Read Like Wemby” Campaign Sparks Literary Interest in San Antonio

San Antonio's Central Library is inviting residents to embrace a literary challenge: "Read Like Wemby." This unique campaign, launched by the San Antonio Public Library (SAPL), aims to foster a love for reading by showcasing some of the San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama's favorite books, particularly those in the science fiction and fantasy genres. The initiative taps into the city's heightened enthusiasm for the Spurs during their playoff run, seeking to connect the team's success with the enduring value of literature.

The "Read Like Wemby" campaign officially kicked off on May 14, just days before the Spurs began their playoff series. Cate Prazak, a librarian at the Central branch and a vocal Spurs fan, was instrumental in creating two distinct reading lists for the program. These lists are designed to guide patrons toward books that align with Wembanyama's known literary preferences.

"The spark is so reinvigorated. You see it everywhere," Prazak commented, reflecting on the city's palpable pride in the Spurs. "Everyone is so proud of the Spurs." This sentiment underscores the campaign's strategy of capitalizing on a shared community passion.

Wemby's Literary Journey

Victor Wembanyama's dedication to reading has become a notable aspect of his public persona. He has frequently been photographed with a book in hand, from his arrival at NBA arenas to candid moments captured during media events. A particularly viral moment occurred during NBA All-Star Weekend when Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić expressed surprise upon seeing Wembanyama with a book, to which the Spurs phenom responded, "I read before every game." This simple declaration resonated deeply with library professionals.

Scott Williams, SAPL's marketing manager, expressed his enthusiasm for having an internationally recognized athlete who openly champions reading. "Library people, we’ve been paying attention to those moments," Williams stated. "We just love the fact that there’s this NBA star, this international superstar right in our own backyard, who also happens to be a voracious reader."

The campaign seeks to demonstrate that excelling in professional sports and nurturing a passion for reading are not mutually exclusive. By highlighting Wembanyama's interests, the SAPL hopes to inspire individuals of all ages, especially children, to see reading, science fiction, fantasy, world-building, and magic as "cool" pursuits, just like the young basketball superstar himself.

Inspiring Community Engagement and Literacy

The "Read Like Wemby" campaign has already generated significant interest, with nearly 160 physical and electronic copies of the featured books being checked out or placed on hold since its inception. The most sought-after title thus far is "Alchemised" by SenLinYu, a lengthy novel described as genre-bending, which has seen a surge in holds directly attributed to the campaign's influence.

The concept for the campaign originated with Juspreet Kaur, chair of the SAPL’s Board of Trustees. After encountering an article in local news outlet MySA detailing Wembanyama's literary interests, Kaur proposed the idea of using his hobby to promote the benefits of public libraries. The initiative aims to remind the community of the essential role libraries play and to celebrate the written word in an era where information consumption is rapidly evolving, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence.

This campaign has resonated beyond the Central Library, inspiring a second exhibit at the Las Palmas branch. There, Senior Circulation Attendant Lila De Los Santos and Library Assistant Elvia Ramos, both sporting Spurs T-shirts, helped set up a life-size cutout of Wembanyama. The display features his favorite sci-fi books alongside "Go Spurs Go" signs, creating an interactive experience for young visitors who are encouraged to take photos with the exhibit. This creative approach fosters a connection between sports enthusiasm and literary exploration.

The impact of the campaign is also personal. San Antonio resident Christy Hernandez, 34, has utilized the SAPL's Wemby-themed website list for her reading recommendations. "Seeing Wemby’s interest in reading has definitely renewed mine," Hernandez shared. She has begun exploring the works of Brandon Sanderson, reportedly one of Wembanyama's favorite authors, inspired by his known literary tastes.

Key Campaign Details

• Campaign Name: Read Like Wemby
• Initiator: San Antonio Public Library (SAPL)
• Featured Books: Victor Wembanyama's favorites, primarily Sci-Fi and Fantasy
• Campaign Goal: Promote reading, highlight library value, foster literacy
• Initial Engagement: Nearly 160 books checked out or placed on hold
• Additional Exhibits: Created at the Las Palmas branch

This initiative highlights Wembanyama not only as a generational basketball talent but also as a cultural influencer capable of inspiring positive community engagement. For NationalSportsWeb readers, this story illustrates the powerful intersection of sports figures and broader cultural pursuits, demonstrating how athletes can extend their impact beyond the court to foster community spirit and promote lifelong learning.

Source: The Athletic, https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7301363/2026/05/25/read-like-wemby-spurs-books-san-antonio-library/