Public Library
Accessibility Tools
- Check if your spelling is correct, or try removing filters.
- Remove quotes around phrases to match each word individually: "blue drop" will match less than blue drop.
- You can require or exclude terms using + and -: big +blue drop will require a match on blue while big blue -drop will exclude results that contain drop.
Library NExT
Library NExT (Network of Education x Training) is a series of workshops for elementary, middle, and high school students on topics including circuits, Python programming language, virology, and 55+ other STEAM courses. Initially started as a pilot program at six San Diego libraries in 2017, it expanded to 24 locations in 2021, and to all City of San Diego library locations in 2022. This San Diego Public Library program is a collaboration with UC San Diego Extended Studies and Sally Ride Science.
For more information, contact us at LibraryNext@sandiego.gov.
Admit One: College Prep Academy
Free SAT/ACT test preparation classes.
Fall 2023 registrations now open.
Fall 2023 registrations now open.
Summer 2023 Library NExT Programs
September
Physics of Fidget Spinners
Saturday, September 2, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Point Loma/Hervey | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Ever wonder why some fidget spinners spin longer or hum louder than others? You will discover answers to these questions and much more as we learn about motion, tension, gravity and other fantastic phenomena related to fidget spinners and the world at large. This is an in-person workshop.
Electric Vegetables
Tuesday, September 5, 2023 | 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Serra Mesa-Kearney Mesa | Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Create your own vegetable batteries! Students will learn how batteries work, then use hands-on problem-solving techniques to assemble a working battery and measure the voltage created. This is an in-person workshop.
Virtual Craftronics
Saturday, September 9, 2023 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Learn about electronics and circuits while creating a fun craft project! Previous projects include a moving origami swan, light-up LED bracelet or robot bug. This is a virtual workshop.
The Art of Mapmaking and GIS
Saturday, September 9, 2023 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: North Clairemont | Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Students will deepen their understanding of maps as they explore the history of mapping and learn how maps are created. Students will trace the evolution of maps from antiquity to cutting-edge technology and learn the basics of cartography by manually drawing maps. Student also will get an introduction to GIS (Geographic Information Systems), GPS (Global Positioning Systems) and digital map creation. They will use the maps they create in interactive games. This is an in-person workshop.
Natural Wonders of San Diego
Saturday, September 9, 2023 | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Pacific Beach/Taylor | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
The geology of San Diego is as global as it is local. Did you know of the major faults run right through downtown San Diego? Over the course of this class, we will tour various canyons, coastlines, and mountains within the region investigating in real time the clues our rock record leaves about how things came to be. In parallel students will simulate some of the processes that shape the world around them, developing a greater model for their place in the natural world. This is an in-person workshop.
Craftronics
Monday, September 11, 2023 | 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Otay Mesa-Nestor | Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Learn about electronics and circuits while creating a fun craft project! Previous projects include a moving origami swan, light-up LED bracelet or robot bug. This is an in-person workshop.
Virtual Messy Science
Tuesday, September 12, 2023 | 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Ready to get messy in the name of science? We’ll conduct noisy and colorful experiments as we explore the science of volcanoes, rain clouds, glaciers and more. This is a virtual workshop.
Electronic Breadboard Design Project
Saturday, September 16, 2023 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Rancho Bernardo | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Put electric circuits to use as you build a light-sensitive nightlight, sound-effects board or pocket flashlight. You will learn how to interpret circuit drawings and how to use capacitors and transistors in fun projects. This is an in-person workshop.
Envisioning a Sustainable City of the Future
Saturday, September 16, 2023 | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Paradise Hills | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Want to help build a more sustainable future? Use Google Earth to survey sites around the world where people have settled through history. Then create a design for a sustainable home in a place of your choice. This is an in-person workshop.
The Art of Mapmaking and GIS
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 | 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: University Heights | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Students will deepen their understanding of maps as they explore the history of mapping and learn how maps are created. Students will trace the evolution of maps from antiquity to cutting-edge technology and learn the basics of cartography by manually drawing maps. Student also will get an introduction to GIS (Geographic Information Systems), GPS (Global Positioning Systems) and digital map creation. They will use the maps they create in interactive games. This is an in-person workshop.
October
Slimy Sea Creatures
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 | 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Ocean Beach| Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
How do octopuses change color and why do oysters make pearls? Investigate how slimy sea creatures live and thrive in their underwater homes. Then create an artwork inspired by what you have learned. This is an in-person workshop.
Virtual Disney Style: Act, Sing, and Stretch
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 | 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch | Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
In this workshop, discover how to use active vocal warm-ups, physical stretches, and tongue twisters to loosen up before acting out familiar movie scenes and songs. This is a virtual workshop.
Eclipse
Saturday, October 14, 2023 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Tierrasanta | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)
Did you observe Solar Eclipse 2023? Are you fascinated by Earth's celestial events? Join us for this workshop, where you can explore the evolution of the science that led to the current view of the Earth-Moon-Sun system and learn how to predict and observe eclipses. Students will build pinhole cameras that will allow them to observe an eclipse safely. This is an in-person workshop.
Messy Science
Monday, October 16, 2023 | 4:15 - 6:15 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Otay Mesa-Nestor | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)
Ready to get messy in the name of science? We’ll conduct noisy and colorful experiments as we explore the science of volcanoes, rain clouds, glaciers, and more. This is an in-person workshop.
Rocket Science
Friday, October 27, 2023 | 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: City Heights/Weingart | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)
Get ready to explore current rocket science and rocket design. The class will culminate in the creation and launch of a testable paper rocket model. Earth-bound space exploration has never been so fun! This is an in-person workshop.
Messy Science
Saturday, October 28, 2023 | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Oak Park | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)
Ready to get messy in the name of science? We’ll conduct noisy and colorful experiments as we explore the science of volcanoes, rain clouds, glaciers, and more. This is an in-person workshop.
November
Stop Motion Movie Making
Saturday, November 4, 2023 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Pacific Beach/Taylor | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)
Discover the basics of stop-motion animation! Students will use different materials to create subjects for their movies and will start by brainstorming ideas and creating storyboards. Then they will use an app to create frames, add sound, and produce a final movie. This is an in-person workshop.
Squid Dissection
Saturday, November 4, 2023 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Logan Heights | Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Things may get a little inky as students work together to dissect a real squid. Students will develop scientific research skills as they learn about squids and other animals that make their homes in ocean ecosystems. This is an in-person workshop.
Marine Mammals of California
Saturday, November 4, 2023 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Linda Vista | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)
Get to know the mammals that live off San Diego’s coast, from playful dolphins to majestic whales. Through a variety of activities, we’ll explore the amazing adaptations of these marine mammals. This is an in-person workshop.
LEGO Mindstorm Robotics
Tuesday, November 14, 2023 | 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: San Ysidro | Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Step into the shoes of an engineer! In this workshop, students will learn the basics of robotics and build autonomous robots using the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 kit. Students will engage in both independent learning and group robotics competitions. No prior experience is required. This is an in-person workshop.
Rocket Science
Friday, November 17, 2023 | 3:45 - 5:45 p.m. | Register Here
Location: North University Community | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3-5)
Get ready to explore current rocket science and rocket design. The class will culminate in the creation and launch of a testable paper rocket model. Earth-bound space exploration has never been so fun! This is an in-person workshop.
December
Meteorites, Crystals & Gems
Monday, December 4, 2023 | 4:15 - 6:15 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Otay Mesa-Nestor | Level: Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)
Take a journey into the fascinating history of jewelry and gemstones! Explore how ancient civilizations created jewelry and take a peek at the gemstones discovered in outer space. Finally, get hands on with the tools used in lapidary--the engraving, cutting, and polishing of gemstones. This is an in-person workshop.
LEGO Mindstorm Robotics
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 | 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Carmel Mountain Ranch | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)
Step into the shoes of an engineer! In this workshop, students will learn the basics of robotics and build autonomous robots using the LEGO Mindstorms EV3 kit. Students will engage in both independent learning and group robotics competitions. No prior experience is required. This is an in-person workshop.
The Intertidal Zone: Where Land Meets Sea
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 | 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Skyline Hills | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)
What is it about the intertidal zone – the area that is above water at low tide and underwater at high tide – that makes it so incredibly diverse? We will explore the unique characteristics of this habitat and learn how marine invertebrates adapt to its extreme conditions. Working as a team, students will gain an understanding of the extraordinary dynamics of an ecosystem found right here along the California coast! This is an in-person workshop.
Virtual Animation and Video Game Design Using Scratch
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 | 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. | Register Here
Location: SDPL Virtual Branch| Level: Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Make zombies, princesses, and flying carpets come to life as you develop your own online game! Using Scratch software, you will learn about character and storyboard design as you use basic animation to design games. This is a virtual workshop.
Rocket Science
Saturday, December 9, 2023 | 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Clairemont | Level: Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)
Get ready to explore current rocket science and rocket design. The class will culminate in the creation and launch of a testable paper rocket model. Earth-bound space exploration has never been so fun! This is an in-person workshop.
Tiny Houses
Tuesday, December 12, 2023 | 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Register Here
Location: Rancho Bernardo | Level: Elementary School (Grades 3 - 5)
The tiny-house movement is sweeping the country! Get the inside scoop on how and why people are designing houses that take up about 15 percent of the space of a traditional home. Students will learn about tiny-house architecture, social responsibility and community. Then they will design and build their own tiny houses. This is an in-person workshop.
STEAM Videos
The San Diego Public Library is excited to present a series of videos for our Library NExT STEAM programs! These fun videos will inspire and engage students of all ages to keep up on their STEAM studies while experiencing STEAM subjects and entertaining exploration!
For more Library NExT videos click here!
The Great Geography Clues Game
Do you have what it takes to earn the crown of The Great Geography Clues Game? You will be exploring the world, while given several clues along the way in order to guess the famous place or city in question. Take the quiz and then challenge your family and friends to beat your score. Good luck!
Glowies: Crafting with Instamorph
Learn about plastic casting and electronics with Instamorph - a safe, non-toxic, low temperature thermoplastic. Similar to hot glue but you can mold it, or shape it by hand. When it cools, it turns hard again. Put an LED in it while it's soft and attach a coin cell battery to make a "Glowie". The molds are also easy to make, from 100% silicone and cornstarch.
Craftronics: Popsicle Stick Flashlight
Learn how to create a simple circuit flashlight project using the items around the house like popsicle sticks, binder clips and aluminum foil.
Introduction to Python Programming
Get a jump start into python programming. This video covers the installation of python with Anaconda, print statements, and variables. After viewing the video, you have a chance to study python programming with a free textbook provided in the links below.
SketchUp
SketchUp is a free 3D modeling computer program for a wide range of drawing applications such as architecture, furniture design, 3D printing, interior design, landscape architecture, civil and mechanical engineering, film and video game design. In this short video, you will learn how to build a simple 3D object using basic commands and tools which will allow you to turn all your ideas into 3 dimensions.
Partners
This project is funded in whole or in part by the Library Foundation SD.
