(Left to right) Jane Brady, President Landa Gardens Conservancy Veronica Salazar Esobedo, Past President Landa Gardens Conservancy and chairwoman of the construction committee Ann Van Pelt; Carlos Ramirez, Library Director Ramiro Salazar and Jill Torbert help break ground for the six-month-long grounds restoration project at the Landa Branch Library. Photo by Mary Candee

The Landa Branch Library, a cultural landmark in the historical Monte Vista neighborhood, is shutting its doors until late this year for some needed repairs to its roof and a general re-landscaping of the surrounding grounds.

The library, located at 233 Bushnell Ave., is closing because work on the grounds and parking area will make it inaccessible, officials said. The Landa Gardens Conservancy, the city of San Antonio and the San Antonio Public Library system are partners in the two-phase reconstruction project that they said will create an oasis for the community. The Landa Gardens Conservancy was formed as a partnership between the Landa Library Alliance and the Monte Vista Historical Association.

“The Landa Gardens Conservancy is made up of citizens who have made it their mission to create an oasis of beauty on the grounds of the Landa Branch Library,” said Library Board of Trustees Chair Jean Brady.

The first phase will be the building of the Valero Energy Corp. Pavilion, financed by a gift of $150,000 by the company. The pavilion, designed by trabajo rústico artist Carlos Cortés, is currently under construction.

Since 2004, the conservancy has been raising funds to develop and implement a master plan for the five acres surrounding the building, and has raised $1.25 million for construction and enhancing the gardens surrounding the branch. Beautification plans include walking paths, sidewalks, a children’s planting garden, landscaping and increased parking spaces.

“We want to provide a green space for people to enjoy,” said Ann Van Pelt, chairwoman of the construction committee. “The library has become synonymous with having a good time.”

The garden project will include not only landscape design and plantings, but also reconfiguration and relocation of the parking area to provide more parking spaces while reducing the visual impact of the paved areas.

Work will begin this month to replace the library’s roof and return it to its original Mediterranean style. The city of San Antonio’s capital funds and a grant from the Bill Greehey family and Valero Energy Corp. will finance the roof project.