San Diego Central Library

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.

The building has great architecture. There are many different areas to read, study and learn. I like the 8th floor for studying. There are large tables and comfortable chairs, it’s quiet and the views of the bay and the Coronado Bridge is fantastic. There is heavy security throughout the building to keep it safe and there is 2 hour free parking in the underground.

Beautiful library, with amazing views! There are excellent views from the ninth floor, but it's so rough as well. Theres a lot of homeless people there, and it results in an uncomfortable experience

Really cool and big library with lots of services. The kids section is particularly outstanding! I saw many small kids and babies hanging out with their caretakers or families and it was very sweet, my baby is a bit small still but she enjoyed watching everything happening around her.

Such an incredible architecture building in the base of downtown. Parking is in a parking garage that you can validate for free (if you stay less than 2 hours). There is 9 floors. The top floor has an open air museum area to lounge and a few closed museums. They had a few computer rooms, as well as many stories in braille. I would absolutely recommend. They also do have security in the library but that is due to the location. They seem to be doing an amazing time and keeping the rifraff out.

It's disappointing to see that this beautiful space, which offers so many wonderful amenities, has become difficult for the community to fully enjoy. Unfortunately, it seems to have turned into a haven for the unhoused, with many using the tables and nooks to sleep or charge their phones. At times, the conditions, including unpleasant smells, make it challenging for others to spend time here. We truly wish this could be a resource that everyone feels comfortable and safe utilizing, but sadly, it feels like it has become less welcoming for the broader community.

ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE LIBRARY! They really did a great job on the architecture and it’s such a peaceful place to study and get work done. Beautiful view on levels 8 & 9 (take the elevator)

I remember back when this was barely being constructed. It looked like it would be massive when it was completed. I finally came in here today and was very impressed with how gorgeous the building turned out! And the available resources for card holders are really well thought out. I will ve making this my main go to place for homework and workspace needs. Thank you to the staff for the wonderful service! Wholesome and safe atmosphere.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

The design and views won't make up for lack of resources inside this public space. Study rooms don't have the ability to charge cell phones. There is not one canteen/vending machine in the entire building - only drinking fountains that don't look sanitary! The so-called food place across the courtyard that once was doesn't exist any longer but the signage is still up. This is a receptacle for homeless people. Post covid, this is not the place to be. The entire aura has change significantly. Guards everywhere on duty surfing their phones. Disgruntled employees. There is no inviting atmosphere only despair imo.

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!

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

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.

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

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.

Most San Diego Public Library branches are nice, and so are most staff. However, I used to enjoy visiting much more when they were quiet enough to read or study. Branches now have policies that, to me, are unacceptable: Maybe they should change the name to San Diego Public SPYbrary, as branches are now equipped with dozens of cameras - not just in the room, but where they can actually see what is on people's computer screens. If that's not bad enough - they are now hiring security guards to patrol both indoors, and outside parking lots to ensure Trump supporters and homeless patrons won't storm the capital! Intrusive, invasive, expensive, and wasteful. Selective enforcement of rules: Adults are told to "use library voices", yet some talk on phones constantly-like the person now in a seminar room who talks so loudly every word can be heard easily outside-and others have loud conversations-ESPECIALLY staff-unless someone complains, then the staff MAY say do something. Children run, scream, yell, cry, sing, even throw loud tantrums - and seldom is anything said or done even if there are complaints - age discrimination? What's next - requiring vaccines on the premises to be allowed to enter?

The rating is a combination of five stars for the staff and cultural programs, the beautiful building, and a lone star for the failed city policies that are hoisted upon the library. First, the good: the building (inside) is arguably one of the most beautiful library buildings in the US. A tip: visit the top (9th) floor for the sweeping vies of the city. The book collection onsite is decent. The staff is very helpful, the cultural program is top-notch, with the the staffers responsible for it showing both creativity and tenacity. A tip: if you are into couples dancing, the twice-a-month Swing Under the Dome is exciting. Now, the bad. If someone in the City Hall is listening: the library is just a place to spread culture and not a tool to right the wrongs of the world outside. In particular, it is not a daytime air-conditioned shelter for homeless. It is not a place to safely shoot drugs (the security guards are apparently all equipped with narcan to prevent overdoses). The (huge) amount of security guards can be reduced, in my opinion, by applying proper policies at the door. The first ones I would suggest: do not allow oversized luggage in (if tourists need to be accommodated, install lockers with a significant fee), enforce adherence of would-be patrons to minimal personal hygiene, strictly enforce the no-sitting-on-sidewalk ordinance around the building (tents are fortunately already gone). I do sincerely hope that this year's shooting that resulted in one dead and one badly wounded right at the library entrance (the shooting had started in the foyer at noon!) had sufficiently cleared the collective brains of the city and library administration to make some desperately needed changes.

An absolute dump of a library. Homeless infested at all times of day. The staff is the worst part. They tolerate homeless screaming, and are nice to the homeless that are screaming in the library. I have never seen a librarian tolerate such behavior. Nonetheless, the bathrooms are nasty and have homeless shaving, sleeping in the stalls, etc. I can never get work done here living with the constant thought that this place is more of a homeless shelter than a library! Gross.

Gorgeous. Inspiring. I can get lost for hours with my daughter in this place. We love the library!

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!

Once the homeless issue is taken care of, I'll actually go back. This library is so cool but now there are so many transients that it's unpredictable going there. The smell and cleanliness outside is really sad. Hopefully something can be done so this becomes a nice place to go again.

I'm a library patron making due with a teeny, outdated branch in my neighborhood. Programming at the central library is expansive. Sure, there are books, and periodicals, media and more. But there are so many added spaces lending to unique learning artifices. Today I brought my bicycle into the library! 4 hours of road rules, bicycle maps and outdoor on-bike drills. We actually got a two-fer when SDPD bike patrol officers showed us some of their best moves. The San Diego Bicycle Coalition provided the course free of charge;the central library dedicated an office. Wow! And it was really much more fun than I expected! At class end, I rolled my bike outside for a seat adjustment courtesy of Hub and Spoke Cycleworks. Bike mechanics taught and made minor repairs free-of-charge under the program title, "Bike Kitchen: Walk-Up Service." Ever heard that the library has 3-D printers? Yes. Laser cutter? Yes. Laptops for use? Yes. Find these and more on the 4th floor in the Innovation Lab. Check with the library for office hours. A separate amphitheater hosts special programs. I've attended two: a downtown innovation series and a robotics fair. A large scale chess set in the lobby, a retail store, coffee shop and underground parking. Trolley access.

I am a musician and at times have had to locate hard to find music and the central library has a good selection of scores. Using the library has always been helpful in finding what I need. Typically I would go to the copy machine and do my thing trying hard not to break the back of the score. OLD NEWS The KIC scanning program is fantastic this is a scanning the machine that Library leadership is trying this new equipment. WOW clean copies, you can scan and email it to yourself. Keep up the great work the Downtown library is amazing, modern, helpful staff and is a true public benefit.

Staying in the East Village and decided to explore the neighborhood. Turned a corner and came upon one of the most amazing buildings in San Diego. This contemporary structure was designed by San Diego architect Rob Quigley. The building is enormous, and you could easily spend a half-day or more here exploring all it has to offer. Since we only had about an hour, took the suggestion of someone behind a counter and headed to the 9th floor. Stepped out of the elevator onto a steel-and-mesh lattice domed rooftop courtyard with a spectacular view of the city... the Coronado Bridge was in the distance. A door off the courtyard took us to the rare books room, where a very knowledgeable docent gave us a personal tour (it was near closing time, and we were the only ones there). It's a perfect place to learn more about my second favorite city. The only downside are the homeless people who roam the area around the museum. We were never bothered, but there are a number of complaints in some of the reviews here. Just a heads up. We will definitely come back next year and take the complimentary tour of the entire building.

Me and my son always come here . great place for the family . on the 9th floor they have a spectacular view which is none smoking and very clean to just hang out.

Attended a Comic-Con Panel here, then explored a little afterwards, beautiful building, very clean and well organized. The Rare books room is very interesting. The used book store, unlike many friends of the library stores actually had books people might want to buy rather than just a collection of books people wanted to get rid of. When we are in town and have a little more time this is someplace that needs to be explored and enjoyed. Highly recommended

The San Diego library is HUGE and has so many floors. This is definitely a cool experience to explore all the floors. I would definitely recommend to check out the 9th floor and all the rare collections they have. It is a pretty nice area to study also since it is very quiet. Great library to check out if you're in the downtown/gaslamp area!