Celebrate National Library Week with the San Diego Public Library (SDPL). Dozens of programs are planned across all SDPL locations, including science programs for students, toddler storytimes, music performances and wellness workshops. Library Week, April 7 to 13, is an annual celebration highlighting the important role libraries and library workers play in the community.

“National Library Week is a great time to stop by your local San Diego Public Library to check in with your library workers, check out some new books or attend a program,“ said Library Director Misty Jones. ”Whether you’re looking for books, online learning, programs for kids and teens, homework help or a book club, SDPL has so much to offer for all of our residents.”

Library Week includes Right to Read Day on April 8, a National Day of Action in support of the right to read. SDPL is part of the Books Unbanned Program, allowing teens and young adults living anywhere in the U.S., including San Diego, access to SDPL’s online collection of frequently banned or restricted e-Books and e-Audiobooks for free.

Through the City of San Diego’s SD Access 4 All program, SDPL provides digital access and resources to the community through free Wi-Fi and internet access as well as the ability to check out hot spots and laptops. The library’s free Digital Navigator and Tech on the Go programs offer one-on-one tech support and classes to improve computer skills and internet navigation.

SDPL eliminated fines and late fees in 2018 and is now proposing the Fresh Start program to reinstate the library accounts of more than 2,000 young people who have lost library access because they failed to return items. Under the program, people under the age of 18 can apply to have their library account cleared of fines and fees, allowing them full access to library resources. The City Council is scheduled to consider the program during its meeting on April 9.

SDPL also has resources available to support the educational needs of San Diegans, from toddlers to adults, including:

• Do Your Homework @ the Library: Free online and in-person homework help for students in kindergarten through 8^th grade.
• Homeschool Resource Center: Offers academic resources for homeschooling families and others engaged in non-traditional learning.
• Early Learning Center: Offers resources, programs and space to encourage learning through play for children up to age 5 and their caregivers.
• OliverMcMillan I CAN! Center: Provides services, programs, resources and professional assistance for people with disabilities including computers with assistive software, e-readers and large-print books.

• Adult High School Diploma Program: Students can choose one of two programs, Career Online High School or Gale Excel Adult High School, to earn an accredited high school diploma.

• SDPL has several programs for older adults to maintain and improve their cognitive, physical, social and emotional wellbeing as well as exercise and wellness classes for all ages. Visit the library’s events calendar or a local library for more information. A full list of SDPL programs, services and hours can be found on the library’s webpage.

About the San Diego Public Library   

With a vision of being the place for opportunity, discovery and inspiration, the San Diego Public Library is a hub for knowledge and lifelong learning. As the largest library system in the region, it serves a population of more than 1.4 million people. Learn about events at the San Diego Central Library @ Joan Λ Irwin Jacobs Common and 35 community branch libraries, find links to programs and resources or search for materials in the online catalog at www.sandiegolibrary.org.