Patrons Can Do More Than Borrow Books At The San Diego Public Library

By Carol Cooper


In the new world of social media, video games, phone apps, and online searching, it might seem like libraries are only for elderly readers. Students who are actually required to turn in book reports might read a version online or download it for a fee. All this can make the idea of libraries seem passe, but the best ones, like the San Diego Public Library, have reinvented themselves. They are offering all kinds of services, many of which are free with a current card.

Getting homework done correctly and on time can be difficult for many students. Parents aren't always helpful and the organizations that offer after school programs normally charge a weekly or monthly fee not all families can afford. In many instances, libraries have stepped into the breech offering free school materials, online access, and tutoring for kids with cards. Volunteers and teachers take their time to help kids from five to eighteen with school assignments at no charge.

Literacy is a big problem in the United States, especially in areas that are home to large populations of poor people. Some of them have learning disorders, lacked access to educational opportunities, or are simply unable to speak English well enough to communicate effectively. These people will remain in the cycle of poverty without help. In San Diego, free programs provided by libraries offer tutoring and mentoring through community volunteers.

A lot of individuals with mental health issues and no insurance become homeless and dangers to themselves and the rest of society. The San Diego system has programs staffed by professionals who are willing to work, free of charge, with these individuals. They direct them to housing, education, counseling, and medical assistance.

Even with federal laws that make easy access to government buildings a requirement, those with accessibility issues still have problems. Libraries in San Diego have areas where individuals with disabilities can read and research with ease. There are adjustable workstations and tables. Audio, large print, and Braille books are available. They also offer special assistance software on computers with enlarged screens.

Not all families are lucky enough to be able to afford personal computers in their homes. In today's world, this can make everything complicated. Libraries have banks of computers available for patrons to use free of charge. This includes internet access, printing, and photocopying. In many of the facilities there are specific computers designated for children.

The San Diego library is one of a network of patent and trademark resource centers officially designated by the federal government's patent office. Researching patents can be extremely difficult and time consuming. Library staff do not provide legal advice or conduct searches on the behalf of patrons, but they can guide them and give them valuable assistance.

Publicly funded places where people can go for free information and assistance seem to be getting rarer. Not everyone is lucky enough to have internet access. Libraries are wonderful resources for many and have important functions to fill. They certainly have more than books to provide patrons wise enough to take advantage of the resources they offer.




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