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Public Library

Central Library Tours

   In line with County health guidelines to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the San Diego Public Library has temporarily suspended library tours.

Want to See the World-Class Central Library?

As interest in the Central Library has grown, so has the interest in seeing the facility.

There are now multiple ways to experience all that this space has to offer.

Docent Guided Tours

  Docent guided adult tours (General and Architecture) are suspended until further notice. We apologize for any inconvenience.

General Tours

  • Take an hour tour and see the iconic San Diego Central Library @ Joan Λ Irwin Jacobs Common and the diversity of programs and services available in this amazing community treasure.

  • Highlights include:
    • three art installations;
    • Dr. Seuss-themed Sanford Children's Library;
    • beach-themed Pauline Foster Family Teen Center;
    • Helen Price Reading Room;
    • Society for American Baseball Research Center;
    • 3-D printing lab;
    • Art Gallery;
    • Marilyn and Gene Marx Special Collections Center; and
    • Qualcomm Dome Terrace.

Art Tours

  • Explore some of the 150 individual works of art from the Civic Art Collection, the largest display ever in the history of the Commission for Arts and Culture. 
  • Learn about the four permanent and site-specific art installations commissioned for the Central Library.
  • Enjoy a special look in the Hervey Family Rare Books Room. 
  • Finish in the Art Gallery with a look at rotating exhibitions. 
Tour requests should be for groups 8 or more and requests for small groups may be combined.  Please send request at least two weeks in advance for best possible availability. Submit your art tour request here. 
 

Architecture Tours

  • Learn about Rob Wellington Quigley's vision for the San Diego Central Library.

  • Highlights include:
    • Garden Courtyard;
    • Lobby;
    • Helen Price Reading Room;
    • Sculpture Garden;
    • Qualcomm Dome Terrace; and
    • Special Event Spaces, including the stunning Shiley Special Events Suite.

    Learn about the materials used and interior design used to make the San Diego Central Library an iconic civic building.

Tours for Educators and Group Visits

If you are looking for a field trip that expands students' enthusiasm for learning, consider requesting a Children's or Teen Tour of the San Diego Central Library @ Joan Λ Irwin Jacobs Common! Tours are specially designed by grade level for students in grades K-12.

Children's Tours

  • The Children’s Tour is appropriate for kids ages 5-11 (Kindergarten through 5th grade), visiting the library as a group or class. Depending on your interest and the amount of time you would like to spend with us, your visit may include:
    • a building tour led by specially trained Docents,
    • highlights of special spaces in the library that specifically interest children;
    • space for your group to have lunch in the library Courtyard.

Teen Tours

  • The Teen's Tour is appropriate for youths between the ages of 12-18 (6th grade to 12th grade), visiting the library as a group or class. Depending on your interest and the amount of time you would like to spend with us, your visit may include:
    • a building tour led by specially trained Docents,
    • highlights of special spaces in the library that specifically interest teens;
    • space for your group to have lunch in the library Courtyard.

Self-Guided and Virtual Tours

Self-Guided Tours

Virtual Tours

For other questions or concerns, call (619) 236-5800 or email weblibrary@sandiego.gov