San Diego Union-Tribune (Sunday)
SAN DIEGO HACKS
Libraries
Public libraries are one of the few free spaces in a community that are open to all residents, offering services that go far beyond simply lending books. The resources at libraries across San Diego County can seem endless, in fact, from online classes and in-person tutoring to literacy programs, veterans’ resources and services for unhoused individuals.
“We understand that libraries are no longer book warehouses; they’ve become community hubs,” says Misty Jones, San Diego Public Library director. “We really try to think about what we need in our community and what it wants from us.”
This guide offers 22 valuable resources from local libraries, though it’s not an exhaustive list. Among resources like these, you’ll also find art exhibitions and classes, book clubs, free Wi-fi, reservable mobile hotspots and a packed schedule of events at each library.
FOR ALL READERS Access to all things digital: With your library card, you’ll have access to a large selection of e-books, e-magazines, audiobooks, movies and television shows. Some libraries, like the public library, even have access to newspaper archives.
Personalized recommendations: Through the San Diego Public Library’s Matchbook program, a local librarian will create a personalized list of book recommendations for you. All you need to do is answer a few questions about your favorite books and authors or movies and TV shows. sandiego.gov/public-library/ matchbook
Little Free Libraries: This San Diego County Library program places miniature libraries (similar in appearance to a large bird house) in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color to promote literacy and help ensure everyone has access to books.
Get a passport: Make an appointment at the Civic Center Branch Library or the Otay Ranch Branch Library in Chula Vista to apply for a U.S. passport. Be sure to bring the correct documents to your appointment. Note that there is a fee to apply. chulavistaca.gov/departments/passports
Home delivery and curbside service: The Oceanside and Carlsbad library systems offer delivery service or curbside pick-up for your checked-out library materials.
Innovation and scientific resources: Your local library may have a lab where you can try out new technologies like 3-D printers, practice digital design and even conduct scientific experiments. Many libraries, like the San Diego public and Carlsbad, also offer genealogy services.
TO HELP YOU LIVE WELL Discover & Go: San Diego Public Library patrons can visit some of the city’s attractions, including the Museum of Us, The San Diego Museum of Art or the Children’s Discovery Museum, for free or reduced cost through the Discover & Go program. sandiego.gov/ discoversd
California State Parks Pass: With this program, California library card holders get free vehicle day-use entry to more than 200 state parks. Visit your local library to check out a pass. parks.ca.gov/30806
Fitness classes: Check your local library’s online calendar of events for a fitness class like chair yoga, meditation or Zumba, offered regularly through the public and county library systems.
Shopping discounts: The Escondido Library’s Read Local, Shop Local program helps library card holders save money at specific businesses in town. library.escondido.org/ local.aspx
Mental health and housing services: On the third floor of the Central Library downtown, outreach workers help connect unhoused community members to resources as well as provide referrals for mental and physical health and substance use disorder counseling. sandiego.gov/publiclibrary/central-library/mentalhealth-services
FOR STUDENTS
Online tutoring and studying:
Students from kindergarten through high school can take an online lesson for extra practice or meet with a tutor for help with homework or preparation for the ACT or SAT.
sandiego.gov/public-library/ distance-learning-center#undefined
In-person homework help:
Your local library may offer in-person homework help, with both paid coaches and volunteers to assist students in grades kindergarten through eighth.
Get a high school diploma:
Library High School is a statewide initiative that partners with local libraries to help adults earn a high school diploma and career certificate online. The program is entirely free and available to anyone with a library card. ca.careeronlinehs.org/high-schooldiploma
FOR ADULTS
Online classes: The library is a great way to access online classes, like those from Coursera, which has more than 5,000 classes and certifications in fields like public health, education and entrepreneurship. The classes are free when you sign up through the California State Library’s website. c4b-integration.com/csl
Book a room: If you’re hosting a community gathering or are looking for a place to work or study, you can reserve a space at most any library location. Veterans’ resources: Most libraries in San Diego have a veterans’ resource center where a trained volunteer will help connect military veterans and their families to resources for housing, education, employment and health care. Online, veterans can use the Brainfuse Jobnow and Vetnow website to find support for themselves and their families with job coaching, resume help and more.
Citizenship test prep: These courses are designed to help prepare for the U.S. citizenship test, with 100 practice questions about American history and civics.
Literacy program: Check your local library for adult literacy classes, where students can meet with literacy tutors weekly to improve their reading ability.
FOR KIDS AND
YOUNG PEOPLE Accessibility friendly: Oceanside Library’s Autism Friendly Lending Library and the San Diego Public Library’s I CAN, Too! are programs designed to meet kids where they’re at and make the library a welcoming place for all readers. These resources provide support for parents, as well as sensory toys and speech therapy and sign cards for children, among other useful tools.
Learning to read: With programs like the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, seasonal reading challenge and events like Chula Vista Library’s Ready, Set, Read!, your local library has several resources to promote childhood literacy.
Science and tech: The San Diego Public Library’s Network of Education x Training (NEXT) brings workshops to elementary, middle and high school students to learn about computer programming, virology and more than 55 other courses in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. sandiego.gov/ librarynext