San Diego Central Library

Category: Public library in San Diego, California

Address: 330 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Phone: +16192365800

Opening hours

Sunday: Closed

Monday: 11:30AM–8PM

Tuesday: 11:30AM–8PM

Wednesday: 9:30AM–6PM

Thursday: 9:30AM–6PM

Friday: 9:30AM–6PM

Saturday: 9:30AM–6PM

Reviews

Cecily Blayre

Jun 15, 2022

Shell of the beautiful library that once was...I used to go to this library almost every day for about 4 years. I remember the growing pains when they first opened, and I watched it become a well oiled machine balancing Downtown peeps, homeless folks & neighborhood patrons. There was space & resources for everyone, granted this was 2016 ish but Workforce Partnership was there along with Mental Health Systems. Fast forward to Summer 2022 post covid, I get off the bus and I'm immediately greeted with a Target shopping cart right at the exit for the bus. No one is around & it seems to be parked without an owner but it is filled with stuff and the closest Target is miles away in North Park. I rush to the 5th floor to make an appointment later in the week with a specialist, the door is littered with signs but also locked. It is not 4:30pm yet, the gentleman behind the front desk just glances at me without consideration. I circle back to 5th floor circulation desk and ask about open computers, he said 2nd floor was a safe bet but couldn't offer me other options. The computer stations were gross, sticky and wet and broken keyboards. I only stayed for 90 minutes because 4 guest around me were yelling, cursing or talking loudly. Security was attentive, but the bathrooms were open which means anyone can walk in and disabled stall has peekaboo door, why?!? Family bathroom is closed, no place to rest your purse or bags and floor is littered with used band aids, socks and debris. I would not go back unless I had an appointment at workforce partnership for help with job placement, vocational school or training. The entire building needs a deep clean, covid spray inside & out.

Christina Laster

Mar 7, 2022

Had an amazing experience on the 9th floor at the hosted Youth Justice Summit #YJS2022 with Generation Justice and BAPAC San Diego. This library has been nicely upgraded from the time I was a little girl. The parking is underground and the top floor views are phenomenal. My children loved the glass elevator. I do feel bad about the unsheltered population we pass to get in. I hope they are sheltered and secure ASAP!

James Candelaria

Feb 19, 2022

Beautiful library with abundant resources. Plenty of helpful and knowledgeable librarians to assist with research. The only problem with this library is the homeless people who always use it as a living space. I know everyone has a right to use the library but a lot of these people smell strongly of urine making it a very unpleasant experience. It’s hard to concentrate on work and read in peace when someone smells so badly.

Ryan W

Dec 18, 2021

I’m a local & I keep discovering new things at this library. Great collections of books & nice views to get some work done. Printer/copier is available for small fees, easy, and convenient. Parking is also available in the attached garage, there maybe fees.

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Questions & Answers

Can I have a student study group meeting there?

Timbre Cordero | Aug 20, 2018
Tabu | Aug 20, 2018

Yes. You can reserve a room at the front desk.

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Dont like elavators. Are there stairs ?

Robin Foster | Aug 20, 2018
Alexis Leftridge | Aug 20, 2018

They have escalators up to the 3rd floor but they do have stairs all the way up.

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Is it free without a library card? And is there free wifi?

Zachary Cadman | Aug 20, 2018
Scott | Aug 20, 2018

Yes, everything is free at the library.

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Street parking, or is there a parking lot?

Meghan Dixon | Aug 20, 2018
Agronz Klitch | Aug 20, 2018

There is a underground parking garage with 2 hour library validation.

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What's with the men's bathrooms? The stalls are such that any grown adult can see over and into them, creepy!

Christopher D. | Aug 20, 2019
J S | Aug 20, 2019

Complain to admin. This is not the forum for general complaints.

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This library has a Wi-Fi free ???

Yvan lionel verdier Tayoro | Aug 20, 2018
Dwight E Norris | Aug 20, 2018

Yes, WiFi is FREE, but you have logon so my son tells me. I've personally never used it. I go to use their computers in the computer room (5th Floor). If I recall correctly, the computers in the computer room can be logged into with your library card number and your pass code. I believe library cards are free and issued when you sign up. Log on any computer for up to 2 (or 4) hours per day on a first come, first serve basis.

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Do they have a kids section in this library? I been to other libraries were they have blocks and stuff for kids to play.

La Señora De Musa | Aug 20, 2018
Tabu | Aug 20, 2018

Yes they do. They have a section for young children on the first floor, in the back. They also have a teens only section on the second floor.

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How do I download audio books

Barbara Stevens | Aug 20, 2018
Paul C | Aug 20, 2018

Go to their website and they have a step by step guide.

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Looking for a book called The Soul Survivor by Philip Yancey. Anyone who can loan it or sell it ? Thank you

Wedad Schlotte | Aug 20, 2018
Lilith Santillan | May 21, 2022

Hello, if you don’t find it in the library, there is a great website called Thriftbooks.com they are always getting in used books you might not find elsewhere. :)

Closed holiday November 10?

Sebastian Ladron de Guevara | Aug 20, 2018
Paul C | Aug 20, 2018

Usually they closed on holidays but it's best to give them a call or check their website.

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Will Labor Day affect open hours?

OctavioTheOctopus | Aug 20, 2018
Randal Childress | Aug 20, 2018

Yes closed major holidays

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Hours of operation?

Richard Escarcega | Mar 22, 2022
Kari Lightner | Mar 22, 2022

Wednesday to Saturday 9:30-6 Monday-Tuesday 11:30-8 Closed Sunday's

Is the library open now??

Doneisha Mundy-Latham | Sep 23, 2021
Erika Carey | Sep 23, 2021

Yes, it is open normal hours

Can I stream videos using Hoopla?

Richard Wolf | Aug 20, 2019
jordan carr | Aug 20, 2019

No, hoopla is not available. However, this library is in the cloud library network. You can download the app (cloud library)and listen to audio and read text. Music is not available.

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Can i return books and dvds to a different library if closer to me?

Joshua Foster | Aug 20, 2018
Agronz Klitch | Aug 20, 2018

Yes but it needs to be a branch of the "San Diego public library system."

how do i find automotive manuals

Tom Dunn | Aug 20, 2018
charles chiles | Aug 20, 2018

Automobile manuals? The large central downtown library should have everything. I've go to the front desk and ask them. They have books and computer material about everything! There is also a smaller library across the street from the large downtown post office too.

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I recently just moved to San Diego on the 18th of May, so I’m not sure of the prices. How much would it be to print some paperwork from the library and also to receive a library card? And do they take debit card or cash only?

Tyroneisha Kimble | Aug 20, 2018
Angel Zermeno | Aug 20, 2018

Hi....my name is Angel I work as a volunteer @ the San Diego central library book store Library cards are free,replacements cost three dollars Must bring ID and proof of residency such as:any utility bill or receipt there are plenty of printers inside Copies cost twenty cents each a printing card must be purchased each floor clerk can assist you. Welcome to San Diego.

Can you get community service hours there?

Yannick Lay | Aug 20, 2018
charles chiles | Aug 20, 2018

Yes

Is there a drop box outside for books?

misti ramsay | Aug 20, 2018
olivia justice | Aug 20, 2018

Yes there is,directly in front.

Can I make a resume there, and if so does it cost anything?

jeremy steiner | Aug 20, 2018
Caleb Robinson | Aug 19, 2020

It cost 10¢ per paper printed in black and white and with color it's 25¢

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Can I pick up tax forms at this location?

Benjamin Geldert | Aug 20, 2018
Kenazzin Barby | Aug 20, 2018

You can print them there.

Does the library provide adult reading classes/ If so where at what times are classes available

Edward Redikop | Aug 20, 2018
Dwight Norris | Aug 20, 2018

I don't know, but I'd check their website to find out.

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Can you check out DVD's from the library?

Peggy Young | Aug 20, 2018
Blaise “Mr Meowington III” Sewell | Aug 20, 2018

Yes

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May books be returned at a different branch?

Tom Pierpoint | Aug 20, 2018
Blaise “Mr Meowington III” Sewell | Aug 20, 2018

Actually the other answer is incorrect. We've done it several times and it's ok.

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Is it possible to get a newspaper obituary from Nov 1988 from the San Diego library?

Colleen B | Jul 20, 2022
Range Cow | Jul 20, 2022

Call the reference librarian at the downtown Central Library. That's the person who'll know.

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Can I park and lock a bicycle securely on the property?

Pablo Mata | Apr 21, 2022
Dannie Oatis | Apr 21, 2022

Yes inside the parking garage. They have an bike rack

Do you ( Library) Have a book titled, " Envoys of a Human God"?

paulos hailemichael | Apr 21, 2022
Carina D | Apr 21, 2022

I just checked the catalog and it looks like we do not have that title. You can access our catalog on the SDPL website.

Where do you park? Thanks

barbara emont | Nov 22, 2021
Catherine Hong | Nov 22, 2021

2hous free parking with validation in underground parking structure. Entrance on 11th.

How do you find the underground parking garage. Can you give us a street address?

JOHN MANNING | Aug 19, 2021
San Diego Central Library | Aug 19, 2021

The underground parking entrance is located on 11th Avenue. The entrance is located at at 11th Avenue & K Street.

Is there public parking and is it free?

JOHN MANNING | Aug 19, 2021
Richard Montesano | Aug 19, 2021

2 hours validated

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What time does your parking garage open? Thanks.

maureen arrigo | Aug 19, 2021
San Diego Central Library | Aug 19, 2021

The San Diego Central Library's parking garage opens when the library opens. Please see here for operating hours: https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/central-library

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Can you actually go inside and read?

michael conley | Aug 19, 2021
Bonnie Blundell | Aug 19, 2021

Yes but I'm not sure if they have reopened yet

Are you guys open is the 3D printing area open thanks

Ernesto Molina | Aug 19, 2021
San Diego Public Library Social Media Team | Aug 19, 2021

We are planning a pilot program to start doing 3D printing beginning on October 17th. Information will be posted soon on this page: https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/central-library/innovation-lab

any homeless eating and sleeping...playing music...security guards are worthless...😢...😠

Robert Dunham | Aug 19, 2020
Patrick Mulvey | Aug 19, 2020

Lots of vagrants, like most parts of downtown unfortunately

You can buy the books there?

Teorias y TOPS | Aug 19, 2020
combo963 | Aug 19, 2020

Yes and no; the library has a used bookstore, as well as a library/community store on site

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Is there still validated parking?

Hannah Brown | Aug 19, 2020
Shelly Jamison | Aug 19, 2020

Yes

Is there a systematic order according to the classification of books?

Leslye Reyes | Aug 19, 2020
Smiae | Aug 19, 2020

Most public libraries use the Dewey decimal system. I'm pretty sure the San Diego Central Library does too.

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Do people play chess there during the day? Im in town and looking for a game or two to play.

Jason Lee | Aug 20, 2019
David Stephens | Aug 20, 2019

There are certain days when people play chess in the lobby. It would be necessary to check with the library for the actual dates.

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Does the library still heve the DVD mama mia what is the call number?

Joan Maslowski epple. Spain best baste christensen | Aug 20, 2019
A.J Isles | Aug 20, 2019

Walk in an ask the front desk

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Can I take a ged test here I have a ged book and I want to earn my GED by taking the ged test can I take my ged test here and do you have a quiet room for 1 person

DC DC | Aug 20, 2019
A.J Isles | Aug 20, 2019

Study for it yes ask the librarian more info on the test

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Can maintenance steam clean sidewalks near entrance to library? Thanks

Thomas Cary | Aug 20, 2019
Patrick Mulvey | Aug 20, 2019

Ask the library

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Can you use the computers without a library card?

Teddie Bishh | Aug 20, 2019
David Stephens | Aug 20, 2019

I agree with the previous response: the sign-in process for the library computers requires a person's library card number, and password.

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Is it in Fairmount ave library

Mary Flores | Aug 20, 2019
David Stephens | Aug 20, 2019

It's not clear what the original question is, or was; but it appears that it has already been answered. "God bless!"

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Are there BTS album's here?

Jocelyn -_- | Aug 20, 2019
Shane Fitzsimmons | Aug 20, 2019

Have fun,check it out(:...

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How can I donate books? I imagine you don't want paperbacks. Is that right?

Sanford Lakoff | Aug 20, 2019
David Stephens | Aug 20, 2019

Books can be donated to the Friends of the Library organization, located in the lobby of the Central Library. Paperbacks are definitely accepted.

Is the library open today?

JOEL A. GARCIA | Aug 20, 2019
Brian Chavez | Aug 20, 2019

I'm sorry, but no.

Is it open on Presidents day

thomas johnson | Aug 20, 2019
monika allen | Aug 20, 2019

No

Hours each day?

Chasen Chess | Aug 20, 2019
A.J Isles | Aug 20, 2019

930-700 M-Th,930-600 F-Sun

Are personal (foldable) electronic scooters (like the bird/lime but foldable) allowed to be carried in?

Justin Avila | Aug 20, 2019
Brian Chavez | Aug 20, 2019

No, they won't allow it. Sorry.

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Does the library take used book donations?

Annette Paruginog | Aug 20, 2019
A.J Isles | Aug 20, 2019

Yes

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Why is this place CRAWLING with homeless people???

Mizu | Aug 20, 2019
Ryan Weaver | Aug 20, 2019

Because it’s a public place with free water electricity and WiFi. Not to mention it has soft chairs and a security force so it’s a very safe place to sleep. However that security force is there for everybody so you really don’t need to worry about them.

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Where i can parking ?

YanJun Zhuang | Aug 20, 2019
Mike Real | Aug 20, 2019

Best to park on a side street like j or up by market an walkn down they do have underground parking on the back side where 711 is but i don't know if you have to pay but i dont thank you should

Is there a free book box?

Shelly Stephens | Aug 20, 2019
Agronz Klitch | Aug 20, 2019

No but there is a used book store where u can get some nice reads for a dollar or less!

Do the public computers here have itunes or allow the download of itunes?

Ofelia Miranda Porras | Aug 20, 2018
San Diego Central Library | Aug 20, 2018

The public computers do not have iTunes and you can not download and install software on the computers.

hi how can you become a volunteer for the library and how many hours a week. thanks and i love that they do answer your questions

Mily Valla | Aug 20, 2018
Ofelia Miranda Porras | Aug 20, 2018

They are currently looking for volunteers for the teen center. They have flyers at the library.

Can I renew books online

Dana Lewis | Aug 20, 2018
Nathan Zeke | Aug 20, 2018

Yes

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