The Central Library has easily become one of my favorite libraries to visit. I don't get down here…read moreoften since I don't live nearby, but every time I do, I make a beeline for the ninth floor. It's an incredible space dedicated to genealogy and history, making it the perfect place to dive into family research. This visit was especially meaningful because I brought family members who were visiting from out of town. As we prepare for an upcoming family reunion while also grieving the recent loss of a loved one, we were able to uncover photographs of family members we had never seen before. It was an emotional and unforgettable experience that made our visit truly special. One of the best features is that the library offers free access to genealogy resources like Ancestry Library Edition and other historical databases that have helped me piece together my family's story. I also recently learned that every Tuesday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., volunteer genealogy specialists are available to help the public--for free! I'll definitely be returning during those hours because researching family history often feels like peeling back the layers of an onion. Every discovery leads to another story waiting to be told. The only downside is the parking. The library offers two hours of free covered parking, which sounds generous until you get immersed in research. Time flies when you're digging through historical records, and two hours disappears quickly. If possible, I'd recommend taking the trolley to avoid having to move your car or pay expensive parking fees--especially considering the library is just a short walk from Petco Park. You can also opt to take your car out every 2 hours ans re-park in the garage.... Ijs One thing to keep in mind is that on Padres game days, the library parking garage may close early to accommodate game-day parking. While I understand why they do it, it can be frustrating if you're planning a long research session. Overall, I highly recommend this library. Whether you're researching your family tree, looking for a peaceful place to study, or simply wanting a quiet escape from the city, the ninth floor is an absolute treasure. It's one of San Diego's best-kept secrets, and if you haven't experienced it yet, you're missing out. As always... you can thank me later.

I haven't been here for years. I recently came to bring my toddler. So we were mainly on the first…read morefloor, which is where the kids section is. It was just amazing. It is so big, with so many different sections. They have an area for young toddlers, to toddlers, to kids. I was so impressed with how much books they have. In addition to that, they have CDs, DVDs, magazines, pretty much anything you can think of. There are a couple of different areas where they can sit and learn. I do love how there were different types of seats as well, for instance, for the younger kids they have the little balanced chairs. There is lots of play area for the kids to have sensory play. They have educational computers, there was four. They have a little area for kids to play with toys and use their imagination, so many good items. There are puzzles, coloring, pages, arts and crafts. I was really blown away with how great this library is. The staff who helped me, I did not get her name, but she was so friendly and answering, and all my questions. They have so many activities also throughout the week, such as reading time and other arts and crafts that you can do amongst other peers. I am so looking forward to bringing my child here so that he can have more socialization with other kids. And mind you, this is all free, which is so amazing. I mean, obviously we have tax dollars that goes toward this. . But yeah, you can check out their schedule for what they offer for the kids. Yeah I think this is the best library so far that I've been to for the kids in San Diego. You can also park underground. Just make sure you take your parking validation upstairs so you do get the first two hours free when validated. After that, I believe it's $1.25 per hour or something like that. Which is very reasonable for downtown. Just remember if there's any events, like the baseball games or anything like that, there might be a surcharge, for example when comic con comes on as well. This is definitely a great learning spot for young children. And if you or someone you know, doesn't have the financial means to do arts and crafts, buy so many books, or have enough space to even how all of these things, this is great that this library has it all for free. I have taken my son to the little play area where we pay like $15 an hour for him to run around and it's further up in Mira Mesa. This is just another great alternative for a fraction of the cost. Sorry I just love this so much. We are definitely coming back here and also exploring as many different libraries as we can.

One of the most beautiful libraries in SD!…read more It has so much character! From the stain glass features to the mission-style touches, this library was designed with intention. It's pretty quite and clean inside. There are plenty of seating options with community tables, private study desks, and conference rooms. Quite the spacious library!

What a beautiful library with a fantastic vibe - love the architecture, the stained glass, the…read more*personality* of the library. The staff were friendly and love all the seating areas inside and out. It's not close to my home or I would make a point of going there often.

Honestly, a beautifullll library. The architecture is gorgeous and has so much character. Each…read moresection of the library feels like a different, immersive space. Very intentionally designed! It's a pretty spacious library with plenty of seating, but it gets crowded fast. I think it was a combination of things. We went in the late afternoon after school had been let out, so a good amount of kids and teens were there. Compared to other libraries in SD county, this branch had the most displaced people I have seen so far. It was really difficult trying to find an extended spot to study/work for a small party of 2. The staff here was also quite standoffish. When I went up to the desks to ask a question, they barely looked up from their screens and gave me one-word answers. :(

This library is a wonderful place and a jewel in Coronado's crown. See my pics for a taste of its…read morecalming outdoor environment to the soothing inside ambiance. Of course, this library has a tremendous amount of resources and the staff to help. But as visitors, we like the used book sale department. This is an opportunity to buy inexpensive, interesting books that you can still "turn a page". They have a very quiet reading room and the area around the library has many shade trees that offers many reading spots as well. While a library is old school, it's certainly a cool school.

Came here to get a public library card. The librarian was so sweet and friendly. She helped us get…read moreset up and was lovely to my son who also was getting his card. Recommend! Free parking right outside.

I have never been to a library with so many poorly behaved children. The library is beautiful and…read moreoffers great programs but 9/10 times there is at least 1 kid going around hitting other children and refusing to share the public library toys while their nanny or parent does nothing. I am not sure why this is the case but I have never had a bad interaction with children at any other library.

Food: NA/5 Service: 0/5…read moreAmbiance: 4/5 Parking: 4/5 Family friendly: 5/5 Stroller friendly: 5/5 ADA accessible: 5/5 While in SD, I was a looking for a library that was close to what my wife was taking a continuing education class. I stumbled upon this on in Mission District. I didn't know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised on how kid friendly it is, plenty of individual study areas and a couple of group study rooms. Parking was easy and staff was nice. I would recommend this library if you're in the area. I know I'll be back here with the kiddos.

Did anyone else know there was a library in this plaza? I've been missing out!…read more Located in the heart of Mission Valley, this branch is nestled in the same plaza as the Costco and IKEA! There's plenty of parking right out front. The interior is beautiful with lots of arches and nature themed touches. Compared to other libraries I've been to, it's on the smaller side and is a bit limited when it comes to seating (especially spots with outlets!). My favorite place to retreat to is their balcony seating! They have large community tables that are segmented with dividers and outlets. You also get a pretty view of the hills!

This is an excelent suburban library. The place is spacious, well-lighted, adequately staffed, with…read moreplenty of comfortable seating. Unlike the city libraries, it can handle interlibrary loans. Unlike most other SD county libraries, it is open on Saturdays. Limited parking is available right in front of the library entrance on the 13th Street.

Taking walk through Del Mar today, I had to stop in the Del Mar Library for old times sake. It…read morewas nice to visit it again and interact with the wonderful staff here. Oh yes, and to enjoy the gardens in from of the library.

one of our favorite libraries to take our kids too! specially in the early/later toddler stages aka…read morewhen they are actually walking! the bottom floor is fully equiped with its own BOAT! ... lots of kid friendly computer stations / tables - TONS of sensory bins and decorations for kids... surfboard tables!! yes they went all out!! perfect outing on rainy weekends! more on the 2003 renovations here: https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/about-the-library/projects/pointloma more on library info/hours here: https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/locations/point-loma-hervey-library

You can find amazing books at your free neighborhood little library! Don't forget to share your…read morebooks too!

Drove all the way over to La Jolla because of this library. I have a soft spot for libraries and an…read moreeven soter spot for libraries with unique architecture. My coworker mentioned that there was a library in San Diego that was like an inverted pyramid --- say no more! I am in! It looks a lot like a rose to me -- which made it even better. Turns out, the "Geisel" part of the "Geisel Library" is actually Dr. Seuss Geisel! Which is why they have a multi-level Dr. Seuss exhibit. Library has a great view of the Quad. Has tons and tons of study rooms and study areas, each with charging ports. Glass walls everywhere with an awesome view of Do Ho Suh's Falling Star. THIS was a very pleasant surprise!

Love UCSD's Geisel Library! Iconic building packed with great study spaces (quiet & group), amazing…read moreviews, and all the resources you need. Highly recommend it

This library is located on Washington and Front St and is shared by two communities: Hillcrest and…read moreMission Hills. A friend of mine likes this library and I also like it for several reasons and some reasons not so much... There's parking that offers limited parking time but it is available. There's a security guard who patrols the facility and area for safety. The library is smallish but offers most services: a librarian, staff and the front desk for help, computer and printer access, a children's section and ample seating indoor and outdoor. From the many times I've visited, it was clean and everything was organized. The people visiting this library were courteous and kept quiet. One day during my visit a person in a military uniform had a heated exchange with the staffers at the front desk over the issue of why there was not a single American flag inside or outside this library but several pride flags. The staff of who appear to be LGBTQ mostly had no answer. The uniformed gentleman said he is a USA veteran and left angrily. In this situation, politics aside, I agree with the uniform wearing man, and this library, should have an American flag visible and display it with pride along with the pride flags to show inclusivity, which is what matters. I like this library but the staff should seriously consider having an American flag to show some pride for our country and not just one group.

+ 2 hour free parking with validation + Newer facility…read more + Nice children's area - nice comfy reading area We usually come here for a special event or the "Where's Odi." We wouldn't go out of our way to come since there is a time limit on parking.

This is such a clean and spacious library branch. The librarians are super helpful and kind, as are…read morethe library bookstore employees. It looks like they have a lot of great events as well. It does seem to be very popular, so the kids' section was pretty picked over in the summer, but I still found lots of great titles for my kids.

What an absolutely beautiful library! This is by far the nicest library I've seen in San Diego or…read moreSD county. A real stunner. Highly recommended!