Anyone who has ever visited the John Peace Library on Main Campus knows it is always packed during the daytime; the same goes for the study rooms. To have a chance at reserving one, the best bet is to book it at least the day before. However, all hope is not lost. There are a handful of other low-cost and free places off-campus to visit for a study session during midterms.
BiblioTech EDU
BiblioTech is the first all-digital public library in the U.S. Instead of seeing rows upon rows of books at BiblioTech’s locations, visitors see rows of computers, group study rooms, meeting rooms and a maker space that are free to use. All books and additional resources are accessed digitally with the provided desktops or devices that are available for checkout.
There are five physical locations in San Antonio; BibioTech EDU is the location closest to both the Main and Downtown Campuses. BiblioTech EDU is located at 626 N. Flores St., a 20-minute drive from Main Campus and a five-minute drive from Downtown Campus. Parking is free in its Main Lot and across the street. The location is open from 3-8 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.
Igo Public Library
Igo Public Library is the branch of the San Antonio Public Library closest to Main Campus — about eight minutes away. A library card is not needed to use the public space, so anyone can take a seat and work on whatever they please. There are perks to getting a library card, like being able to use the computers or borrow physical and digital material and resources from all SAPL 29 branches in the city, along with the Central library.
The library is located at 13330 Kyle Seale Pkwy. It is open from 12-8 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays through Sundays. Parking is free.
Indy Coffee Club
There is always the classic coffee shop to stop by and get work done at. Indy Coffee Club is definitely on the smaller side for a café, but the tight, industrial interior has a charm to it. The small space makes visitors more mindful of their volume as well, so the shop is relatively quiet with minimal background chatter. It is a reliable spot for students to stop by to relax and catch up on their studies without breaking the bank.
Indy Coffee Club is a four-minute drive away from campus, located at 7114 UTSA Boulevard, Suite #103. There is free on-street parking available to visitors, and the ground floor of the Prado parking garage is open to retail parking. The shop is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays through Sundays.
A change of scenery might just be what students need to focus on their studies. With these provided locations, students can find just that without breaking the bank on parking fees, food or drinks.
