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The San Diego Public Library Isn't Just About Checking Out Books

By Carol Cooper


There was a time when public libraries where repositories for books and not much else. The best facilities have moved along with the times and now offer all kinds of services in addition to lending books. Since many people living in today's world read books and do their research online, libraries, like the San Diego Public Library, have expanded their reach to include a number of important services, most of which are free, for their patrons.

Students and their parents often struggle with homework assignments. A number of organizations have after school programs, but there are costs attached to most that can be too high for strapped mothers and fathers. Fortunately, free homework help is available at this facility after school, and at some locations, every day of the week. Kids can get tutored, have access to free school materials, and get online at the library. Teachers and volunteers offer their services to school age children from kindergarten through high school.

Many adults who struggle with literacy due to a learning disability, lack of educational opportunities, or because English is not their first language. Whatever the reasons, an illiterate adult has a hard time performing simple tasks, getting a job, and even getting from one place to another. In San Diego, there are free programs with professionals working with volunteer tutors in the community to reduce the percentage of adults who struggle with this every day.

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 United States patent office has designated certain libraries as official patent and trademark resource centers. The San Diego system is one of those. Researching patents is not always quick or easy. The facilities have staff available to assist patrons in their searches. These are library employees, not attorneys. They don't give legal advice or conduct independent research for clients.

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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