Whoever hired the designer should be fired. Although the exterior is interesting because of it's "Enchilada Reddish-Orange" color, there is nothing convienent about the SA Central Library.

The environment feels hollow and unwelcoming. The best thing about it, is that it is a haven for the homeless who need a place to get away from the heat or cold. On my visits, it common to hear people from the Haven for Hope diaglogue about their strategies of survival, dealing with bureacracy, or beating the system.
I am always careful where I sit because some people are talking to themselves, couples are making out, or people just sleep like they are recovering from a hangover.
The people who are there for research or library browsing have difficult times trying to figure out a complex maze of where to go and on what floor.
It feels like there is more space for staff on some floors and less for patrons.
The bus stop is far away from the entrances. I have walked from the center of downtown to the library on several occassions and had to detour two times to avoid what looked like thugs on the outside of the library.

The only thing that keeps this rating from being Terrible, is the little coffee shop near the entrance and the used book store in the basement.

Known as the "Enchilada Library" for its color, like enchilada sauce, it has good architectural interest inside and out. Don't miss the Dale Chihuli glass sculpture on the 2nd floor!

A good place to spend some time here on one of those few days when it rains in San Antonio. Just seeing the huge Chihuly glass sculpture is worth a stroll over there. Have lunch at the Southwest School of Art and Craft across the street.