San Diego Central Library

09/19/2026

Another brain teaser, though maybe a bit easier than last week’s riddle. Who will guess my answer and win the prize - a free book from a local author and a sticker courtesy of the OliverMcMillan I CAN! Center 🎃🪞🪄

09/18/2026

09/18/2026

What happens when creativity, music and community come together?

At , the Visual Arts Program has brought in Painting the Town, an art show featuring works created by clients of the Father Joe's Villages Wellness Program!

Through art and music classes, creates a space for people to express themselves, find healing and reimagine what is possible. This program imagines the third pillar of care—Making Health a Priority—as not just a physical necessity but a social and emotional one as well. As such, the arts provide more than a creative outlet, they foster connection, belonging and well-being too.

The recent opening reception was an inspiring evening that showcased and celebrated these artists with live music by the San Diego Symphony. SDPL thanks and the San Diego Symphony for helping bring this celebration to Central Library!

09/17/2026

Communication mishaps aside, library cards ✨bridge generations✨

September is --get yours in hand today!
MySDPL.org/LibraryCard

09/14/2026

Local author Marivi Soliven sits down with SDPL Humanities librarian, Pauline for our Here to Stay: Stories of Immigration & Naturalization interview series.

Watch the full interview: https://youtu.be/080LVwvFDVU

San Diego Public Library recently interviewed people who became American citizens by choice or necessity. These stories shed light on a process that is relatively obscured from public knowledge and the library aims bring understanding of the many ways people immigrate to the United States. The series was created In celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and Welcoming Week!

09/13/2026

Go Behind the Desk at San Diego Public Library and take a look at our latest Recommended Reads published in The San Diego Union-Tribune.

This week's recommendation comes from Cora Lee, Library Assistant III, Kensington-Normal Heights Branch Library.

Cora recommends: Still Born by Guadalupe Nettel -


“Two close friends find themselves on diverging paths in this poignant novel about motherhood. Laura chooses to undergo sterilization while Alina opts to become a parent. Yet neither woman's decision turns out how she expects—Alina experiences complications that alter the outcome of her pregnancy, and Laura becomes intimately involved in the care of her neighbor's son. Through it all, their friendship endures. Nettel captures the intensity of...”. To read Cora's full review, check out the September 6th, 2026 issue of The San Diego Union-Tribune.





Reviewed Book



“Still Born,” by Guadalupe Nettel



https://sdpl.na5.iiivega.com/search/card?id=e5bfb017-4960-5eab-beb1-7ea4515a0fa8&entityType=FormatGroup



*****



Playlist



“The Cracks We Bear,” by Catalina Infante



https://sdpl.na5.iiivega.com/search/card?id=d82d6e98-5479-512a-ad1f-cafa3d797962&entityType=FormatGroup



*****



“I Wanted to Be Wonderful,” by Lihie Lipid



https://sdpl.na5.iiivega.com/search/card?id=b9f3a300-30d7-5a97-a3c7-5ac5f2f1f318&entityType=FormatGroup



*****



“Grown Women,” by Sarai Johnson



https://sdpl.na5.iiivega.com/search/card?id=a4fcb4e9-e5fb-5fb9-9687-218d83c2c69f&entityType=FormatGroup









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Recommended Reads is an ongoing partnership with The San Diego Union-Tribune. Every other week, Behind the Desk goes in-depth on the books we recommend. Read the Sunday Paper to see our most recent reviews or view our past archive on the SDPL website: sandiego.gov/sdplreviews.

09/12/2026

After a small delay, we’ve returned again! I have a couple saved for later, but can anyone guess the answer and win the bookish prize? Here is a hint: think small!
📚🎃👻

09/09/2026

Stay cool San Diego! Please note that the City is keeping many library community rooms and rec centers open to the public until 8 p.m. Get the details online: sandiego.gov/PlacesToCoolDown

Stay safe in this heat! An extreme heat warning has been issued for today through 8 p.m.

Designated libraries, recreation centers and other public buildings will be available if you need a place to cool down. Visit sandiego.gov/PlacesToCoolDown for a full list.

✔️Avoid open space trails during the heat of the day.
✔️Stay hydrated.
✔️Never leave people or pets in a vehicle.
✔️Check on neighbors at higher risk of heat-related illnesses, including children and older adults.