Las Palmas Library

The three-dimensional Hispanic Heroes mural depicts César Chávez, Hon. Henry B. Gonzalez, Emma Tenayuca, Father Albert Benavides, and Flaco Jimenez against a background of the American and Mexican flags and a series of TX State symbols (Mission Espada, bluebonnets, and a mockingbird perched in a pecan tree). It was dedicated in June of 1998. Executed by students of SAY Sí (San Antonio Youth, Yes), the mural was commissioned by Los Padrinos de Las Palmas and funded by Luby’s, Las Palmas Shopping Center.

The Los Padrinos de Las Palmas Donor’s plaque acknowledges those who have given two hundred dollars or more to provide books and materials for children in the Las Palmas community.

The "original" Las Palmas Branch Library was opened on March 23, 1969, on land deeded by the Las Palmas Corporation. Over time, the need for a branch library larger than 5,800 square feet was recognized, but the land was not available to expand the building on the site near the Las Palmas Shopping Center. Communities Organized For Public Service (C.O.P.S.) was instrumental in achieving passage of the 1989 Library/Literacy Centers bond issue, which made construction of the new Las Palmas Branch Library and Literacy Center possible.

The budget for the combined Branch Library and Learning and Leadership Development Center was $2.2 million. The funds to build the new branch were authorized in the 1989 bond issue for library expansions, renovations, new branches, and literary centers. In addition, a $100,000 Library Services Construction Act federal grant was received to supplement the bond funds. Construction began in June 1993 and the dedication/opening took place in April 1994.

The Las Palmas Branch is named for the community which it serves and shares its name with an elementary school and a City Metro Health Clinic. The Las Palmas Corporation generously donated the site at the Las Palmas Shopping Center, on which the original branch library was constructed in 1969.

Square footage of the building: 12,000 for the Library and 8,000 for the Benavides Learning Center for a total of 20,000 square feet

As part of the City of San Antonio’s ongoing commitment to quality customer service, bi-lingual (Spanish language) staff are on hand to assist library users, or to present community programs.

The library is located across the street from San Fernando Catholic Cemetery, established in 1922. Our Lady of the Lake University is one mile "around the corner" at 411 S.W. 24^th Street.

The Benavides Learning and Leadership Development Center provides classes in English as a Second Language (ESL), Adult Basic Education (ABE), and General Education Development (GED).  Staff are available to assist other community-based literacy service providers and to make presentations to groups and the media. For more information, contact George Galindo, Program Coordinator at 435-2352 or visit their website.