Take Me to the Water: Histories of the Black Pacific

Join UCSD professor and curator Caroline Collins and UCSD Provost Angela Booker for a stimulating presentation on our current exhibition on Tuesday, March 25th. Register here. As early as the 16th century, people of African descent—free and enslaved—traversed the waters......More

Join UCSD professor and curator Caroline Collins and UCSD Provost Angela Booker for a stimulating presentation on our current exhibition on Tuesday, March 25th. Register here. As early as the 16th century, people of African descent—free and enslaved—traversed the waters of the Pacific Ocean. They were navigators, explorers, soldiers, and sailors. Black people made livelihoods upon the Pacific, fishing or whaling the Great Ocean. Others carried cargo across its wide expanse or worked its waterfront docks. Black people surfed, swam, and studied the Pacific. Some participated in colonialist activities that dispossessed Indigenous peoples of lands and waterways, while some sought refuge in Native societies. Many established communities in Pacific regions. Whether they engaged with what is now known as the U.S. Pacific on shore or at sea, Black folks are a vital part of its history. This exhibit highlights Black folks who took to the Pacific Ocean in ways that transformed their lives, communities, and, at times, nations, between the 1500s and mid-1900s. Their stories are many and their experiences diverse. Yet, an important thread connects them. Black people have deep ties to the Pacific despite historical accounts that often ignore or erase them. This rich history is a living one. Black folks continue to live, work, and play upon the Pacific. Take Me to the Water: Histories of the Black Pacific celebrates the deep roots of these connections. This exhibition was curated by Dr. Caroline Collins (UC Irvine / UC San Diego). The title of the exhibit derives from an African American spiritual, “Take Me to the Water.” This song expresses a desire to undergo religious transformation by water baptism. Key collaborators include Project Humanities Advisor Susan Anderson of the California African American Museum, Exhibit Envoy and Amy Cohen, UC San Diego Muir College, and the Maritime Museum of San Diego. This project was made possible with support from California Humanities, a non-profit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities (visit calhum.org to learn more) and the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.Recommending Reads: Take a Look! Image credits:Officers, apprentices, and crew of the sailing ship Rathdown photographed in San Francisco aftercompleting a six-month voyage around Cape Horn from Belfast, c. 1892. Miriam Matthews Collection,UCLA.From left to right, Grace Williams, Albert Williams, Mary Mingleton, Willie Williams (no relation) in thesegregated section of Santa Monica beach pejoratively known as the Inkwell, 1926. Shades of L.A. PhotoCollection, Los Angeles Public Library.

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

Civil Liberties: Language of Silence

The AjA Project’s Civil Liberties Project is a fellowship program encouraging youth and young adult participants to examine the history of Japanese-American incarceration during WWII and how it parallels their own personal histories as immigrants/refugees. As part of an......More

The AjA Project’s Civil Liberties Project is a fellowship program encouraging youth and young adult participants to examine the history of Japanese-American incarceration during WWII and how it parallels their own personal histories as immigrants/refugees. As part of an ongoing program since 2017, this year’s cohort created a large scale pop-up book with augmented reality components. This project will be displayed at the Central Library (1st floor) to coincide with the forced Japanese American relocation on it’s 83rd anniversary. This exhibits sparks dialogue around Executive Order 9066 and its lasting consequences, to the San Diego Community. Participating artists (Civil Liberty fellows): Jazmin Barajas, Igli Alivoda, Maya Rosado, Tarrah Aroonsakool, David Ernesto Zapeda, Lena Hyasat.Learn about AJA

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

Juggling Club

Welcome to the Juggling Club at the Library, where everyone is invited to join in on the fun! Our club is a vibrant community that celebrates inclusivity and welcomes jugglers of all levels. Whether you're a seasoned pro or have never juggled before, our club offers a s......More

Welcome to the Juggling Club at the Library, where everyone is invited to join in on the fun! Our club is a vibrant community that celebrates inclusivity and welcomes jugglers of all levels. Whether you're a seasoned pro or have never juggled before, our club offers a supportive environment where you can learn and grow at your own pace.Meet us on the 9th floor, behind the elevators!

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

2025 Winter/Spring Concert Series: Westwind Brass

Westwind BrassSunday, May 11, 2025 | 2:30 p.m. | Neil Morgan Auditorium"Westwind Brass Presents: The Four Elements”Winter/Spring Concert Series finale!John Wilds,  trumpet  |  Barry Toombs, horn  |  Eric Starr,  trombone  |  Brent Dutton, tuba  |  Karl Soukup, trumpet  ......More

Westwind BrassSunday, May 11, 2025 | 2:30 p.m. | Neil Morgan Auditorium"Westwind Brass Presents: The Four Elements”Winter/Spring Concert Series finale!John Wilds,  trumpet  |  Barry Toombs, horn  |  Eric Starr,  trombone  |  Brent Dutton, tuba  |  Karl Soukup, trumpet  |  Elizabeth Meeker, trumpetWestwind Brass will close out the Winter/Spring Series with a program inspired by earth, wind, water, and fire!

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

Switch It Up!

Come and Just Dance with us! All skill levels welcome. Ages 12-18 only.

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

Teen Game Room

The Teen Game Room is open! Come check out our Nintendo Switch and PS5. Teens regularly play Smash Bros., Mario Kart, Fortnite, Gang Beasts and more.

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

Retro Gaming Day

Retro games only! Join us to play NES and SNES games.

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

Teen Dungeons and Dragons: Investigation Check

Join us to investigate strange disappearances, odd dimensions, and surprising happenstances in a Dungeons and Dragons campaign.Learn and play together! For ages 12-18. E-mail Recommended for Event Participation. (Limited Space)

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

Teen Game Room

The Teen Game Room is open! Come check out our Nintendo Switch and PS5. Teens regularly play Smash Bros., Mario Kart, Fortnite, Gang Beasts and more.

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

Genealogy Research: Meet with our volunteer genealogist 10am to Noon

For those contemplating constructing a family tree, as well as for experienced genealogy researchers.Volunteers are there to help guide you in your research.No appointment necessary. First come, first served.

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

Stay and Play

Ages 0-5 Stay and Play at the library with us!  Come and enjoy our early literacy rich environment of learning through play!10:30 Sign Language Fun for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers with Ms. Jennifer of Signs at Play! 11:00 Snack Time11:15-12 Sensory Play Time...More

Ages 0-5 Stay and Play at the library with us!  Come and enjoy our early literacy rich environment of learning through play!10:30 Sign Language Fun for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers with Ms. Jennifer of Signs at Play! 11:00 Snack Time11:15-12 Sensory Play Time

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

Teen Game Room

The Teen Game Room is open! Come check out our Nintendo Switch and PS5. Teens regularly play Smash Bros., Mario Kart, Fortnite, Gang Beasts and more.

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

Trademarks 101

Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or simply curious, this 60 minute course will equip you with the foundational knowledge you need to navigate trademark protection effectively.  Trademark Basics: Understand trademarks and their differences from patents and ......More

Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or simply curious, this 60 minute course will equip you with the foundational knowledge you need to navigate trademark protection effectively.  Trademark Basics: Understand trademarks and their differences from patents and copyrights.Explore real-world examples and the scope of trademark protection.Discover the benefits of registration and how to use online trademark tools. Navigating the Trademark Process: Get a step-by-step overview of the registration process and timeline.Decide if you need an attorney and learn how to track your application status.Understand examination, approval, and maintenance of your trademark. Preparing to File Your Trademark: Learn the importance of searching for similar trademarks and the application requirements.Understand costs, filing bases, and how to accurately categorize your goods and services.Avoid common pitfalls with tips on drawings, specimens, and common application problems.

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

Duct It! DIY Duct Tape Crafts!

Join us for our first ever session of Duct It, where you create and decorate your own DIY craft using colorful duct tape and sharpies.For May, we'll be making a handheld fan. Creativity encouraged!  Parking at the Library:Ace is the parking vendor that manages the Centr......More

Join us for our first ever session of Duct It, where you create and decorate your own DIY craft using colorful duct tape and sharpies.For May, we'll be making a handheld fan. Creativity encouraged!  Parking at the Library:Ace is the parking vendor that manages the Central Library's 250 underground parking spaces. The following parking rates are currently in effect:First two (2) hours free with validation* for library users Validation is available in the first floor lobby.$1.25 for each 20 minutes or part of 20 minutes$21 All Day MaximumOnly credit card payments are accepted*Two (2) hours free validation will NOT be available after the special event parking rate start time. We encourage you to take the bus or trolley to the Library for Padres home games and other major special event days! See for details: https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/central-library/parking

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

Teen Game Room

The Teen Game Room is open! Come check out our Nintendo Switch and PS5. Teens regularly play Smash Bros., Mario Kart, Fortnite, Gang Beasts and more.

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

Downtown Chess @ San Diego Central Library/1st floor Mary Hollis Clark Conference Center

Join us every Thursday from 4:00 - 5:30 pm for Chess in the 1st floor Mary Hollis Clark Conference Center, off of the main lobby of the San Diego Central Library.Limited tables will be set up in the 1st floor MHC Conference Center off of the main lobby. Chess sets are p......More

Join us every Thursday from 4:00 - 5:30 pm for Chess in the 1st floor Mary Hollis Clark Conference Center, off of the main lobby of the San Diego Central Library.Limited tables will be set up in the 1st floor MHC Conference Center off of the main lobby. Chess sets are provided but personal chess sets are allowed. Come by and practice playing in person instead of on phone apps. Please have at least a basic knowledge of moves as it is an in-person scrimmage and not a training class.

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

Genealogy Research: Meet with our volunteer genealogist 10am to Noon

For those contemplating constructing a family tree, as well as for experienced genealogy researchers.Volunteers are there to help guide you in your research.No appointment necessary. First come, first served.

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

Anime Club

Enjoy anime? So do we! Join us and watch anime!

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

Once Upon Un Cuento: A Bilingual Storytime -- Hora de cuentos bilingüe

A bilingual storytime in English and Spanish. Together we will enjoy songs, rhymes, and stories.Hora de cuentos bilingüe en inglés y español. Juntos disfrutaremos de canciones, rimas y cuentos.

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

Lego Lab!

Calling all builders! Put your creativity to the test and free build with Legos to display throughout the month. We bring the Legos, you bring your imagination!Parking at the Library:Ace is the parking vendor that manages the Central Library's 250 underground parking sp......More

Calling all builders! Put your creativity to the test and free build with Legos to display throughout the month. We bring the Legos, you bring your imagination!Parking at the Library:Ace is the parking vendor that manages the Central Library's 250 underground parking spaces. The following parking rates are currently in effect:First two (2) hours free with validation* for library users Validation is available in the first floor lobby.$1.25 for each 20 minutes or part of 20 minutes$21 All Day MaximumOnly credit card payments are accepted*Two (2) hours free validation will NOT be available after the special event parking rate start time. We encourage you to take the bus or trolley to the Library for Padres home games and other major special event days! See for details: https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/central-library/parking

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

DJ D's Listening Party

Come help DJ D make this month's playlist! Suggest a song for the playlist and we'll play it live!

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

Get Crafty

Let's get creative! Join us as we make colorful masterpieces using everyday materials and let our imaginations run wild. Bring your friends and get ready to create something special together!  All materials will be provided; first come, first serve while supplies last. ......More

Let's get creative! Join us as we make colorful masterpieces using everyday materials and let our imaginations run wild. Bring your friends and get ready to create something special together!  All materials will be provided; first come, first serve while supplies last. Parking at the Library:Ace is the parking vendor that manages the Central Library's 250 underground parking spaces. The following parking rates are currently in effect:First two (2) hours free with validation* for library users Validation is available in the first floor lobby.$1.25 for each 20 minutes or part of 20 minutes$21 All Day MaximumOnly credit card payments are accepted*Two (2) hours free validation will NOT be available after the special event parking rate start time. We encourage you to take the bus or trolley to the Library for Padres home games and other major special event days! See for details: https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/central-library/parking

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

Teen Game Room

The Teen Game Room is open! Come check out our Nintendo Switch and PS5. Teens regularly play Smash Bros., Mario Kart, Fortnite, Gang Beasts and more.

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

Kids Movie Night at the Library: Land Before Time (1988)

The Land Before Time (1988) is a beloved animated adventure film that tells the story of Littlefoot, a young Apatosaurus who embarks on a journey to find the Great Valley, a lush, safe haven, after being separated from his family by a devastating earthquake. Along the w......More

The Land Before Time (1988) is a beloved animated adventure film that tells the story of Littlefoot, a young Apatosaurus who embarks on a journey to find the Great Valley, a lush, safe haven, after being separated from his family by a devastating earthquake. Along the way, he befriends other young dinosaurs—Cera, Ducky, Petrie, and Spike—and together they face predators, harsh landscapes, and their own differences in a touching tale about friendship, loss, and survival. Popcorn while supplies last

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

Swing Dance Under the Dome - Live Music Night!

Live Music Night with Mojo Workin'!Swing dance comes to the library!  Swing Dancing San Diego will lead a free introductory lesson and host a rooftop dance under the Dome! Great fun, great music – and exercise at the same time!  Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of......More

Live Music Night with Mojo Workin'!Swing dance comes to the library!  Swing Dancing San Diego will lead a free introductory lesson and host a rooftop dance under the Dome! Great fun, great music – and exercise at the same time!  Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the intoxicating fun of swing dancing.

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

Creative Collective - Arts & Crafts for Adults

Creative Collective promotes wellness and enrichment through art-making experiences. Join our open-ended art-making program where you are free to be creative and expressive with many different forms of art! You can participate in meditative art forms that enhance mental......More

Creative Collective promotes wellness and enrichment through art-making experiences. Join our open-ended art-making program where you are free to be creative and expressive with many different forms of art! You can participate in meditative art forms that enhance mental and physical health and can learn advanced technical and directed projects by our lead facilitators and guest artists.May: Calder MobilesWith a degree in mechanical engineering and a passion for the arts, Alexander Calder experimented with Kinetic art through the creation of two different types of sculpture: the mobile and the stabile. Composed of delicately balanced components that respond to air currents, Calder’s mobiles are graceful and poised. In contrast, stabiles are non-moving sculptures. The Cone, 1960, combines elements of mobile and stable sculptures. This lesson is inspired by the mobile art of Alexander Calder and the theory of kinetic energy, with a focus on the principles of balance and movement.All supplies will be provided. Registration required. Adults Only.This program will run every 3rd Tuesday of every month in the Mary Hollis Conference room, located on the 1st floor of the Central Library.  (Next door to the Library Shop).   Learn more about the visual art program at the library at www.mysdpl.org/visualarts

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

Teen Tabletop Game Day

If you enjoy tabletop gaming or simply want to give it a try, join us once a month to have fun! Games will be rotated for each session.

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

Teen Game Room

The Teen Game Room is open! Come check out our Nintendo Switch and PS5. Teens regularly play Smash Bros., Mario Kart, Fortnite, Gang Beasts and more.

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

Tell a Tale: Stories Read Aloud

Do you enjoy listening to a good story? Being read to is enjoyable for everyone! Every 3rd Tuesday of the month we will read two short stories out loud to you. These stories may have you on the edge of your seat in suspense, drifting off to the sound of the words, or fu......More

Do you enjoy listening to a good story? Being read to is enjoyable for everyone! Every 3rd Tuesday of the month we will read two short stories out loud to you. These stories may have you on the edge of your seat in suspense, drifting off to the sound of the words, or full in your feelings. So sit back and relax while we read to you, with a brief intermission, and then finish off with an engaging discussion.This hybrid program allows for virtual and in-person attendance. If you plan to attend in-person, we meet on the 5th floor of the library at the Virtual Travel Center.

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

2025 SDPL Short Story Contest - Live Readings & Awards Event

It's time to celebrate our finalists, the talented and creative writers who have won this year's Short Story Contest!Please join us to learn the identities of our finalists and enjoy a delightful evening of live readings of the top three winning stories, performed by Wr......More

It's time to celebrate our finalists, the talented and creative writers who have won this year's Short Story Contest!Please join us to learn the identities of our finalists and enjoy a delightful evening of live readings of the top three winning stories, performed by Write Out Loud, and sponsored by the Friends of San Diego Central Library. Q&A with the authors will follow.The Short Story Contest shines a spotlight on local writers and is a continuation of the Library’s robust support for local writing.Please scroll down to register. Refreshments served.Consider joining the Friends of San Diego Central Library to help advocate for and support library services and programs.Winning contestants and their stories from previous years may be viewed on the Short Story Contest webpage.

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

Genealogy Research: Meet with our volunteer genealogist 10am to Noon

For those contemplating constructing a family tree, as well as for experienced genealogy researchers.Volunteers are there to help guide you in your research.No appointment necessary. First come, first served.

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

Stay and Play

Ages 0-5 Stay and Play at the library with us!  Come and enjoy our early literacy rich environment of learning through play!10:30 Baby Lapsit Story Time with Ms. Natale and Ms. Wendy!11:00 Snack Time11:15-12 Sensory Play Time

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

Knit One, Crochet Too

Beginners always welcome. We supply the materials. Individuals with visual impairment and the hard of hearing are encouraged to attend!

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

Knit One, Crochet Too

Beginners always welcome. We supply the materials. Individuals with visual impairment and the hard of hearing are encouraged to attend!

Knit One, Crochet Too

Beginners always welcome. We supply the materials. Individuals with visual impairment and the hard of hearing are encouraged to attend!

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US

Teen Game Room

The Teen Game Room is open! Come check out our Nintendo Switch and PS5. Teens regularly play Smash Bros., Mario Kart, Fortnite, Gang Beasts and more.

330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA, 92101, US