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My Connection with the Past

My father used to walk my sister and I to the library when we were children to give my mother a break in the evenings. That walk was only about a half mile each way, but over that distance we'd have a chance to run around and get out energy before we entered the hushed space. My sister and I spent time reading in the Children's section and my dad would read on the "adult" side of the library for 30-60 minutes before we'd head back home. I had a library card as soon as I started school, and the skills I learned n my local library no doubt led to my success in college. After a lifetime of military service, I'm so happy to finally live in one place where I can actually USE the library on a regular basis and feel a little bit of connection to those days of my childhood and memories of my late parents.

Arabic Books

I visit the El Cajon Public Library for its Arabic book collection. Having access to books in my language makes the library a meaningful and supportive place for me. It’s a welcoming space that helps me enjoy reading, and the librarians are wonderful. I’m also planning to visit other libraries around San Diego.

Books by Mail is a lifeline to rural residents

We live an hour's drive away from the closest SD Library branch. We are deeply grateful for the Books by Mail service, through which we receive library materials on a regular basis. We very much appreciate being able to receive books, DVDs, and CDs without driving an hour each way to the library. It is a happy day indeed whenever a blue canvas Books by Mail pouch arrives at our gate. When occasional logistical issues have arisen, we have been able to resolve them swiftly and easily with the helpful Books by Mail staff (previously Desirae Helms, now Michael Rodriguez).