The Landa Branch Library at 233 Bushnell Ave., closed since June 2007 for renovations, will reopen its doors in a big way May 1, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, open house and gala celebration.

The 10 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony will be followed by a library open house lasting until 2 p.m. A gala celebration will take place on the library grounds that evening, beginning at 7 p.m., with tickets available by calling 229-0600 or 844-7001.

The branch library will open for full service on its regular schedule beginning at 9 a.m. May 2

The library closed , to allow the Landa Gardens Conservancy grounds project to begin.

“We have created beautiful landscaping, with a grand lawn, walking paths around the entire property and a community garden, installed 30 benches, installed a water fountain, constructed a unique and magnificent faux bois [French for “false wood”] pavilion, installed new swings, and doubled the amount of parking since that time,” said to Landa Gardens Conservancy founding member Jill Torbert. “In short, the entire five acres has been transformed into a park!”

At the same time, work also began on the library. With funding from the City of San Antonio capital budget and donations to the San Antonio Public Library Foundation from the Bill Greehey family, Valero Energy Corporation, and Mr. and Mrs. John Sheesley, the Mediterranean-style building’s barrel-tile roof was restored.

Interior work now underway includes a new circulation desk, re-painting, replacement of carpeting and other floor coverings, and relocation of some of the public computers.