Public Library
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eLibrary
Borrow free eBooks and eAudiobooks or search our databases for up-to-date popular and scholarly articles on a wide range of subjects. The Library's eLibrary never closes and its content can be read or downloaded on your computer* or portable device.**
SAMS Photofacts
SAMS Photofacts offers schematics for small consumer electronics including radios; TVs; stereos; and VCRs from 1946 to present. Includes diagrams; instructions and data for the repair technician.
Books & Literature
eBooks & eAudiobooks
Personalize and enjoy digital connections to books for kids and teens.
A literacy resource that pairs classic video storybooks with related nonfiction eBooks from Scholastic to build a love of reading and learning.
cloudLibrary allows you to borrow and read a wide array of eBooks from the San Diego Public Library for free.
Video Tutorials: Navigating cloudLibrary | Mobile cloudLibrary
SimplyE app: Video Tutorial
SimplyE available from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store
You have unlimited, simultaneous access to thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, and manga through Comics Plus- including popular titles like Avatar: the Last Airbender; Big Nate; Blade of the Immortal; Bone; The Boys; B.P.R.D; Disney Descendants; Disney Fairies; Geronimo Stilton; Heavy Metal; Invisible Kingdom; Locke & Key; Mail Order Ninja; March; Peanuts; Phoebe and Her Unicorn; Snow, Glass, Apples; Stranger Things; They Called Us Enemy.
Video Tutorial: Navigating Comics Plus
eBook database with over 12,000 titles to support multiple subject areas (English Language Arts, Science, Math, Social Studies, Health, Physical Education, Information Literacy and Technology).
The enki Library is a shared open source eBook Network that allows California libraries to own and store eBooks for access by library patrons.
SimplyE app: Video Tutorial
SimpleE available from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store
Gale Ebooks is a database of encyclopedias and specialized reference sources for multidisciplinary research.
Literature
Access biographies, bibliographies, and critical analyses of novelists, poets, essayists, and journalists from every age and literary discipline.
Find fiction titles for classroom use or reading including picture books; children's chapter books; and young adult titles.
Guide to suggested reading for all ages with reviews and other features.
Find locations and information about millions of books; magazines; and other materials in libraries worldwide.
Business & Careers
Business
Research, analyze and compare companies and industries with industry rankings, profiles, market share data, company histories and more.
Collections of actual business plans compiled by, and aimed at, entrepreneurs seeking funding for small businesses in North America.
Learn how to start, finance, or manage your small business. Resources include sample business plans, how-to guides, articles, and websites.
Online access to directories of associations, broadcast media, brands, business information, consultants, and publications.
GetSetUp is a social learning platform for older adults taught by peers who are experts in their field. Classes cover physical health, mental health, vocational health, social health, and technology. Classes are available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Hindi. First time users must create a free account using their email address.
Reference Solutions (Formerly ReferenceUSA)
Reference Solutions is a powerful online reference and research tool providing library cardholders instant, real-time access to accurate, in-depth information on U.S. businesses (59 million) and U.S. residents (310 million).
Please note: If unable to access Reference Solutions remotely using Google Chrome™, please try using a different internet browser. The most recent version of Chrome has been known to cause access issues.
Skillshare is an online learning community with thousands of inspiring classes for creative and curious people. Figure out your next side project, pick up new skills for your day job, or pursue a lifelong passion. Create a Skillshare account to get started. September 30, 2023 is the last day that patrons can take advantage of the free subscription.
Financial reporting on investment devices; companies; industries; and the economy.
Careers
Live online assistance for job seekers, veterans, and their families including job coaching, resume assistance, writing lab, tutoring and much more.
Gale Courses offers a wide range of highly interactive, instructor led courses that you can take entirely online. Online courses start every month and run for six weeks.
Unlimited access to thousands of online courses in fields like IT, education, business, as well as creative skills. Courses are also available in multiple languages. When using the LinkedIn Learning app on a mobile device, the Library ID to enter is sdpl.
Prepare for tests, download test handbooks, plan for higher education, explore career paths, build a resume, and access job interview tips.
Encyclopedias
Provides an exhaustive and organized overview of Jewish life and knowledge from the Second Temple period to the contemporary State of Israel.
Education & Language
Education
Whether you are going back to school, switching jobs or just want to brush up on an academic skill, the Adult Learning Center will help you achieve your goals. It offers live tutoring, skills building, writing lab and test center, such as GED and US Citizenship.
Coursera ※
Coursera offers more than 5,000 courses to help you start or advance your career. These courses are taught by instructors from world-class universities and companies. SDPL patrons can sign up for Coursera through the California State Library’s website, and then get direct access to Coursera’s website after registration. Patrons will need a valid library card in order to register for access to Coursera. Returning users can log in directly at https://www.coursera.org/. This program for California residents has a limited number of paid all-access seats available.
Resource for educators and education students. Content focuses on educational principles, child development and psychology, and best practices in education.
Gale Courses offers a wide range of highly interactive, instructor led courses that you can take entirely online. Online courses start every month and run for six weeks.
GetSetUp is a social learning platform for older adults taught by peers who are experts in their field. Classes cover physical health, mental health, vocational health, social health, and technology. Classes are available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Hindi. First time users must create a free account using their email address.
HelpNow can provide you with tutoring in elementary, middle school, high school, college, and even adult education.
Unlimited access to thousands of online courses in fields like IT, education, business, as well as creative skills. Courses are also available in multiple languages. When using the LinkedIn Learning app on a mobile device, the Library ID to enter is sdpl.
Created specifically for middle school students, categories cover a range of the most-studied topics including cultures, government, people, US and World History, literature and many more.
Provides contextual information and opinions on current social issues supported by primary sources, statistics, and various digital media.
Prepare for tests, download test handbooks, plan for higher education, explore career paths, build a resume, and access job interview tips.
Skillshare is an online learning community with thousands of inspiring classes for creative and curious people. Figure out your next side project, pick up new skills for your day job, or pursue a lifelong passion. Create a Skillshare account to get started. September 30, 2023 is the last day that patrons can take advantage of the free subscription.
Languages
Learn a new language for free! Featuring a selection of 30 easy-to-use language courses. Need to learn a language on the go? Download and use the Rosetta Stone App for free on your mobile device, click 
here to learn how.
here to learn how.Health & Medicine
A health and medical research database for openly available content related to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Gale Health and Wellness offers access to full-text medical journals, magazines, reference works, multimedia, and much more.
Produced by the National Library of Medicine; it brings you information about diseases; conditions; and wellness issues in language you can understand.
Producida por la Biblioteca Nacional de Medicina, MedlinePlus le brinda información sobre enfermedades, condiciones y bienestar en un lenguaje fácil de leer.
History & Genealogy
History
Research sexuality and gender in relation to LGBTQ+ history and activism, cultural studies, psychology, health, political science, policy studies, and other related categories.
Contains a wide range of historical primary sources that support the research and study needs of scholars and students.
Authoritative reference content on the world's most influential people with periodicals and multimedia.
Complete run of The New York Times from 1851 to 2014.
Access to 2448 Sanborn historical maps from 1867-1970, which chart the growth and development of 573 California towns and cities.
The SDPL Digital Collections allows you to explore unusual and rare materials in the San Diego Public Library's Special Collections.
Information specifically on significant people; events and topics in U.S. History, provided with various reference sources and media material.
Information on significant people; events and topics in World History, provided with various reference sources and media material.
Genealogy
Ancestry Library Edition (SDPL Locations only)
Resources for genealogical and historical research; with more than 1.5 billion names in over 4,000 databases.
Indexes biographical listings in print dictionaries and encyclopedias covering millions of individuals, both living and deceased, from every field of activity and from all areas of the world.
Kids & Teens and Homework Help
Homework Help
HelpNow can provide you with tutoring in elementary, middle school, high school, college, and even adult education.
Kids & Teens
ABC Mouse for Libraries (SDPL Locations Only)
A fun, educational website that provides online learning activities for 2-6 year olds at preschool, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten levels. Access to a free, limited version is available only from San Diego Public Library locations.
Authoritative reference content on the world's most influential people with periodicals and multimedia.
A literacy resource that pairs classic video storybooks with related nonfiction eBooks from Scholastic to build a love of reading and learning.
The go-to site for learning more about any subject—for all grades and all reading abilities—offering thousands of up-to-date, curated, and curriculum-relevant articles, images, videos, audio clips, primary sources, maps, research tools, recommended web sites.
Online resource of reports on 209 countries, each U.S. state, and all 13 Canadian provinces and territories.
Practice the California driver’s license test, read the DMV handbooks, and get answers to your frequently asked questions.
Help for students in choosing research topics and finding reliable sources of information.
A source for news and periodical articles on a wide range of topics: business, current events, economics, environmental issues, hobbies, humanities, politics, science, sports, technology, and many general interest topics.
Stream educational and enriching videos for children of all ages with the Kanopy app on smartphones, tablets, and computers. *Note: Videos from the Kanopy Kids section will not require any play credits to view.
Download the app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store
Includes the complete run of the magazine from 2009 to the present, as well as books, videos, and images. High-quality informational texts are available for primary, upper elementary, and middle school English Language Arts, social studies, and science classrooms.
The New York Times website. You must create an account with the New York Times for full access. Click Create Account to create an account with your personal email address, or Sign In if you already have created an account.
Complete run of The New York Times from 1851 to 2014.
Find fiction titles for classroom use or reading including picture books; children's chapter books; and young adult titles.
Provides contextual information and opinions on current social issues supported by primary sources, statistics, and various digital media.
Created specifically for middle school students, categories cover a range of the most-studied topics including cultures, government, people, US and World History, literature and many more.
Online tutorials to help guide students through the research process.
Contextual information on hundreds of current science topics, accompanied by periodicals, primary sources, and digital media.
Material and information to help students in Grade 3 to Grade 8 with classwork, homework and research papers.
Content presenting both sides of today’s most debated issues, geared to middle and high school students.
An engaging collection of digital resources that brings books to life.
LGBTQ
Research sexuality and gender in relation to LGBTQ+ history and activism, cultural studies, psychology, health, political science, policy studies, and other related categories.
Magazines & Newspapers
Magazines
Gale Academic OneFile provides millions of articles from over 17,000 scholarly journals and other authoritative sources.
Flipster is an easy-to-use digital newsstand the offers access to bestselling digital magazines. When using the Flipster app, the patron ID is your library card number.
Research any topic from current events, business and industry coverage, the arts and sciences, sports, hobbies, and more. Includes articles from newspapers, reference
books and periodical.
Current and archived texts of over 2,800 U.S. and international news sources including the LA Times, New York Times, US Newsstream, trade journals, magazines, blogs, podcast websites, and many San Diego Newspapers.
JSTOR (SDPL Locations only)
Full-text articles from hundreds of scholarly journals covering a wide range of subjects.
Includes the complete run of the magazine from 2009 to the present, as well as books, videos, and images. High-quality informational texts are available for primary, upper elementary, and middle school English Language Arts, social studies, and science classrooms.
Newspapers
Los Angeles Times; fulltext. Coverage 1985 - present.
The New York Times website. You must create an account with the New York Times for full access. Click Create Account to create an account with your personal email address, or Sign In if you already have created an account. Please note: log in may be required every 72 hours.
Complete run of The New York Times from 1851 to 2014.
Provides access to more than 2,300 major U.S. regional, national, and local newspapers, as well as leading titles from around the world. It also includes thousands of images, radio and TV broadcasts and transcripts.
Current and back issues (starting January 1, 2019) in full text and images. Archival issues prior to 2019 are available on microfilm.
Movies & TV
You can stream up to five of over 30,000 films per month. You also have unlimited access to select series and children’s programming. *Note: Viewing episodes from The Great Courses will not require any play credits to view.
Download the app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store
Stream educational and enriching videos for children of all ages with the Kanopy app on smartphones, tablets, and computers. *Note: Videos from the Kanopy Kids section will not require any play credits to view.
Download the app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store
Science & Do-It-Yourself
Do-It-Yourself
Mitchell ProDemand (Central Library only)
Find auto repair information, manuals, maintenance, labor estimates and full-color wiring diagrams for all types of automobiles and trucks.
Schematics for small consumer electronics including radios; TVs; stereos; and VCRs from 1946 to present. Includes diagrams; instructions and data for the repair technician.
Science
A health and medical research database for openly available content related to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Dive into water privatization, ecotourism, pollution, and more. Apply the knowledge you learn today to create a better world tomorrow. Get 24/7 access to nearly 400 pages across science, social studies, and the humanities.
Delve deeper into science by exploring 3D models where users can zoom in, rotate, or pull them apart. This gives users the power to see science beyond static text and provides the knowledge and skills needed to understand and succeed in the world of science.
Contextual information on hundreds of current science topics, accompanied by periodicals, primary sources, and digital media.
Spanish/Español
The leading knowledge-building resource that is universally trusted for accurate and age-appropriate content in Spanish.
Unlimited access to thousands of online courses in fields like IT, education, business, as well as creative skills. Courses are also available in multiple languages. When using the LinkedIn Learning app on a mobile device, the Library ID to enter is sdpl.
Producida por la Biblioteca Nacional de Medicina, MedlinePlus le brinda información sobre enfermedades, condiciones y bienestar en un lenguaje fácil de leer.
Index
ABC Mouse for Libraries (SDPL Locations Only)
A fun, educational website that provides online learning activities for 2-6 year olds at preschool, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten levels. Access to a free, limited version is available only from San Diego Public Library locations.
Gale Academic OneFile provides millions of articles from over 17,000 scholarly journals and other authoritative sources.
Whether you are going back to school, switching jobs or just want to brush up on an academic skill, the Adult Learning Center will help you achieve your goals. It offers live tutoring, skills building, writing lab and test center, such as GED and US Citizenship.
Ancestry Library Edition (SDPL Locations only)
Resources for genealogical and historical research; with more than 1.5 billion names in over 4,000 databases. In-library access only.
Research sexuality and gender in relation to LGBTQ+ history and activism, cultural studies, psychology, health, political science, policy studies, and other related categories.
Contains a wide range of historical primary sources that support the research and study needs of scholars and students.
Indexes biographical listings in print dictionaries and encyclopedias covering millions of individuals, both living and deceased, from every field of activity and from all areas of the world.
Authoritative reference content on the world's most influential people with periodicals and multimedia.
Personalize and enjoy digital connections to books for kids and teens.
A literacy resource that pairs classic video storybooks with related nonfiction eBooks from Scholastic to build a love of reading and learning.
Live online assistance for job seekers, veterans, and their families including job coaching, resume assistance, writing lab, tutoring and much more.
The leading knowledge-building resource that is universally trusted for accurate and age-appropriate content in Spanish.
The go-to site for learning more about any subject—for all grades and all reading abilities—offering thousands of up-to-date, curated, and curriculum-relevant articles, images, videos, audio clips, primary sources, maps, research tools, recommended web sites.
Collections of actual business plans compiled by, and aimed at, entrepreneurs seeking funding for small businesses in North America.
cloudLibrary allows you to borrow and read a wide array of eBooks from the San Diego Public Library for free.
Video Tutorials: Navigating cloudLibrary | Mobile cloudLibrary
SimplyE app: Video Tutorial
SimpleE available from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store
You have unlimited, simultaneous access to thousands of digital comics, graphic novels, and manga through Comics Plus- including popular titles like Avatar: the Last Airbender; Big Nate; Blade of the Immortal; Bone; The Boys; B.P.R.D; Disney Decendants; Disney Fairies; Geronimo Stilton; Heavy Metal; Invisible Kingdom; Locke & Key; Mail Order Ninja; March; Peanuts; Phoebe and Her Unicorn; Snow, Glass, Apples; Stranger Things; They Called Us Enemy. Video Tutorial: Navigating Comics Plus
A health and medical research database for openly available content related to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Coursera ※
Coursera offers more than 5,000 courses to help you start or advance your career. These courses are taught by instructors from world-class universities and companies. SDPL patrons can sign up for Coursera through the California State Library’s website, and then get direct access to Coursera’s website after registration. Patrons will need a valid library card in order to register for access to Coursera. Returning users can log in directly at https://www.coursera.org/. This program for California residents has a limited number of paid all-access seats available.
Online resource of reports on 209 countries, each U.S. state, and all 13 Canadian provinces and territories.
Practice the California driver’s license test, read the DMV handbooks, and get answers to your frequently asked questions.
eBook database with over 12,000 titles to support multiple subject areas (English Language Arts, Science, Math, Social Studies, Health, Physical Education, Information Literacy and Technology).
Help for students in choosing research topics and finding reliable sources of information.
Provides an exhaustive and organized overview of Jewish life and knowledge from the Second Temple period to the contemporary State of Israel.
Resource for educators and education students. Content focuses on educational principles, child development and psychology, and best practices in education.
The enki Library is a shared open source eBook Network that allows California libraries to own and store eBooks for access by library patrons.
SimplyE app: Video Tutorial
SimpleE available from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store
Flipster is an easy-to-use digital newsstand the offers access to bestselling digital magazines. When using the Flipster app, the patron ID is your library card number.
Learn how to start, finance, or manage your small business. Resources include sample business plans, how-to guides, articles, and websites.
Research, analyze and compare companies and industries with industry rankings, profiles, market share data, company histories and more.
Gale Courses offers a wide range of highly interactive, instructor led courses that you can take entirely online. Online courses start every month and run for six weeks.
Online access to directories of associations, broadcast media, brands, business information, consultants, and publications.
Gale Ebooks is a database of encyclopedias and specialized reference sources for multidisciplinary research.
Dive into water privatization, ecotourism, pollution, and more. Apply the knowledge you learn today to create a better world tomorrow. Get 24/7 access to nearly 400 pages across science, social studies, and the humanities.
Delve deeper into science by exploring 3D models where users can zoom in, rotate, or pull them apart. This gives users the power to see science beyond static text and provides the knowledge and skills needed to understand and succeed in the world of science.
A source for news and periodical articles on a wide range of topics: business, current events, economics, environmental issues, hobbies, humanities, politics, science, sports, technology, and many general interest topics.
GetSetUp is a social learning platform for older adults taught by peers who are experts in their field. Classes cover physical health, mental health, vocational health, social health, and technology. Classes are available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Hindi. First time users must create a free account using their email address.
Current and archived texts of over 2,800 U.S. and international news sources including the LA Times, New York Times, US Newsstream, trade journals, magazines, blogs, podcast websites, and many San Diego Newspapers.
Gale Health and Wellness offers access to full-text medical journals, magazines, reference works, multimedia, and much more.
HelpNow can provide you with tutoring in elementary, middle school, high school, college, and even adult education.
JSTOR (SDPL Locations only)
Full-text articles from hundreds of scholarly journals covering a wide range of subjects.
You can stream up to five of over 30,000 films per month. You also have unlimited access to select series and children’s programming.
Download the app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store
Stream educational and enriching videos for children of all ages with the Kanopy app on smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Unlimited access to thousands of online courses in fields like IT, education, business, as well as creative skills. Courses are also available in multiple languages. When using the LinkedIn Learning app on a mobile device, the Library ID to enter is sdpl.
Access biographies, bibliographies, and critical analyses of novelists, poets, essayists, and journalists from every age and literary discipline.
Los Angeles Times; fulltext. Coverage 1985 - present.
Produced by the National Library of Medicine; it brings you information about diseases; conditions; and wellness issues in language you can understand.
Producida por la Biblioteca Nacional de Medicina, MedlinePlus le brinda información sobre enfermedades, condiciones y bienestar en un lenguaje fácil de leer.
Created specifically for middle school students, categories cover a range of the most-studied topics including cultures, government, people, US and World History, literature and many more.
Mitchell ProDemand (Central Library only)
Find auto repair information, manuals, maintenance, labor estimates and full-color wiring diagrams for all types of automobiles and trucks.
Includes the complete run of the magazine from 2009 to the present, as well as books, videos, and images. High-quality informational texts are available for primary, upper elementary, and middle school English Language Arts, social studies, and science classrooms.
Provides access to more than 2,300 major U.S. regional, national, and local newspapers, as well as leading titles from around the world. It also includes thousands of images, radio and TV broadcasts and transcripts.
The New York Times website. You must create an account with the New York Times for full access. Click Create Account to create an account with your personal email address, or Sign In if you already have created an account. Please note: log in may be required every 72 hours.
Complete run of The New York Times from 1851 to 2014.
Find fiction titles for classroom use or reading including picture books; children's chapter books; and young adult titles.
Guide to suggested reading for all ages with reviews and other features.
Provides contextual information and opinions on current social issues supported by primary sources, statistics, and various digital media.
Prepare for tests, download test handbooks, plan for higher education, explore career paths, build a resume, and access job interview tips.
Online tutorials to help guide students through the research process.
Learn a new language for free! Featuring a selection of 30 easy-to-use language courses. Need to learn a language on the go? Download and use the Rosetta Stone App for free on your mobile device, click here to learn how.
here to learn how.Reference Solutions (Formerly ReferenceUSA)
Reference Solutions is a powerful online reference and research tool providing library cardholders instant, real-time access to accurate, in-depth information on U.S. businesses (59 million) and U.S. residents (310 million).
Please note: If unable to access Reference Solutions remotely using Google Chrome™, please try using a different internet browser. The most recent version of Chrome has been known to cause access issues.
Schematics for small consumer electronics including radios; TVs; stereos; and VCRs from 1946 to present. Includes diagrams; instructions and data for the repair technician.
Access to 2448 Sanborn historical maps from 1867-1970, which chart the growth and development of 573 California towns and cities.
The SDPL Digital Collections allows you to explore unusual and rare materials in the San Diego Public Library's Special Collections.
Current and back issues (starting January 1, 2019) in full text and images. Archival issues prior to 2019 are available on microfilm
Contextual information on hundreds of current science topics, accompanied by periodicals, primary sources, and digital media.
Material and information to help students in Grade 3 to Grade 8 with classwork, homework and research papers.
Content presenting both sides of today’s most debated issues, geared to middle and high school students.
Skillshare is an online learning community with thousands of inspiring classes for creative and curious people. Figure out your next side project, pick up new skills for your day job, or pursue a lifelong passion. Create a Skillshare account to get started. September 30, 2023 is the last day that patrons can take advantage of the free subscription.
Financial reporting on investment devices; companies; industries; and the economy.
An engaging collection of digital resources that brings books to life.
Information specifically on significant people; events and topics in U.S. History, provided with various reference sources and media material.
Find locations and information about millions of books; magazines; and other materials in libraries worldwide.
Information on significant people; events and topics in World History, provided with various reference sources and media material.
*eBooks and eAudiobooks cannot be downloaded on library computers.
**Downloadable items are compatible with most eBook devices and Smartphones. While the San Diego Public Library strives to provide high quality customer support for our eCollection services (including cloudLibrary), the wide variety of computer operating systems and configurations of personal computers make it impossible for the library to guarantee that all eCollection-related software will run on all electronic devices. Library staff can provide assistance with installing and navigating eCollection software. We cannot, however, provide personalized troubleshooting for operating system/software configurations that may cause eCollection software to malfunction.
※This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.