CARVER LIBRARY DOCUMENTARY
CROWDFUNDING
The Carver Library Building is Closed. The Stories Must Stay Open.
Help us raise enough money to preserve the rich legacy of the San Antonio Carver Branch Library through a powerful documentary film.
The Time Is Now!
The George Washington Carver Branch Library, a vital hub of San Antonio’s East Side and a cornerstone of Black cultural history, has officially closed for renovations. The building as we know it—its walls, energy, and ambiance—will never be the same. While we welcome a new chapter, we must not let the past disappear quietly.
Many of the elders who built this community are growing older. Photos, stories, documents—living memory—risk being lost forever if we don’t act now. That’s why we’re creating a documentary film to preserve the Carver Library’s legacy while we still can.
This project is not just a tribute. It’s an archive. It’s a tool for education. It’s a gift to future generations.
We invite you to be part of this important work. Let’s keep the Carver Library’s story alive—together.
The Story of the Carver Branch Library
From segregation to cultural sanctuary—this is the story of a library that became so much more.
Long before the modern building on East Commerce Street was constructed, San Antonio’s Black residents found knowledge, dignity, and community in a space known as the Colored Library Auditorium on Hackberry Street. Created during the era of segregation, it served as a vital hub for reading, gathering, and celebrating Black life when access to other public libraries was denied.
In 1973, following the integration of city services, Second Baptist Church generously donated land to establish a new chapter for this beloved institution. With that gift, the community welcomed a newly designed Carver Branch Library—brought to life through the vision of pioneering Black architect Norcell Haywood.
For over 50 years, the Carver Library on the East Side has stood not just as a building, but as a living archive of San Antonio’s Black history. It has served as a safe haven for generations of readers, artists, students, and elders.
Now, as the building undergoes a major renovation, this documentary captures the story before the transformation is complete. Through interviews, archival photos, and untold stories, Legacy on the East Side will preserve what the walls of the Carver have seen—and what our community must never forget.
We’re Making a Documentary
The Carver Branch Library is more than a building. It’s a living archive of Black history, creativity, education, and resilience. It began as the "Colored Branch" during segregation and evolved into a vital resource for generations of Black San Antonians.
Before this space is transformed, we want to preserve its legacy on film.
With your help, we’ll produce a short documentary that:
Captures the library’s current form before renovations are complete
Interviews community members, staff, or elders chosen by the Friends of the Carver
Digitizes photos, clippings, and historic documents tied to the library’s legacy
Tells the story of how the Carver Library became a symbol of dignity, pride, and learning on the East Side
Who’s Behind the Project
This documentary project is a collaboration between two deeply committed forces in San Antonio’s Black cultural landscape:
This Matters
“This is our community. These are our elders. This is our history.”
We believe that the power of storytelling can protect memory, inspire action, and build bridges across generations. And we’re honored to bring our passion, experience, and vision to this project—hand-in-hand with the Friends of the Carver and with the support of the people.
🏛️ The Friends of the Carver
As longtime advocates, stewards, and supporters of the George Washington Carver Branch Library, the Friends of the Carver are dedicated to preserving and uplifting the library’s legacy. Their mission is to ensure the Carver remains not only a community resource, but a beacon of Black history and cultural pride for generations to come. With this film, they are taking bold steps to protect the stories, photos, voices, and values tied to this sacred space.
🎥 Melaneyes Media
Chosen as the lead production team, Melaneyes Media is San Antonio’s premier Black-owned, independent film company specializing in cultural preservation, historical storytelling, and social impact media.
Their work is known for authenticity, deep research, and emotional storytelling that brings Black history to life. Past projects include:
Walk on the River: A Black History of the Alamo City
Walk on the River 2.0: The African Influence in San Antonio
High Risk: Black Mothers Protecting Themselves and Their Babies
The official documentary for the Carver Community Cultural Center
OUR GOAL IS $15,000
💵 Where Your Contributions Go
Total Project Goal: $15,000
Your support helps us professionally document and preserve the legacy of the Carver Branch Library. Here’s how the funds will be used:
Filming & Production - Includes on-site video capture, equipment, and 2 full filming days
Archival Scanning - Digitizing historic photos, documents, and visuals from the Carver archives
Editing & Post-Production - Professional editing, color, sound, motion graphics, and formatting
Music & Licensing - Background music and licensing for public/educational use
Digital Delivery & Admin - File transfers, credit formatting, campaign fees, outreach tools
MORE THAN A FILM
This isn’t just about making a film. It’s about; preserving a space that helped raise generations, capturing elders’ stories before they’re lost, creating a lasting visual archive for schools, families, and our city. With your help, we can make sure the Carver Branch Library's legacy lives on.
Click the image above to watch this important video.
We Can Make A Difference
This is a community effort—and that means you can help in more ways than one. Beyond donating, you can be a powerful connector. Share this campaign with your friends, family, co-workers, and social media followers. Tell us about individuals or organizations who might want to support this historic effort. And if you have photographs, newspaper clippings, program brochures, or personal stories connected to the Carver Library—we want to hear from you! This documentary belongs to all of us.
CONTRIBUTION LEVELS
🟧 Platinum Tier — $2,500
“Executive Producer”
You are helping bring this entire project to life. Your name will appear in the opening and closing credits as an Executive Producer, and you'll receive a private thank-you message and recognition across our platforms. You are leaving your mark on San Antonio history.
🟨 Gold Tier — $1,000
“Associate Producer”
Your name will appear in the credits as an Associate Producer, and you’ll receive early access to the film before it’s released. This tier is for those who believe in cultural preservation and want to be directly connected to the production effort.
🥈 Silver Tier — $500
“Dedicate in Memory”
Honor a loved one with a special name dedication in the film. Whether it’s a parent, grandparent, mentor, or ancestor—you can ensure their name is part of this lasting record.
🟫 Bronze Tier — $250
“Main Contributor”
Your name will be listed in the end credits as a Main Contributor, joining a select group of supporters who made this project possible.
GIVE WHAT YOU CAN
“Every amount counts and no contribution is too small.”
If you would like to make a general donation for a smaller amount, you can do so here. Click the button below to contribute the amount of your choice.
Let’s Save Our History
For decades, the Friends of the Carver have supported education, literacy, and cultural programs on San Antonio’s East Side. This documentary is a powerful continuation of that work—a way to organize, preserve, and share our story while we still have the chance.
In a time when Black history is being erased, ignored, or rewritten across Texas and the nation, we are stepping forward to protect it. Not by waiting for others, but by doing the work ourselves—together.
We have the power to shape what is remembered.
We have the power to uplift what has been overlooked.
We have the power to preserve what matters.
If you have questions about this crowdfunding campaign
Contact: Name Here Email: thisemail@contact.com Tel. (555)123-4567
FAQ Section
Q: What is the goal of this film?
A: To preserve and document the legacy of the Carver Branch Library—its history, people, and impact—before the current building is changed through renovation. The film will feature interviews, archival materials, and historical context about its significance to San Antonio’s East Side and the Black community.
Q: Can I contribute in honor of someone?
A: Yes! The Silver Tier ($500) is a dedication tier that allows you to submit the name of a loved one to be included in the film. It’s a meaningful way to honor someone who made a difference in your life or this community.
Q: Where do my contribution go?
A: Funds will go directly toward production expenses: filming, editing, music, motion graphics, and digital scanning of historical documents. The Friends of the Carver with the help of Melaneyes Media are committed to delivering a high-quality documentary with professional polish.
Q: Can I donate anonymously?
A: Yes. There will be an option to donate without being listed publicly. If you qualify for a tier but prefer not to be named, just let us know when submitting your info.
Q: What happens to the film when it’s done?
A: The film will be controlled by the Friends and the library, with options for public screening, educational use, and digital sharing. It will be a permanent record of the Carver’s legacy. Select supporters will also receive early access.
Q: When will the campaign run?
A: The campaign will run for 31 days—the entire month of October. Tiers are limited, so we encourage you to act early if you’re interested in one of the producer or dedication slots.