New late-night lounge for readers opens in San Antonio
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Libros has landed on Hildebrand. Photo: Megan Stringer/Axios
San Antonio has a new late-night hangout spot for readers, movie lovers and everyone in between.
What's happening: Libros opened late last month on the North Side near Hildebrand and San Pedro avenues.
People who want to read a book, watch a movie or just hang out are welcome in the space, co-owner Simon Guerra tells Axios.
- Plus: Libros is open 7pm-5am Wednesday through Sunday and 7pm-midnight Monday and Tuesday, so night owls can enjoy each other's company.
Driving the news: Reading and watching movies can be solitary activities that often take place at home. Guerra opened Libros so people can be around others without the pressure of a barlike atmosphere.
Details: The space is free to use, but there's a minimum $5 suggested donation.
- It's BYO wine.
- Visitors can check out a book from a small library made up of donations.
- There's also free Wi-Fi and drip coffee. A small selection of snacks is available for purchase.
- Libros is available to rent for private events, like book clubs.
Plus, Libros hosts movie nights with a projector screen on the back patio. Something will be playing in the background most nights.
- They've recently shown "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," "Natural Born Killers" and "Interview With the Vampire."
What they're saying: Readers shouldn't expect a totally silent experience.
- "It's definitely for readers, but it's also a place to converse," Guerra says.
Zoom in: Guerra has carefully curated the atmosphere, decorating the place with antiques from local shops like Antiques on Hildebrand and Bruno's Antiques.
- "This is a dark ambiance. It's got Gothic tones," he says.
Of note: Libros is likely to be more crowded after 2am, Guerra says, when as many as 60 people show up.
- But if you go early, it's often more calm and quiet, with maybe 15 readers on the low end.
What's next: Guerra is planning to host markets where readers can sell their books.
- Libros is also looking for even more book donations to help fill out the space and increase offerings for guests.
If you go: 607 W. Hildebrand Avenue.