Parman Library will offer more than books

With multiple generations gathered together to laugh, learn, read and play, Saturday’s Biblio Hi-Techa Reading Rally was exactly the type of scene community leaders envision for the future Parman Public Library.  Held at the entrance of the library’s 10-acre site, the energetic community event was designed to raise awareness about the new branch and the many amenities that will appeal to the young, old and everyone in between.

“It will be more than just a library,” said Tracey Bennett, executive director of the San Antonio Public Library Foundation charged with enhancing library resources and services.

Slated to open in March 2011, the 16,500-square-foot library will be at the center of an ambitious project, which will include roughly two miles of walking trails, a playground, amphitheater, displayed artwork and more.  Dubbed as the “Next Generation Library,” the facility will also be outfitted with the latest technology and the entire property will be wireless.  “People will be able to use their computers while sitting on the benches outside,” said Library Foundation President/CEO Kaye Lenox.

To help fund this lengthy list of enhancements which is expected to add an additional $2 million to the library’s $7 million budget, the Foundation kicked off a fundraising campaign last fall.  To date, roughly $250,000 in donations has been received.

Lenox said she is happy with the foundation’s fundraising efforts to date, but especially pleased with how they have been able to stretch the library’s original budget.  A sign of the economic downturn, library leaders have been able to get more bang for their buck, including construction of a second community room, which was at the top of the Foundation’s wish list.

With plans nearly finalized and construction underway, library leaders are now concentrating on building excitement for the Parman branch in the community, particularly among the younger generations.  At the Foundation’s invitation, students from Reagan and Johnson high schools assisted with Saturday’s rally and helped collect new children’s books, while a couple garage bands provided the entertainment. Younger children were invited to play games within the Scholastic Literacy Caravan and all were welcome to taste free samples from two of Stone Oak’s newest businesses, Auden’s Kitchen and Local Coffee. 

In related news, the City Council is expected to authorize the acquisition of a small piece of land on the Parman Library’s west boundary.  Needed for a utility easement that will bring temporary power to construction crews, the land acquisition will include a 24-foot-long by 28-foot-wide piece of privately-owned property.  The City Council will vote Thursday on whether to acquire this parcel of land, through negotiation or condemnation, for $6,000.