New Central Library | San Diego Public Library

New Central Library is Now Under Construction!

In an historic decision on June 28, 2010, the City Council approved construction of the New Central Library! This move helps improve the entire 35-branch library system and benefits San Diegans for generations to come.

Construction Photo of New Central

Photo of new Central Library construction
taken on February 3, 2011.
Reading room deck is being poured.
Dome fabrication off site: more than 25% complete

Project Overview
More Details About the Project
Videos
Project Planning Documents
Library Director's Blog About the Project.
Support the Library (San Diego Public Library Foundation)
Webcam of New Central Site - Images are updated every 15 minutes. Zoom in or out, direct the camera, and see time lapse photos.

Project Overview

Note: New Central Library was formerly referred to as New Main Library.

Proposed New Central Library.
Illustration courtesy of
Rob Wellington Quigley, FAIA
()

Location: 330 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92101 (Downtown in East Village, Park Boulevard at 11th Avenue, near Petco Park. See Map.)	Building Size: 497,652 square feet (nine stories including a charter high school on two floors, two levels of parking, an auditorium and coffee bar)
Architects: Rob Wellington Quigley, FAIA and Tucker Sadler & Associates	Construction Manager at Risk: Turner Construction

More Details About the Project

Frequently Asked Questions
(Library Foundation)
New Central News
(Library Foundation)
Groundbreaking Celebration, July 28, 2010

Videos

	New Central Library BIM Modeling - Turner Construction is using Building Information Modeling (BIM) to improve efficiencies in building San Diego's New Central Library. This model shows different elements of the structural build from when the project was at grade through completion in 2013.
	New Central Modeling of Ground Level Entrance, Auditorium, Lobby and more - Artist rendering of outside entrance to the library, inside auditorium, inside the three story main lobby, and the 9th floor under the dome.
	Video of New Central Library - Architect Rob Quigley discusses the new downtown library project.
	The Garden Courtyard - An animated look at what is sure to be a favorite outdoor meeting and gathering place for all San Diegans.
	New Central Library's Lobby from the Second Floor - The glass-enclosed, three story lobby is a dramatic entrance into the library.
	Sun Video - Animation that shows how movement of the sun through the day will change the shadows on the new Central Library.

Project Planning Documents

Central Library Planning Documents and Facts (California State Library)
A Vision for San Diego's New Central Library (PDF)
2002 New Central Vision Summit (PDF)
Site Selection Process (PDF)
Other Central Libraries in California (PDF)

Videos on the City’s website require Windows Media Player for viewing. If you have a disability and need an alternate format of a video presentation, email CityTV at CityTV@sandiego.gov.