Bookless Library Opens in San Antonio

An all-digital library was opened to the public September 14 in Bexar County. The digital library, which does not have a single printed book in store, holds over 10,000 e-books to date.

The opening event had a modified ribbon cutting activity in the form of pushing on a power button which launched confetti in the air. Library card registration, library tours and music and theatrical entertainment were also part of the opening event.

The all-digital library has been named "BiblioTech Bexar County Digital Library." According to San Antonio News Express, BiblioTech costs a whopping $2.4 million with $500,000 from private donations.

The library has "700 e-readers, 200 enhanced e-readers preloaded for children, 48 iMac desktop computing stations, 9 Mac laptops, 40 iPads, four interactive touch screen tables and an X-Box gaming system hooked up to two large screens."

Readers simply have to choose from over 10,000 titles provided by 3M Cloud Library and download them for free. People who already have their own smart device are encouraged to use them. Those who have registered for a library card at BiblioTech Bexar County Digital Library will be able to connect with the BiblioTech collection from home or from anywhere provided there is internet connection.

Applying for a library card in the bookless library is free and open to any Bexar County resident. Registration can also be done online through their website.

Those who have no smart device to download and read the e-books with can make use of the 700 e-readers. Readers can load up to 5 books and take home the e-reader for two weeks. The same time frame applies for the 200 e-readers for children except these devices are already pre-loaded with materials.

BiblioTech Bexar County Digital Library is open Monday to Friday noon to 8:00 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.