San Diego Central Library

This library feels very new and modern and is beautiful to walk through. It's a great place to visit even if you dont check out any material or use a computer. There are so many floors of indoor and outdoor space and lots to offer including at least 1 smaller gallery housed within. There are many sitting nooks if you want to read and private study rooms. Lots of interesting artifacts on display. Easy to find staff and they're helpful. Amazing that libraries like this are still open, let's keep libraries free to the public.

DO NOT DONATE TO THIS LIBRARY. THEY WILL NOT DO WHAT THEY SAY THEY WILL DO. I am a San Diego native and a local business owner. I donated a rare 1847 volume with double fore edge paintings to the San Diego Public Library to reunite it with its missing mate, which had been in their collection since the 1970s. From the start, Matthew Nye, Special Collections Manager, assured me that the library’s marketing department loved the story and ‘definitely wanted marketing to be involved.’ On June 17, 2025 he even asked me to write the donor’s story in my own words so their team could publish it. I submitted the text and offered full cooperation. Despite months of patience and repeated follow ups, nothing was ever shared. On August 5, 2025, Mr. Nye admitted in writing that he was ‘rather embarrassed by this delay,’ confirmed that marketing had been ‘so excited and touched by the whole story,’ and said he had already escalated it to their supervisor. Still, nothing was done. This library received my donation, my written story, and my trust. They failed to honor every promise. I had intended to donate additional very old books, including volumes with fore edge paintings, but after this experience I am not only hesitant, I am fearful. The photos with this review show me turning the book over to the library. Do not trust their promises. I may be open to updating the review if the library finally honors its commitments. Photos of me turning the donated book over to the San Diego Public Library in June 2025. This image simply documents the donation itself, which the Library later declined to publicize despite written commitments.

LOVE this library. I could spend hours here. It's massive and they have so many cool features. It's very easy to sign up for a library card and check out books. They have a huge kids collection here and a sensory space as well. The library has many floors that provide beautiful views of downtown San Diego. There are so many computers, comfortable chairs, desks and areas to work on each floor. You can tell from the other reviews talking about homeless people that they aren't locals. Yes, there are homeless people around, it is downtown San Diego. Even with homeless people around you do not feel unsafe here. There are security guards and people mind their own business. Another amazing perk is that they validate parking. They have multiple elevators and also offer escalators/stairs. I would highly recommend visiting this beautiful library.

This library is insanely huge. Over 9 stories tall. Books on every floor. Public restrooms and wifi available. The homeless like to sleep here out front when it's raining outside to stay dry. They offer HP chromeook laptops and also Hotspot internet for 90 days at a time. They will let you know what locations have them too. Library cards are free and they are really nice at the front desk. This building is safe as they employee security at the front door.

Love it, beautiful space, tons of books- valley the diversity and variety you could ever imagine. I love it here!!

This is the biggest library that downtown has to offer. It has beautiful architecture and the scenery on the top floor is gorgeous. There are various levels to take the elevator or stairs. There are two hours of free parking underground, or you can park on the street or take a trolley to arrive. I would recommend taking some sanitation wipes as libraries, our public places, and you may want a cleaner space. They also have study rooms that you can check out for a few hours. There is so much knowledge in this library, from genealogy to history to everything in between.

Cool library, definitely worth a visit at least once, but definitely check out the women’s literature section.

went for negro league museum breaking barriers exhibit the exhibit was sensational kudos for all involved with the marvelous displays information and banners major props to all of the displays specifically the banner about San Diego Padre Johnny Ritchie the local san diegan that broke the color barrier in the pacific coast league as a catcher for the padres

Expansive, clean, quiet, and a godsend if you have a mid-day meeting or need for a silent study room. Swung by this library on a weekday in dire need of a meeting space for about an hour -- the study rooms are first come first serve but can be booked for up to 3 hrs in person with a physical library card. The entire process is super straightforward with the caveat being that sometimes the rooms are full and occupied so you may need to wait. I lucked out with a room opening about 20 min after I arrived so I was able to swoop in; kudos to the staff for being really helpful with this process as well. FYI you have to book the rooms on the entering floor with all the kiosks and desks. I was able to snag a group study room which had great AC for the hot day, a plethora of outlets, and a silent/serene atmosphere. Honestly couldn't ask for a better spot to take a meeting esp with my last minute search for a space. I used the room for 1.5 hrs and returned the key which was a very easy process. Bathrooms were plenty and clean; easy to access and spread throughout. Parking here can be validated for 2 hours and then costs about $1.25 for every hour afterwards if I remember correctly. Check this spot out for all your library needs!

DO NOT DONATE TO THIS LIBRARY. THEY WILL NOT DO WHAT THEY SAY THEY WILL DO. I am a San Diego native and a local business owner. I donated a rare 1847 volume with double fore edge paintings to the San Diego Public Library to reunite it with its missing mate, which had been in their collection since the 1970s. From the start, Matthew Nye, Special Collections Manager, assured me that the library's marketing department loved the story and 'definitely wanted marketing to be involved.' On June 17, 2025 he even asked me to write the donor's story in my own words so their team could publish it. I submitted the text and offered full cooperation. Despite months of patience and repeated follow ups, nothing was ever shared. On August 5, 2025, Mr. Nye admitted in writing that he was 'rather embarrassed by this delay,' confirmed that marketing had been 'so excited and touched by the whole story,' and said he had already escalated it to their supervisor. Still, nothing was done. This library received my donation, my written story, and my trust. They failed to honor every promise. I had intended to donate additional very old books, including volumes with fore edge paintings, but after this experience I am not only hesitant, I am fearful. The photos with this review show me turning the book over to the library. Do not trust their promises. I may be open to updating the review if the library finally honors its commitments.

I love libraries and spend a lot of time in them, and the San Diego Central Library is one of my most disliked large libraries I've ever been to. If I were to live in San Diego, I would not leisurely spend time at this library or visit again, it's one of those one and done places. Yes, it houses 8 or 9 stories and is in a large building, it's very accessible in downtown... BUT It smelled really bad in many areas inside. The tables and shelves feel so dated and the lighting was yellow-ish and made the whole place feel old. I didn't spot any comfortable areas to sit and read or that looked particularly clean. So while this library is spacious and has lots of reading material one could potentially check out, I didn't find it to be a particularly safe and clean space to hang out and spend hours at.

What a gorgeous library - attended Comic con event on the 9th floor Shiley event area & it was fantastic. Audio was good, staff were helpful & friendly, restrooms very clean, lovely views from the deck. Library shop was adorable- great for gifts.

Love this location during Comic Con as this is where we park our vehicle. Not many spots but we can always find one for a reasonable price of $30 per vehicle per day. Thanks Chris for helping us secure a spot in 2025. Otherwise just buy a spot in advance of arrival before they sell out. I don't even want to mention this secret since we like parking here and spots are so limited. Only a 0.5 mile walk to the convention center.

Great library in the heart of downtown San Diego. 2 hrs of validated parking. There's a kids area in the first floor with lots of pretend play and board games not only books. You can spend a lot of time here with your kids. It's a downtown library so I'm sure some people are concerned for their safety, but there's plenty of security walking around and I never felt unsafe. The library has multiple floors with elevator access. Many vintage books from early 1900's. It's definitely a good place to come and spend hours here. There's an also a cute library shop towards the exit. Remember to support local libraries!!

The SD Central Library is pretty cool. It is a huge space with a ton of cool stuff to look at, browse through, even check out to take home. We wandered around for a while just exploring. It was fun. The baseball memorabilia collection alone is worth the visit! At first I was not a big fan of the "birdcage" dome, but through the years it has grown on me. Back when it was being built, I worked for one of the concrete companies that poured the foundation. The library was just a jobsite back then. It was cool to see it grow from jobsite to what it is now all these years later.

Always a great spot to lounge and relax. Dropped in with my son before the Padres Game. With a used bookstore and huge children's section, it's ideal if you have young children. It's spacious, clean and most importantly, ice cold during the heat waves. I'll be back again when in the area.

I want to give this six stars! Holy cow it is a nine story building. Two stories are for a high school. The rest is dedicated to the library. The place is massive. Any kind of media you could possibly want. They have a makers lab. Where people can come in and use 3-D printers, sewing machines, transfer stations. It is amazing what you can do in that room. They also have a museum of books and print, they have an art gallery. There is a rooftop seating area. They have an entire room of books for sale cheap! They have so many computers for the public to use. This is a place that people should be pointed to when asked "what should I see in the city?" It is an amazing space.

The San Diego Central Library is awesome. Located a short walk from Petco Park, the Library is a haven where you can sit and read, borrow books, view rotating exhibits, and take part in special functions. The atmosphere is quite modern. Library staff are professional, friendly, and helpful. There's parking in the building, but I prefer to take the Trolley -- all lines have a station stop nearby.

On our way out of San Diego, we stopped by the San Diego Public Library, Central Library to check it out and apply for a library card. We were there before opening and there was a line of people waiting to get in. Granted, a lot of the people seemed to be homeless but there was also an obvious police presence. I went to the front desk to ask about a library card and was pointed to the table of computers where I could submit the initial application. After I was done submitting the initial information, I walked up to the desk for them to process my library card. The library itself is beautiful. It's quite large (nine floors) and it looks like it houses a small charter school as well. We did a quick walkthrough and felt safe going from floor to floor. They have quite a collection of books, magazines, videos, and memorabilia. If you're a bibliophile, check out the San Diego Public Library, Central Library location, when you're in San Diego.

So pretty! The views are immaculate, there are study rooms, and you get two hours of free parking. It's also very quiet inside. Only downside is the elevators smell bad and there are some homeless people smoking near the library

This is a must go place among many other attractions in San Diego. In fact, it got to be in the top 10 list for being such a splendid and magnificent architecture in the heart of San Diego, offering a place for book lovers, knowledge seekers etc. There are multiple levels with a huge collection of books, computers, secluded areas to focus on one's work and beautiful views of the beautiful city. There is also an auditorium for various types of events adjacent to a small open area. Parking is nothing to worry about. Come, park and enjoy this luxury.

Nine floors of goodness. This might be the tallest library I have ever been to and I love libraries. They have an extensive collection of new and old magazines. Heaps of baseball books, magazines, and memorabilia with special focus on the local San Diego Padres baseball team. There is even an interesting rare book collection on the top floor. Recommended!

This library is amazing! It has something for everyone. The first floor has an amazing children's area with computers, games to check out, activities and so much more. There's a cozy reading nook, and it's all dr. Suess themed. This library consists of 9 (!) floors, with 2 not accessible to the public. The top floor boasts a view of downtown and is also where you'll find a museum and rare books. You can get lost here for hours! The elevator is fun to ride with peekaboo glass windows into each floor. Although it's located downtown, there's free validated underground parking (up to 2 hrs), security is very active, and it's clean. Very friendly and helpful staff. We love it!

There are some of the many tall buildings that you can find the tallest locations and there are those that can be found as some of the lowest with the tallest buildings you have some of the grandest views which can take views to the farthest points. The many points of the city of San Diego you can see the many parts of the city of San Diego just take the tallest buildings the many are the Grand Manchester and the San Diego Public Library which has the total of nine floors with the dome that sticks out at the top which is the older collections library. With the many taller buildings that you may find are the ones which are located at Balboa Park which have the many views of the canyons and the freeway valleys. Yet the one that is where you can study and have a great day to study and to enjoy the 9nth floor the tallest part of the San Diego Library where you can take the day and to view the many older editions that tell the many great facts of the untold areas of San Diego and the outlying areas of San Diego. When you visit the 8th floor of the library you can get to see the many of the sports memorabilia and the pictures of the original Padres and the younger generation. The many floors of the San Diego hold some of the greatest treasures for the many departments you can find the Federal Book Depository of Washington DC also the many first editions of the many laws that were put into effect in the early 1960s. The many times that I have gone to the library it has given me the chance to look at the many floors the library has to offer the one that has come to mind is the third floor of the library and the 5th floor which has computer design lab you can create products and the products that you can create from the lab. Third floor and the Fourth floor are two floors you can delve deep into the heart history and the facts that you may want to find out about San Diego and the smaller cities. The San Diego is one place that is just the tip of the Iceberg, and the world of wonder can be the one that reaches the minds of the younger generation. As a Yelp Elite Reviewer, the many places of the library are some of the greatest to find the many books for many which have been wrote with the many programs where you can find the use of Laptops at the Library for two hours you can check out study rooms to finish work or to study in. The main lobby you can find the many reference computers that can help you on your way to study for the quest of knowledge.

This was such a treat! We got to explore a rare book section on the 9th floor! We were the only patrons at the rare books section! I had the pleasure of showing illuminated manuscripts, ancient Babylonian tablets and the world's smallest books to our LO. It was like having a private experience at a museum! The librarian in the rare books section was very knowledgeable about the collection. I can't wait to come back to the rare books section on our next visit to San Diego! The children's books section is extensive and impressive. We enjoyed browsing through the shelves and finding new books to read later.

Es un lugar grande con varios pisos. Very large Library with multiple floors. Enjoyed the San Diego Bell ringers on Sunday, what a treat! Don't miss the rare books Collection with a file cabinet on Barrio Logan that contained Author Victor Villasenor's Press clippings. Also, buy a book from the Friends of the Library downstairs before you go, as I found a great bilingual book for children. Muy bien.

I am so jealous of this space. Amble areas to spread out. Great lighting. Clearly defined sections. I used this space but did not check out any books since I live in Long Beach. But there were ample books to check out and a very calm and refined vibe.

A local gem for book lovers located right in the heart of downtown. This beautiful, nine-story building is an architectural wonder, offering million-dollar bay views and seven floors of incredible books/resources to residents. They even have a Central IDEA Lab on the fourth floor where patrons can dabble in 3D printing, sewing, and graphic design software for FREE. Go get those creative juices flowing!! Most importantly, their book collection is extensive. Whether you're looking for the latest bestseller, classic literature, or research materials, you'll find it all here. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, always ready to help you locate resources or recommend a great read. Plus, the library hosts a variety of free in-person/virtual community events, workshops, and author talks, which makes it a vibrant hub for culture and learning.

A beautiful library with great staff, an incredible array of books, and lots of other services. They also have validated parking for the garage. Be aware there is a very mixed crowd in there - including some less than savory characters; have stumbled upon a few unsettling sights while meandering the shelves though I haven't ever felt unsafe.

I love coming to this library. It has numerous books, magazines and computers you can use and books and magazines you can check out. As for the security guards, some of them don't know the type of people they are dealing with that come here. The security guard that punched this man in the face should be fired immediately. What he did is wrong and unacceptable. Is this the type of people the library hires that punch people in their face...? The security guard was aggressive and violent. He should have done a better job handling the situation instead of punching the guy in the face. He should have handled the situation a lot more professionally. He obviously needs a lot more training.

What a nice library! I just to find somewhere to work for a couple hours so this was perfect. Free parking for 2 hours. Free WiFi, lots of tables with power outlets, and clean bathrooms.

So today on 2/08/2025 all the bathrooms were closed from levels 3-8 no men could use the bathroom but the employee bathroom was open and the women bathrooms were open.

What a great library with so many levels to explore! The top floors are the most exciting with an impressive reading room and then a forbidden books section. Though I didn't go into the forbidden books section, it was looked at the rooftop of downtown San Diego which was a sight to see! The library staff is all very friendly, and they gave me easy to follow instructions on obtaining a library card. I do agree with the other reviews about the homeless population in the library and around the entrances. I would caution others to not go at late times of the day but still a fun library to explore!

It is a amazing library! My daughter is so happy when she goes to the ginormous kid section. This library deserves a 5 star review. The best library I ever been to! I definitely recommend it

Came to the library on a rainy day to get some work done. I personally always go to the observatory floor which is Floor 8, and I enjoyed being in the sun and also the view while working!

This library is huge!! I love it and it's so pretty inside! The outside is not the cleanest and it usually smells bad near downtown. Parking can be a little chaotic sometimes too but I love this library.

I have already sung the praises of San Diego, with its four unique quarters. The East Village is the most modern of the four and appropriately houses one of the most spectacular contemporary libraries that any city could boast. The San Diego Central Public Library is a haven for all. It was built in the middle of an area that is regenerating and welcomes visitors from all categories, including providing a resting spot for those who have fallen on hard times. Filled with trees outside, there is a lovely patio where people can sit and rest and read and think to their heart's content. Inside is a soaring building with multiple floors dedicated to different kinds of readers, from those who cherish rare books, to students, to children, and all of it in a glass lined building that reaches out to the sky and the beautiful, year-round mild, sunny weather. A few steps away is the charming trolley line, an ambitious public transportation project that incorporates the new and the old. See a few of my photos attached here. Just bring a cup of coffee and bagel from Baked Cafe, sit and enjoy the breeze, watch the new construction rise all around you and celebrate this progressive, caring city.

I've been here a few times and the service is always great. The librarians really know what they're doing and are always patient and ready to help. There's a cool gift shop at the entry and sale items on book carts loaded with dvds, video games, magazines and a life size chess board near the entry (not for sale). It's clean although some transitory individuals have been seen camped out on the sidewalk, in my experience, they've been harmless. There's 3 or more floors with access via the elevator or escalator and they also have a cafe in the courtyard. I subtracted one star because the print machine only takes cash which is oddly becoming rarer to use these days, but still my favorite library location thus far.

This is an incredible resource for the community! I've been to this library a few times to study and it's a good experience every time. It's a huge space with many floors and good amenities. They also have so many activities going on. One day when I entered they were doing a card making event and it was so wonderful. They had a great selection of cards and it was nice to take a few moments out of my day to right a thoughtful message for someone. This is not the best area at night especially right outside the library front doors but if you park in the garage (2 hours free with library validation), then it should be okay!

This library has so much to offer. Like, it's overwhelming. I did manage to find parking across the street, in a paid lot. The surrounding area around the library has a ton of homeless people, and the bathroom on every floor was apparently closed and out of service. The only bathroom open was on the 8th floor, and there were 2 homeless people in a stall and another lying down by the sink. Just a fair warning, I guess since it's downtown you can't really be upset? Apart from that, I thought the roof access was neat, and there's a cool art exhibition up there as well!

Awesome library. I appreciate the art and how big the library is. The only challenging part is finding parking.

Such a massive library. I always feel so overwhelmed when I come in here. There are always plenty of staff to help. What is up with the bathroom doors? Height of four feet or so! Seriously. Why??? Large two hour free, validated parking. Last time I went the lot was really packed. They have TONS of EV charging stations which is cool. I just discovered they also have a large calendar of events too, such as craft events, multiple book clubs, movies and a lot more. Pretty cool.

We have always enjoyed going to the downtown library. Lately I have found a special place where I can get incredible one-on-one support from anyone working that day - including Ann, "Catherine the Great," and Jesus - on the 4th floor tech lab. Specifically, I am a novice at sewing and using the sewing machines - and each time I visit, I come away with a sense of accomplishment thanks to the welcoming, helpful and patient staff.

9 stories high rise building , plus friendly staff. Kids friendly area on the 1st floor towards the back of the building. Be aware of many homeless people.

This is an architectural beauty! Nine floors of books, quiet and solitude! I really liked the "Rare Book" exhibit on the ninth floor and the plethora of places to study through the building. I will say however that the building is engulfed with the homeless community using it as a day-lounge of sorts. There are people squatting outside and within, sadly with no place else to go. Signing up for a library card was fairly easy so I got one, parking was validated for two hours which I appreciated and the experience in and of itself was not terrible at all. Right in the heart of downtown San Diego, I recommend this to any tourist that would like to see more of San Diego!

I know the homeless problem in San Diego is huge. And at this library there is security on each floor, but I don't recommend any person to come here. I witnessed a stabbing in the bathroom and it was horrifying to say the least. What was even more horrifying was that the security shrugged it off and said that they'll simply ban the guy and not call the police to arrest him. Very unsafe here.

I love this library, staff and volunteers are attentive, friendly, and helpful! They have great covid protocols, registering for your library card is quick and easy (be sure to have proof of your residence) Overall, definitely recommend checking out and supporting your local library!

Such a beautiful place! I totally love it! Not only is it San Diego's BIGGEST library but so many departments and services are inside the building's 9 story infrastructure. This beautiful infrastructure is very beautiful inside and out, not to mention the beautiful dome on its top roof. I am a San Diego City College student and in the past sometimes I would just walk down the street and go inside the library and find a quiet place to study. So many studying tables with attached lamps and outlets to connect an electronic. Good customer service as well from library staff. I like how their is always security monitoring and there is a security inspection when you enter and leave the library at the entrance. The only thing I don't like is that a lot of pot heads like to hangout and smoke weed outside the building and so do homeless. This is why I gave it 4 stars but it makes sense due to the area it's in. Anyways it's a beautiful Downtown landmark!

Great library but the homeless population that use this facility as a daytime living area is a problem

Kudos to the free two hour parking in the garage with validation. If a book is listed as "recently returned" in the online catalog, it means it's still in the back. Have to ask for it. Not a fan of the pandemic plastic barriers between staff and patrons at the first floor desk. Feels like I'm visiting a bank with the microphones. And some staff are still wearing masks behind these barriers. Paranoid much? Maybe shouldn't be in a front line position.

Alright, let me break this down: 1. Parking - as frustrating as Downtown SD can get. You can take the trolley, the bus, or pay for public parking. 2. Location - East Village is such a nice spot with tons of restaurants. There is construction happening so expect some ambient sounds. 3. Quality of studying - I would say 4.5/5. I came here on a Wednesday and had no trouble finding a spot. 4. No eating allowed but you can bring drinks with lids. I brought food anyway and just ate outside on the rooftop - a nice way to spend a break from working! Why this library is amazing: 1. Amount of space! I hate feeling claustrophobic, especially when studying. You have literally 9 floors to find your spot. I recommend the 8th floor as it's right in the dome. Great view of the city and the Coronado bridge with natural lighting - can't get any better than that. 2. They have floors dedicated to specific resources. You have a career center on the 5th floor, a "teen space" (though I'm unsure of what that entails) on the 2nd, and lots of study rooms you can reserve for yourself. 3. Security holds it down if people are being too loud but they don't come often. Regardless.... sense of security. Better than nothing! 4. Other perks - they have some cool snippets of San Diego history if you care to explore. Comfy seats, a coffee cart downstairs, and clean bathrooms. Elevators are fast and abundant too like wow My only qualm: I don't know if it's the library's policy or just the people themselves but it appalled me how often people would straight up take a phone call and have blatant conversation in what is considered a silent reading room. Also, loud snoring is inevitable. I thought it was like a well-known, library fact to be quiet and respectful to people who actually need silence to work... will be bringing my ear plugs next time. Overall this library is amazingly spacious and with great architecture and updated tables/seats, I always felt comfortable. The homeless people weren't a problem, and shouldn't influence a review of a place. Just in general, be respectful and take phone calls elsewhere. But that's just my two cents.

Great library. Computers, private meeting/study rooms and a deck to enjoy while you are reading or studying.

Have you ever visited the e-Library online? You'll be amazed, truly amazed at all of the offerings! There's also a super a awesome app, SDPL to go. Don't sleep!

The Shiley Special Events Suite at the San Diego Central Library is a top-notch event venue space. We used it for our wedding (160 guests), and our guests raved about the space, view, and location. We could see the Coronado bridge, fireworks from the Padres game, and overall downtown rooftops. The best part about the venue is the staff! They're extremely responsive and were more than helpful leading up to the wedding and on the day of. Funds from renting the event space go back to the library's programs, visitors, and the local community! The only difficult aspect was parking for our guests. Because our wedding day landed on a Padres game day, parking was $50/ car. We recommended that our guests use rideshares to be able to enjoy the open bar and avoid parking hassles.

2 hour free validated parking underground. 9th floor has killer views along with a pleasant study environment so long as one brings headphones to block distracting sounds. 3rd Floor Innovation Lab offers the services by appointment (schedule at least 1 week in advance): 3D Printing & Scanning Silhouette Cameos Vinyl Cutters Sewing Machines CNC Milling Machine Great place to explore alone or with children. I'd return in a heartbeat!

Wow, I never knew libraries could be like this one! Wandering around San Diego, going to a library wasn't high in my itinerary but what a find. 9 floors of open space and books! Great amenities and use of space with thinking about the community. The beautifully decorated children's area with the theme of Dr. Seuss, including a nursing room and family restrooms. Then the escalator to the second floor adds a touch along with the multiple elevators. The teen section is a nice little nook on it's own with a snack bar and diy chalkboards. A gift shop and community area for a giant game of chess or the regular kind is also available on the ground floor. What struck me was the open cafe area just outside the library too. You can do everything here from homework, computer work, eat, shop, and much more. I mean I would just hang out here too if I could!

Beautiful library. I absolutely love the very top floor where there's rare books, art and history!