CONNECT with the City
California Collection
The California Collection contains over 5,000 books on California, with a primary focus on San Diego and Southern California. The collection also includes the Great Register for San Diego (1888-1892), the San Diego Transit Company records, a full run of the San Diego Union Newspaper dating back to 1868, vintage photographs and more.
San Diego Public Library Digital Archive
The SDPL Digital Archive allows you to explore unusual and rare items in the San Diego Public Library’s collection.
San Diego City Directories
Search the San Diego City Directories (1886-2021) in-person. They are located in the Special Collections at the Central Library; or view them online at:
Newspaper Collection
The SDPL offers an array of historic local and state newspapers in hard copy and on microfilm.
Map Collection
SDPL’s map collection includes over 800 items with a primary emphasis on San Diego and Southern California (List of holdings). This includes Sanborn Maps and the 
Smollar Map Collection.
Smollar Map Collection.