The Library is the Community Safe Space

Growing up with immigrant parents, the Downtown Central Library as well as the local library in City Heights was where my parents took my sister and I often to roam around in and explore. In the beginning it felt like we just needed a place to go to pass time but it became our weekend ritual. I remember the old Central library in downtown San Diego and the steps that we would climb to get from the first floor to the kids books department. It also became a safe place for my parents, especially my dad, to feel like he wasn't judged or looked at funny because of his accent. My sister and I would go and spend hours in the kids' section and check out stacks of books that surpassed our height! The library is a beloved place and it is what makes communities connected to one another. People from all walks of life and backgrounds gather at the library!