San Marcos Library expansion open to the public

Sierra Martin | Managing Editor

The City of San Marcos hosted a dedication ceremony on Friday, June 18 to celebrate the recent expansion and remodel of the San Marcos Public Library building, 625 E. Hopkins Street. The ceremony marks the completion of the $14.75 million bond project approved by voters in 2017.

The program included speeches from Mayor Jane Hughson, Congressman Lloyd Doggett, and Director of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission Mark Smith. Poet E.D.

“I’m so proud of the city of San Marcos, in the expansion and remodel and the reimaging of the public library,” said Hughson. “This facility is innovative and progressive and its design and purpose and will serve this Marcus community for many years to come.”

The ribbon-cutting was followed by tours of the building and the new facilities.

“This renovated library- of course as we can see is bigger and better than ever- is a testament to what can happen when people are dedicated to the wonder and the power of books,” said Congressman Doggett. “And come together with patients to endure what was years of budgeting and planning to persevere with the building through the pandemic.”

The expansion added 28,000 square feet to the building and new modernized spaces that include a teen room, makerspace, technology hub, and enclosed children’s area.

“A new library really affirms our conviction that young people having access to books and reading material at an early age will help them to do better in school and in later life,” said Mark Smith, Director of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. “A new library affirms our vision that having access to these kinds of collective public spaces and this kind of social infrastructure will help us to come together and break down some of the needless barriers that exist between people in our society. And a new library represents our shared aspiration for the growth of our communities, support for entrepreneurship, economic success, and the potential for personal growth when people have access to information and opportunity.”

The updated library also includes study rooms, conference rooms, and a meeting space with seating for up to 240 people.

“We’ve been waiting for years to see this project become a reality and we’re excited to officially welcome everyone to the new space,” said Insley. “Our goal with the expansion was to deliver a contemporary space that meets the growing community’s needs, and I think it does that and more.”

Work on the library expansion and remodel was completed within budget and the new facility was opened to the public on May 24, 2021.