<a href="https://www.archyde.com/election-clerk-assaulted-by-voter-in-san-antonio-polling-site-incident/" title="Election Clerk Assaulted by Voter in San Antonio Polling Site Incident”>Johnston Branch Library Reopens After Enhancements
After months of upgrades, the Johnston Branch Library on San Antonio’s southwest side welcomed back patrons on Monday, December 2. The beloved community hub underwent essential improvements, replacing the heating and air conditioning system and enhancing the interior space.
“Services resume following scheduled improvements that began in May,” officials announced.
The Johnston Branch, located at 6307 Sun Valley, closed its doors on May 20 to begin the anticipated maintenance project. During the closure, patrons who relied on the branch were able to utilize the Miller’s Pond Community Center location. Beginning today, all holds placed during the closure will be returned to the Johnston Branch.
“Services resume following scheduled improvements that began in May.”
The library has resumed its standard operating hours, welcoming visitors Mondays and Tuesdays from 12 noon to 8 p.m. and Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Just in time for the holiday season and school breaks, the Johnston Branch has already begun offering a diverse range of programs and activities designed to engage all ages. For a complete list of upcoming events and programs, visit the library’s website.
Rich History and Community Commitment
The Johnston Branch has been a cornerstone of the community since it first opened on San Antonio’s southwest side in 1981. The library underwent a significant renovation in 1996, which included a 3,000-square-foot expansion, demonstrating the city’s ongoing commitment to providing accessible and enriching resources to residents.
Located in San Antonio City Council District 4, close to Lackland Air Force Base, the Johnston Branch serves a vibrant and diverse population, encompassing military families and the families and students who attend nearby schools within the San Antonio ISD, Southwest ISD, and South San ISD.
The branch is named in honor of Leah Carter Johnston, a pioneer in children’s librarianship and the very first children’s librarian for the San Antonio Public Library system.
In a testament to Johnston’s dedication to fostering a love of language and literature, she established the Young Pegasus Poetry Competition in 1927. This groundbreaking initiative, the first of its kind in the United States, has celebrated the creativity and voices of young poets for nearly a century. The Young Pegasus competition continues to thrive, entering its 99th year and providing a platform for young poets to share their work with the community.
Connecting with the San Antonio Public Library
For more information about the San Antonio Public Library, including locations, services, and upcoming events, visit MySAPL.org. Library staff is available by phone at 210-207-2500 or through online chat at Ask.MySAPL.org.
What alternative services were available to patrons during the Johnston Branch Library’s closure?
## Johnston Branch Library Welcomes Back Patrons
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re talking about the reopening of a beloved San Antonio community space. Joining us is [Name of Guest], Library Director at the Johnston Branch. Welcome, [Name].
**Guest:** Thank you for having me.
**Interviewer:** We’re thrilled to see the Johnston Branch Library back open after several months of renovations. Can you tell us a little bit about the work that was done?
**Guest:** Absolutely! We underwent essential improvements, focusing on replacing the outdated heating and air conditioning system to ensure a comfortable environment for our patrons. We also made some enhancements to the interior space to create a more welcoming and inviting atmosphere.
**Interviewer:** These improvements are certainly welcome, especially with the holiday season approaching. What kind of programs or services are available now that the library has reopened?
**Guest:** We’ve got a full schedule of events and activities planned for all ages! Just in time for school breaks, we’ll have holiday-themed programs, story times, and crafting sessions. Of course, we also offer our regular services like computer access, book loans, and free Wi-Fi.
**Interviewer:** Exciting! And for those who relied on the Johnston Branch during its closure, where were alternative services available?
**Guest:** We were fortunate to partner with the Miller’s Pond Community Center, which kindly opened their doors to our patrons. Now that we’re back, all holds placed during the closure will be available here at the Johnston Branch.
**Interviewer:** Fantastic news for the community. What are the library’s operating hours now that it has reopened?
**Guest:** We are open Mondays and Tuesdays from 12 noon to 8 p.m., and Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for joining us, [Name], and congratulations on the successful reopening of the Johnston Branch Library.
**Guest:** Thank you. We’re so excited to welcome everyone back!
