Guide to San Diego Public Library Events

Libraries are no longer just a place to borrow books or audio visual materials. It's also a place where people meet, children learn and have fun, and adults receive other services. I have worked as a library assistant for the San Diego Public Library since 1991 and I have seen library services grow and change over the years.

The San Diego Public Library consists of 35 branches, one central branch, and READ San Diego, an organization that helps with literacy and language skills. This library system is separate from the County of San Diego branch system outside the city of San Diego. All branches have various children's programs and quite a few have programs for adults and seniors. For example, all of the libraries have at least one storytime for children. Times may vary, but the most common time it is usually held at most branches is at or around 10 AM on Tuesdays. Some libraries have storytimes on Wednesday nights and a few even have them on Thursday instead of or in addition to Tuesday mornings. Storytime activities can range from someone reading a book to crafts and songs. Please contact a local branch to confirm exact times.

Another event that all the libraries in the city of San Diego participate is the Summer Reading Program. This is an annual event that shares a common theme and consists of children receiving a log to keep track of books they read while over the summer break. After an interval of a certain number of books or hours read, they receive a prize and often entered into a raffle for another prize at the end of the summer. Libraries are at their own discretion as to what prizes are given after how many books or hours a child would need. At most of the libraries, children are given prizes after they acknowledge reading 10 books if they are young children and 10 hours for older children and teens. Teens have their own theme separate from that of the younger children.. Many libraries hire performers to visit the library during the summer to encourage participation. These performers usually try to teach the children in a fun way through magic shows, songs, dances or by bringing live animals. Live programs and their frequency can vary from branch to branch. The Summer Reading Program begins the day after the traditional school year gets out.

All San Diego Public libraries are participating in the Children's Museum pass program. This program consists of checking out a free Children's Museum pass for up to 10 days that is good for two adults and as many children as one wants to bring. Currently, there is a waiting list for the passes, but librarians can help patrons with placing holds on this item.

One major event happening this year is the San Diego Children's Book Festival, sponsored by Target. This huge "celebration" is going to happen at the San Diego Library system's newest branch: North University Library. North University is located near the Nobel athletic fields and recreation center. There will be lots of activities for everyone, especially children and teens with live music, crafts, games and giveaways. It is on May 9, 2009 from 10 AM to 4 PM, but it is an annual event and may repeat in following years. It starts off Children's Book Week that runs from May 11 to May 17. More about the Children's Book Festival can be found at:

http://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/news-events/bookfestival.shtml

The Serra Mesa Library is a previous existing branch that is now located in a brand new building. They have a children's area with toys and a special computer for younger children to learn on. There are plans to expand this area in the future for more activities. Serra Mesa Library actively participates with the First 5 program in that there are many different programs for children under 5 to participate in . For example, they can do yoga, learn sign language, and improve their language and reading skills. And, their moms can attend lectures on tackling those tough toddler issues.

Other services and activities available at the Serra Mesa Library include occasional movie showings in the meeting room. Other libraries such as the Linda Vista and Tierrasanta libraries also do this on occasion. During tax season, the Serra Mesa, Tierrasanta, Point Loma, and North University libraries in conjunction with AARP offer free tax assistance. Serra Mesa library, along with Tierrasanta, Pacific Beach, Benjamin/Allied Gardens, and Mission Valley libraries have ongoing art shows open for the public to see. The Serra Mesa library is also where the Colored Pencil Society meets for their activities and discussions.

The Point Loma Library is a beautiful library that has an entire floor or its two story structure dedicated for youth services. They have a crafts area with tables and materials to use during craft times at different times of the year. Also, this library actively participates in the Oasis program for seniors. Seniors can hear lectures about topics such as history, famous people, travel, health, and many other topics.

The Tierrasanta Library is currently participating in a program called "Reading to Dogs". This is a rotating program where Children read books to licensed therapy dogs. This program is also available at other libraries in the San Diego Public library system at various times and dates. Its purpose is to help children improve their reading skills and confidence while reading aloud.

The Carmel Valley library, located in the northern part of the city of San Diego, has a Child-Parent book club geared towards children who read at a 4-6 grade level. Meetings are held monthly. The last book that the club was to have read was "Amulet of Samarkand" by Jonathan Stroud. Contact the Carmel Valley Library for information on the next meeting or book.

For hours, locations, access to the calendar, and library catalog, please visit:

http://www.sandiegolibrary.org