Student Center

San Diego Area Libraries

Following are several local libraries that are open to the public and descriptions of their collections and resources.  An extensive amount of valuable information is available to you through these libraries.

San Diego Public Library

San Diego Public Library has various branches located throughout San Diego.  In order to obtain a free library card, you need to provide a photo id (passport, driver’s license, etc.) and proof of address (letter, apartment lease, driver’s license).  With your library card you can check out books, movies, and CDs.  In addition, you can access online databases, including Reference USA, which contains detailed information on most businesses in the United States and Canada. 

San Diego County Library

With a free San Diego County Library card you can checkout books DVDs, and CDs and request books from UCSD, USD, SDSU, and other local universities.

San Diego State University Library

Since SDSU is a public university, its resources are available to all members of the public. You may access online resources from the SDSU library, which is open from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m, as well as make use of the wireless network. Resources include the Frost & Sullivan database of market research reports and the Mergent Online database of financial reports of domestic and foreign companies. If you wish to check out materials from SDSU Library, you can purchase a library card for $60 per year. 

University of California – San Diego Libraries

UCSD is a public institution located in La Jolla that is open to everyone.  Resources available for use include public computers and access to databases.  If you wish to check out materials, you must purchase an individual membership to the library.  It is free to read materials on-site.

San Diego County Public Law Library

This library includes a specialized legal collection and is open to the public. There is a branch located downtown at 1105 Front Street.