The Need

The San Diego Public Library is the largest provider of free cultural programming in the region.

A thriving Library system is essential to the health, wellbeing, and overall literacy of the community. Libraries are vital places of meaningful interaction, representation, and inclusion, and serve as important venues for fostering conversations about issues affecting San Diego communities deeply, as well as cultural conversations about literature, the arts, and society. The Library also encourages civic engagement and participation. During the fall 2020 election cycle, all 36 San Diego Public Libraries served as ballot drop-off sites, collecting 225,522 general election ballots. Libraries received 70 percent of the drop-off ballots in the county, underscoring the fact that libraries are viewed as trusted community institutions.

The San Diego Public Library is the largest provider of free cultural programming in the region.

Library Solutions

Kanopy

One of the Library’s newest digital resources, Kanopy, provides Library patrons with free remote streaming access to thousands of movies. Patrons have unlimited access to select series and children’s programming, and can stream up to three films per month, including documentaries, classic films, and hard-to-find indie films. Kanopy features many educational video series, ranging from cooking basics and art appreciation to public speaking and the history of World War II. Using the Kanopy app on smartphones, tablets, and computers, patrons can stream educational and enriching videos for children, teens, and adults.

Virtual Travel Center


The Library is creating a virtual travel center at the Central Library @ Joan Λ Irwin Jacobs Common that aims to explore new service models and technology to engage patrons with the very popular travel collection and highlight previously underappreciated gems of the collection. The center will feature program space and virtual travel components, including educational videos, a floor-standing globe, and an interactive touchscreen that displays digitized maps in the Library’s collection — increasing access to materials seldom seen by the public. There will also be large map cases with magnifying glasses that highlight unique maps in the Library’s collection and encourage patrons to take a closer look.

Central Library Art Gallery


The Library’s exhibition program allows free access to visual art and cultural exhibitions throughout San Diego while promoting local artists and creative community groups. The flagship art gallery at the Central Library hosts a rotating series of exhibitions by both staff and guest curators that focus on contemporary and historical art and culture in the region. A recent exhibition explored San Diego Public Librarian Clara Breed’s advocacy on behalf of Japanese American children during and after World War II. The exhibition was presented in conjunction with a slate of system-wide events, programs, and activities that reflected on Japanese American experiences during World War II and explored themes of social justice, activism, and the power of the written word. The Art Gallery and its programming has received wide acclaim in the press and in the local arts community. Learn more about the library’s art and cultural exhibitions.

Library Special Collections

The Library Foundation supports the library’s special collections that provide a unique look at the history of printing and the creation of books. The Library Foundation was pleased to work with the Miller Family on a historical collection of tiny books dating back to the 18th century. This collection is on display in the Hervey Family Rare Book Room at the Central Library @ Joan Λ Irwin Jacobs Common. 

Tiny books 📘. BIG impact 📙. Thanks to donors like, the Miller Family, this historical collection, dating back to the 18th century, is now on display in the Hervey Family Rare Book room. Library Foundation SD donors (whether big, small, or even tiny) play a crucial role in funding a variety of library programs, services, and even the historical preservation of tiny treasures like the Miller Family Collection shown below 📚. To learn more about the MANY ways you can help support the San Diego Public Library system by becoming a donor, please visit: libraryfoundationsd.org/donate 💛💙. #MiniatureBooks #TinyBooks #RareBooks #Artifacts #18thCentury #Historical #Preservation #CharitableDonation #LibraryGift San Diego Central Library

Posted by Library Foundation SD on Monday, January 30, 2023

Mini Book Collection

A generous donation from the Miller family helped expand the library’s large collection of small books.

From our community

Despite technology, I believe libraries will become a common place for individuals to meet up and work together. I see libraries as a place for collaboration among kids and adults.”

Teresa Contreras, Director of Development, Catholic Extension