With rising costs and a lack of community in San Diego, we thought we’d highlight one of our favorite community resources that every city has: libraries. The San Diego County Library System currently has the Central Library and 33 branch libraries like Escondido, with plenty of resources available at each, from clubs to state park vehicle day passes and even tax help. Check out the article for the top resources you can access for free with a library card in San Diego. And remember, be kind 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. 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.
5. State Park Pass
Good news for anyone who loves the outdoors. California library holders get access to 200 state parks with the State Park Pass which gives their car free day-use entry.
6. Free fitness classes
Check out the event calendar for free fitness classes like Chair Yoga.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Free clubs
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.