When is a library card more than a library card? When you’re a San Diego resident. The main benefit of a library card has always been checking out books, but there are so many more perks packed into that little card that you might find yourself reaching for it more often after you read this post.
Take advantage of discount museum passes, reserve a special backpack full of goodies for a state park visit, learn a new language, or enroll in a free online education course. The free benefits add up to thousands of dollars in savings, which is well worth your time to hit your nearest library branch to apply for a card if you don’t have one yet.
Fun fact: While more than 60% of the population claims to own a library card, only one-third of library card owners actually use it. Likely because they don’t know how valuable that card really is.
Two library systems, two different cards
First things first. San Diego offers two types of library cards: a San Diego Public Library (SDPL) card, issued by the City of San Diego, and a San Diego County Library (SDCL) card, issued by the county. Each card has its own set of benefits, but many of the benefits also overlap. The distinctions are listed in the benefit descriptions within the article.
How to apply for a library card in San Diego?
To get an SDCL card, you can apply online for immediate issuance of a library card number. This will give you access to the eLibrary. You must apply in person for a physical card that will give you access to printed books and Discover & Go benefits. Your SDCL card is valid for a period of four years.
For an SDPL card, you can apply online for a temporary card; however, you must complete your application in person within 30 days of submitting your online application. The card must be renewed annually.
There is no fee for residents to apply for library cards. You must have a valid picture ID, as well as proof of residency if your ID is from outside the San Diego area, e.g., a utility bill with your name and address.
Local library locations
There are 37 branch locations of the San Diego Public Library. Our community locations are listed below:
The San Diego County Library has 33 branches throughout the county. It has its administrative office in Kearny Mesa, as well as a kiosk location. You can apply for an SDCL card at the administrative office; however, there are no other services available at that location. The kiosk location holds trending books and movies you can check out and return via self-service.
The many benefits of your library card
Discover & Go
Both the SDPL and SDCL participate in Discover & Go, a library card benefit that offers free and discounted passes to museums, zoos, theaters, science centers, and other cultural institutions.
Some local favorites are passes to the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park museums, Skateworld, and even SDSU football game tickets.
Free California State Parks parking entry pass and backpacks
Get free day-use entry to more than 200 participating State Parks. This pass allows entry for one vehicle with a capacity of up to nine passengers. The pass can be checked out for up to 10 days. Check out the participating and non-participating parks to plan your trip accordingly. Visit any of the branch libraries to inquire about getting a pass.
Besides the parking pass, you can also opt to check out a special backpack to take along with you on your trip. There are two backpack choices: the Daytripper Backpack and the Trailblazer Backpack. The Daytripper Backpack includes field guides, a magnifying glass, a compass, binoculars, and other essential items. The Trailblazer Backpack is stuffed with trekking poles, binoculars, a flashlight, emergency gear, and more. These items can’t be placed on hold, but you can check for availability here.
Free online courses through Gale Courses
Both the SDPL and SDCL give you unfettered access to online courses through Gale, the leading provider of research and learning resources available through libraries. This includes Udemy courses, which typically cost close to $200 per year.
What kinds of courses can you take through Gale? Literally thousands. Udemy offers more than 25,000 online video courses you can take on demand.
Additionally, Gale offers more than 325 instructor-led online courses taught by college instructors. These courses enable participants to engage with the instructor and their fellow students throughout the course.
For older adults, there are specially designed courses taught by fellow older adults that allow for social connection and personal growth.
Learn a language
If you’ve always wanted to learn a new language but haven’t wanted to shell out the money to do so, well, here’s your chance to do it for free. Now you have no excuse. Both your SDPL and SDCL cards provide you with free access to the Rosetta Stone app. This app typically costs between $130 and $145 per year for access to a single language.
Free access to Testing & Education Reference Center
This benefit is a goldmine for library cardholders who are prepping for a multitude of tests, whether it be GED, SAT, ACT, LSAT, PSAT, TOEFL, and many more. Through TERC, you’ll have access to free practice tests and courses, get help with cover letters and resume writing, and learn networking and interviewing skills. You’ll even get access to a database of scholarship resources for undergraduate and graduate programs.
SDPL eLibrary
CloudLibrary
Select from thousands of books from this online library. Download the CloudLibrary app for quick access via your phone or tablet. Options include new fiction and non-fiction, biographies and autobiographies, children’s books, and books written in foreign languages.
Digital magazines
Enjoy a plethora of magazines without a subscription just by having a library card. Magazines such as “Popular Science”, “Parents”, “Outside”, “National Geographic”, “GQ”, “ESPN”, and “Redbook” are all yours for the taking.
Free movies
Stream thousands of movies from Kanopy with your SDPL card. From documentaries to critically-acclaimed films, it won’t cost you a cent to entertain yourself with cinematic choices from Kanopy.
Free access to the San Diego Union-Tribune
Do you ever get links to San Diego Union-Tribune articles but can’t access them because they are behind a paywall and you aren’t a subscriber? Then you’ll enjoy this perk. Your SDCL card gives you free access to the newspaper from 2018 to the present.
Investing resources through Morningstar
Your SDCL card unlocks access to the Morningstar Investing Center. This nifty dashboard features economic and market news, as well as in-depth analyses of stocks, mutual funds, and ETFs. You can also view webinars on investing and wealth. There’s even an investing classroom where you can take online courses on investing, retirement planning, and other related topics.
On-site programs
Each library branch has an active event calendar that benefits toddlers to senior citizens. Participate in storytime, arts and crafts, tech assistance for older adults, music events, and more. Check out the library events calendar for the most up to date information, or visit our very own events calendar.
Earn your high school diploma as an adult
If you never earned your high school diploma, do it for free with your library card. The SDPL offers two diploma programs to adults aged 19 and older who reside in or work for the City of San Diego. If you can commit to at least eight hours of online coursework, you can earn your diploma in 18 months or less. This is not a GED program, but rather an actual certified diploma program.
Through the SDCL, you can apply for Library High School, which allows cardholders to earn a career certificate or an accredited high school diploma, similar to the SDPL program. This program does not require a library card.
Family literacy program
The Linda Vista library branch participates in the SDPL family literacy programs. These programs encourage adults to be their child’s first teacher through reading. Different offerings can include parent and child development topics, storytimes, arts and crafts, reading and writing development, and free books for kids to encourage home libraries.
Free online tutors
Adults in need of extra help with job coaching, test preparation, and building their academic skills can access it through Brainfuse, an online adult learning center. It’s an excellent program for residents prepping for their GED or U.S. citizenship test.
Search your family history
Curious about your family tree? Now you can do free genealogical research through the SDCL’s MyHeritage Library Edition. This database contains billions of documents from around the globe, including historical photos and public records.
Free internet and computer access
If, for some reason, you don’t have a computer or internet access, the library has you covered. With your library card, you can use the branch’s computers for 60-minute sessions, with the option to renew your session if other patrons aren’t waiting to use the computers. You may use the printer for 15 cents per page for black and white copies and 30 cents per page for color copies.
You can even check out computer laptops and have access to computers off-site. Check for availability at a location near you.
Tax assistance
Tax season is an intimidating time for many. Fortunately, local residents can sign up for assistance with filing their taxes at the Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Branch Library. This program typically runs from February to April and is available by appointment only. Sign-ups must be completed in person at the library.
Start a garden with a seed library
The Clairemont Seed Library began in 2024 and offers free seeds to the public—even without a library card. They offer flower, herb, and vegetable seeds. The Friends of the Clairemont Library maintains this program, and you can contact them to learn about what’s available.
