It’s December 2021 and it’s time to “check out” these many free programs, events and activities at the San Diego Public Library. There’s so much to do and experience at our public libraries.
Available through all City of San Diego Public Libraries: https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library
- Cloud Library: With just your library card, you have free access to lots of digital content. We offer Cloud Library for reading ebooks and eaudiobooks. Download the free Cloud Library app and you can read on your phone or tablet, including the Kindle Fire (sorry, no Paperwhite). Details at: https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/elibrary
- Kanopy, a digital video streaming service: You can view up to three movies per month for free – and children’s content and The Great Courses do not count toward your monthly allotment. You can see movies such as Moonlight, Parasite and Rashomon and genres include documentaries, world cinema, noir, popular films and more – over 30,000 to choose from. Teachers: viewing films in a group forum is permitted for all Kanopy films for classroom viewings. Details at: https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/elibrary
- Discover and Go! Visit San Diego attractions for FREE with the San Diego Public Library’s Discover & Go program. The program offers family day passes to several of San Diego’s biggest attractions, including the New Children’s Museum, Museum of Us, The San Diego Museum of Art, Children’s Discovery Museum and Skateworld! Reserve passes today and discover what San Diego has to offer! For more information and to sign up, visit: sandiego.gov/discoversd
- San Diego Public Library online calendar: sandiego.librarymarket.com/events/month
North University Community Library, 8820 Judicial Dr, San Diego, CA 92122; Phone: 858-581-9637; https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/locations/north-university-community-library
- Fiction Fanatics Book Club meets on the second Saturday of the month at 10:00 a.m. December title – Run for Your Life by James Patterson; January title – The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin
- Cookbook Book Club meets on the second Saturday of the month at 2:00 p.m. December title – See You on Sunday by Sam Sifton; January title – To Asia with Love by Hetty McKinnon
- Page Turners Book Club – Due to the holiday, the December meeting of the Page Turners Book Club will be on Saturday, December 18 at 1:00 p.m. Title to be discussed – The Help by Katherine Stockett. The January meeting will take place on Saturday January 15 at 1:00 p.m. Title to be discussed – The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
- Chess Club meets every Monday from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
- SD Access 4 All program, the North University Library has a limited number of WiFi hotspots available to check out for a 3-month loan period. Take a look at https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/san-diego-access-4-all
UC Library on Governor, 4155 Governor Drive, San Diego, CA 92122; Phone: 858-552-1655; https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/locations/university-community-library
Flag Disposal/Prescription Eyeglass donation: UC Library is an official flag disposal location. If you have a flag of any size you can bring it to the library, place it in the disposal bin near the front entrance and library staff contact the Boy Scouts who will retire the flags appropriately. If you have prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses or readers that you no longer use, you can drop them off at the UC Library in the donation box near the Circulation Desk. The Lions Club will send a representative to pick up your donations when the box is full. We appreciate the Boy Scouts and the Lions Club for performing these important services.
- Friday, December 3 @ 4:00 p.m. — Dessert in a Jar: Sign up for this fun class on making delicious desserts in a portable package to take home with you. Yum! No cost. To register: sandiego.librarymarket.com/events/dessert-jar
- Tuesday, December 7 @ 5:00 p.m. — A Personal History of the Japanese Internment: Learn about one man’s experience in the Japanese internment camp in Poston, Arizona. Local historian Linda Canada, an archivist for twelve years with the Japanese American Historical Society of San Diego, will give a brief overview of the Japanese Internment and lead a discussion with Jack Kubota about his early life during the internment. If you missed this program earlier this year when it was part of The Rebellious Miss Breed series, this is a second chance to learn more about this critical period in U.S. history.
- Tuesday, December 14 @ 4:00 p.m. — Zentangle at Home (virtual): Start your journey today with Janet Masey. Zentangle is an easy art method that creates beautiful images by drawing structured patterns. Zoom link and information on picking up supply kits will be sent upon registration. A waitlist will be offered for the class. If you can’t make the class, call the Library at 858-552-1266 to cancel your reservation. To register: sandiego.librarymarket.com/events/virtual-zentangle-home-0
- Wednesday, December 15 @ 4:00 p.m. — Food Art, or Playing with your Food: Turn your favorite foods into a work of art! For ages 12 and under. To register: sandiego.librarymarket.com/events/food-art-or-playing-your-food
- Friday, December 17 @ 4:00 p.m. — Holiday crafts with Miss Maribel: Miss Maribel shows you how to make winged hearts and other seasonal crafts. Recommended for ages 7-12. To register: sandiego.librarymarket.com/events/holiday-crafts-miss-maribel
Weekly programs:
- Thursdays @ 9:30 a.m. — Qi Gong, led by Robert Warren. Class size is limited to 15. If the weather is good, class may be held outside to allow for more participants.
- Wednesdays @ 10:30 a.m. — Baby/Toddler Storytime, with a focus on ABCs, 123s and other concepts.
- 2nd Monday of the month @ 6:30 p.m. – Pajama Storytime, with stories to get the little ones ready for bedtime!
