location or an alternate work location with consideration given to the staff member's preference.
On December 10, 2024, Carver Branch Library stakeholders were invited to review the proposed schematic design and provide additional input about the Carver 2022 Bond renovation project. Invited stakeholders included: Friends of Carver Branch Library and representatives from Second Baptist Church. The schematic design was introduced by Interim Library Director Kathy Donellan and presented by Geof Edwards of Alta Architects. Haley Holmes, Interim Assistant to the Director, provided an overview of next steps for the project. Vice Chair Jo Ann Harris, Library Trustee for District 2, and Carver Branch Library Manager D. L. Grant provided closing remarks for the meeting.
The following are notes from that meeting.
Attendees expressed concerns about tree and landscaping maintenance.
The design team reported that they would work closely with the landscape vendor on preserving existing and new landscape.
Attendees asked about glass vandalism, destruction of property, and whether new glass would be floor-to-ceiling.
The design team reported that they would review materials to reduce presence of large rocks to minimize vandalism. The design team also reported on the durability of the proposed glass.
Attendees inquired as to the capacity of the new proposed meeting room.
The design team reported that the capacity would be approximately 100 people when set up as an auditorium.
Attendees asked about building signage and historical documentation including cornerstones and commemorative plaques.
The design team reported that building signage and the commemorative elements such as a cornerstone have not yet been determined, and that further research is underway.
Attendees inquired about the possibility of public art including a large mural of George Washington Carver.
The design team reported that the project budget includes $300,000 for public art, but that the nature of that artwork has not yet been determined.
Attendees asked about the timeline for phase 2 of the Carver renovation.
The design team reported that funding for phase 2 design was included in the 2022 Bond. Further design and construction funding will be proposed for the 2027 Bond. A schedule will be developed once Phase 2 funding is secured.
Attendees inquired about the plan for security technology and equipment.
The project team reported that there are currently security cameras at the Carver Branch Library, and that additional security technology including glass breakage sensors and additional security cameras are included as part of the project.
Attendees asked about the possibility of benches in the outdoor space.
Library Administration reported the Library would work with the San Antonio Public Library Foundation to consider this as a fundraising opportunity.
Attendees asked about the new facility’s technology and media capabilities.
The design team reported that the meeting room will be large enough to accommodate film screenings, and that equipment and capabilities for the technology studio have not yet been determined.
Attendees asked about what types of restrooms will be included.
The design team discussed the possibility of single-use restrooms, and attendees expressed positive feedback for this concept.
Attendees asked about a space for local artist have to display work.
The design team reported that there will be a gallery space in the design.
About the Bond Project
This renovation and expansion will create attractive, user-friendly spaces designed to respond to the needs of the Carver Branch Library community. This project will enhance existing areas of the Library and introduce new resources to serve the community.
For questions about the Bond project please contact City of San Antonio Public Works Department's Senior Architect Evelyn Gamez by phone at (210) 207-1454 or by email at evelyn.gamez@sanantonio.gov.
For questions about Library services: Library staff are available at 210-207-2500 or at ask.mysapl.org.
Below is a recording of a meeting which took place on Wednesday, November 8, 2023. The purpose of the meeting was to gather feedback from the community about the Carver Branch Library transformation project.
