The old San Ysidro Library will be closed starting August 12, 2019. The last day the branch will be open is Saturday, August 10, 2019. The grand opening of the new library is scheduled for Saturday, September 7, 2019.
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Central 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.
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 4 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 Tours
Virtual Tours
- New Central Library Video Documentary Narrated by Dennis Morgigno (16:08 minutes) — This iconic building has been 30 years in the making! See some of the unique features that are making it such a special gathering place now and for generations to come.
- Central Library Google 360 Tour — This online visual tour shows panoramic views of the Auditorium, Courtyard, Pauline Foster Family Teen Center, Helen Price Reading Room, Sullivan Family Baseball Research Center, the Shiley Special Events Suites and Qualcomm Dome Terrace. The Marilyn and Gene Marx Special Collections Center and Hervey Family Rare Book Room will be added soon.
- Google Indoor Maps — Shows the general layout of each floor within the new Central Library. (Available on Android devices and now available on FireFox and Chrome web browsers. It is not viewable on the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser.) Enter the address 330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA. When you are onsite, it will navigate you through each floor.
- Special Details about the Building — Interviews with Architect Rob Quigley (Produced by UT-TV)
- Central Library Introduction Video
- Exterior
- Ground Level
- Second Floor
- Eighth Floor
- Ninth Floor
For other questions or concerns, call (619) 236-5800 or email [email protected]