As costs rise and communities change, it’s worth shining a light on one of the best resources every city offers: libraries. Within San Diego, the Public Library runs 35 branches, while the County Library adds another 33 across the region. Beyond books, these libraries provide free access to online classes, museums, and even state parks. Don’t forget to show kindness to your local librarian!
1. Take an online course
Sign up through California State Library’s Website and get access to over 5,000 free classes and certifications to help kickstart your education. Looking for a remote job, pivoting your career, or want to learn a new hobby? They’ve likely got courses for whatever you’d like to learn with their collaboration with Coursera.
2. Mental Health and Housing Services
On the third floor of the Central Library Downtown, they’ve got resources for people experiencing homelessness or people struggling to find services available to them, like health, legal assistance, housing, and mental health resources.
3. Discounts on food and shopping
Some participating businesses will let you use your Escondido Public Library Card for food and shopping discounts. Shakey’s, Rock on Pizza, Sunnyside Kitchen, Nory’s Donut, Burger Bench, and Daydream are some of the select spots you can choose from.
4. Learn a new language with your library card
Planning for a European trip, backpacking through Asia, or just always wanted to learn another language? You can learn to speak, listen, read, and write in a new language with Rosetta Stone’s immersion courses. There are over 30 languages available, including English as a Second Language (ESL). Learn more about how to access this perk here.
5. Get access to digital tools
As we head further into the future, we’re introduced to more and more tech programs and one of the greatest free resources of the California Library is access to the IdeaLab, Digitzation Space, MakerSpace, and Digital Arts section. Here, you can learn a variety of skills from sewing, crafting, Adobe programs, Blender, processing analog film, and all your digital media needs.
6. State Park Pass
Good news for anyone who loves the outdoors. California library holders get access to 200 state parks. All 37 public libraries in San Diego have hiking backpacks that can you can rent for free, for maximum of two weeks. The backpacks include trail guides, binoculars, and a state parks pass.
7. Watch critically-acclaimed movies with your library card
The streaming service Kanopy features a catalog of critically-acclaimed movies, inspiring documentaries, award-winning foreign films, and hard-to-find titles. It’s like Netflix, for the movie enthusiasts. Your San Diego Public Library card gives you free access to all these amazing titles. Sign up here.
8. Free fitness classes
Check out the event calendar for free fitness classes like Chair Yoga or Tai Chi.
9. Wi-Fi and Study Rooms
For anyone who needs access to a computer to study, apply for jobs, or connect with someone online, libraries are a great resource for internet use, free Wi-Fi, and even study rooms that you can reserve for meetings, study groups, and more.
10. Free access to museums
San Diego’s Public Library has a Discover & Go program that gives family day passes to some of San Diego’s biggest cultural organizations like the San Diego Zoo or the San Diego Museum of Art. Here’s their FAQ straight from their website.
11. Tax Forms and Assistance
If you’re stressed about your taxes this year, you won’t have to worry because a library card will give you access to tax forms you’ll need and assistance and resources for how to get your taxes done as seamlessly as possible.
12. Free clubs in San Diego
Making friends is difficult but we think that clubs are one of the best ways to see people again and again, make new friends, and dive into your hobbies. Having a library card gives you access to things like Lego Club, Anime Club, or Chess at the Beach. Here’s the calendar.
13. Assistance with homework
The Do Your Homework @ the Library program offers free homework assistance, Monday to Thursday between 3-6 PM. The program supports students with out-of-school learning and engagement through free access to paid coaches, learning materials, research tools, and more.