A Book Lover's Guide to San Antonio

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Feb 13, 2019, 11:33 ET

SAN ANTONIO, Feb. 13, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Over three illustrious centuries, San Antonio's allure has captured the imagination of literary luminaries from Robert Frost to Sandra Cisneros. Those with an appreciation for the written word will find there is much to discover in the Alamo City.

The library at Hotel Emma in San Antonio, Texas.

San Antonio Book Festival – April 6, 2019
The 7th annual San Antonio Book Festival attracts bibliophiles from far and wide for a celebration of reading, writing and imagination. This free event draws more than 20,000 festival goers for a day of author presentations, panel discussions, book sales, signings and children's activities. The 2019 edition will showcase more than 100 local, regional, and national authors including An American Marriage novelist Tayari Jones, USA Today Washington bureau chief Susan Page, recent Newbery Medal winner Meg Medina, historian Douglas Brinkley, and more.

Gemini Ink
For budding writers, San Antonio's leading literary nonprofit Gemini Ink offers creative writing workshops led by published writers, in addition to free public readings by nationally and internationally-recognized authors and open-mic nights throughout the year. The annual Gemini Ink Writers Conference offers a full schedule of workshops, readings, panel presentations and a small press book fair.

San Antonio Central Library
The 240,000 square-foot San Antonio Central Library was designed by renowned Mexican architect Ricardo Legoretta and opened in 1995. The brightly colored downtown building is a bold departure from traditional library design and is easily spotted thanks to its signature "enchilda red" exterior. The Central Library is home to the recently expanded Latino Collection and Resource Center, the Texana/Genealogy Department and the BookCellar, a used book store operated by the Friends of the San Antonio Public Library.

The Twig Book Shop
Since 1972, The Twig has been a destination for book lovers with a vast collection ranging from newly released bestsellers to award-winning classics. Located in the Pearl district, The Twig hosts regionally and nationally-acclaimed authors for readings and signings, as well as a weekly story time for kids. The shop's extensive Texana section is a must-see for history buffs. The Twig is also a great place to find books published by San Antonio-based Trinity University Press.

Cheever Books
Cheever Books is the place for those seeking rare finds. This cozy shop along the Broadway Cultural Corridor is stacked from floor to ceiling with first editions, leather bound classics and captivating novels. Get lost in their sprawling stacks or ask a knowledgeable staff member for help finding a one-of-a-kind treasure.

University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Library – Special Collections
The University of Texas at San Antonio's John Peace Library is home to an extensive collection of research materials documenting the diverse histories and development of South Texas. Its nationally-recognized collection of more than 1,500 Mexican cookbook titles includes a selection of handwritten cookbooks, as well as a copy of the first cookbook printed in Mexico, giving an intimate view of Mexican culinary culture.

The Magik Theatre
Young bookworms can see some of their favorite stories come to life with whimsical performances at The Magik Theatre. This professional troupe produces live stage versions of children's literature in the historic Beethoven Hall at Hemisfair. This season, look for performances of "Mariachi Girl" and "The Very Hungry Caterpillar."

Stay:
The Menger Hotel
Designated a Literary Landmark by United for Libraries, a division of the American Library Association, the Menger Hotel has hosted a number of literary legends since it opened in 1859 including "The Picture of Dorian Gray" author Oscar Wilde, "The Gift of the Magi" author O. Henry, Confederate soldier and poet Sidney Lanier and "Dinner at Antoine's" author Frances Parkinson Keyes. It is even said that Robert Frost contemplated his famous poem "The Road Not Taken" during several stays at The Menger.

Hotel Emma
Housed in a former brewery built in the 1800's, the Hotel Emma is infused with rich detail, but of all the splendid touches, none is sure to delight readers as much as the property's dazzling hotel library. The library houses a selection of historic brewing books from the Pearl Brewery collection and a 3,700-piece collection acquired from novelist and cultural anthropologist Sherry Kafka Wagner.

SOURCE Visit San Antonio