Every Story Counts

CLOSED: More to say? Tell us about why the library matters to you. Share your library story here.

• Share The heart of our community on Facebook Share The heart of our community on Twitter Share The heart of our community on Linkedin Email The heart of our community link

  The heart of our community

  by Mika, 3 months ago
  

  Our local library provides a huge sense of joy, comfort and community for our family. We know the librarians and staff, we enjoy browsing the stacks, coming to events, and treasure the incredible gift of having books on order ready and waiting for us! What a delight you are, La Mesa library! Thank you!

  Our local library provides a huge sense of joy, comfort and community for our family. We know the librarians and staff, we enjoy browsing the stacks, coming to events, and treasure the incredible gift of having books on order ready and waiting for us! What a delight you are, La Mesa library! Thank you!
• Share Struggle on Facebook Share Struggle on Twitter Share Struggle on Linkedin Email Struggle link

  Struggle

  by Roy Cox, 3 months ago

  I want to start by saying thank you to the San Diego library for giving me the opportunity to going back and receiving my diploma. Something I thought was undoable. Growing up I didn’t have everything. We struggled like our families that my father was deported. Things got much harder for us, but my mom always pushed us to strive for the best. My oldest brother had to step up by the father figure. My mom have six kids me being a middle child by the way, not to mention my mother was also a victim of fire from head... Continue reading

  I want to start by saying thank you to the San Diego library for giving me the opportunity to going back and receiving my diploma. Something I thought was undoable. Growing up I didn’t have everything. We struggled like our families that my father was deported. Things got much harder for us, but my mom always pushed us to strive for the best. My oldest brother had to step up by the father figure. My mom have six kids me being a middle child by the way, not to mention my mother was also a victim of fire from head to toe and give a little percentage of living. She’s my inspiration today she lives she stands she walks she works. She’s an angel and a blessing. I’ve overcome a lot in life through addiction and all I’m proud to stand here and can finally say I did it. I did something I completed something I got my diploma thank you, San Diego library
• Share More that books on Facebook Share More that books on Twitter Share More that books on Linkedin Email More that books link

  More that books

  by HLKE, 3 months ago
  When I had my first child 12 years ago I happily stopped working to stay at home to raise her. Money was tight with only one income and the library was an almost daily stop for us. We went to the baby programs then to the toddler programs and then to the crafts. We chatted with the librarians who watched my daughter grow up and move from the board books to the picture books to the chapter books. We met other parents and children there and planned play dates in the library and then at the park. We are still... Continue reading

  When I had my first child 12 years ago I happily stopped working to stay at home to raise her. Money was tight with only one income and the library was an almost daily stop for us. We went to the baby programs then to the toddler programs and then to the crafts. We chatted with the librarians who watched my daughter grow up and move from the board books to the picture books to the chapter books. We met other parents and children there and planned play dates in the library and then at the park. We are still friends with these families.

  
  

  Now my two kids visit the library less often (it takes a little longer to make it through their longer books) but we use the library app nightly as we listen to audiobooks.

  
  

  For us the library was about books but it was also about connecting and community and creativity.

  
  
• Share Libraries are a staple of society on Facebook Share Libraries are a staple of society on Twitter Share Libraries are a staple of society on Linkedin Email Libraries are a staple of society link

  Libraries are a staple of society

  by Valerio, 3 months ago
  Ive seen first hand how libraries bring communities together. They are a staple of any healthy society. I love them and they should be more popular and more used but unfortunately Americans are ignorant of them

  Ive seen first hand how libraries bring communities together. They are a staple of any healthy society. I love them and they should be more popular and more used but unfortunately Americans are ignorant of them
• Share The craft classes are fantastic! on Facebook Share The craft classes are fantastic! on Twitter Share The craft classes are fantastic! on Linkedin Email The craft classes are fantastic! link

  The craft classes are fantastic!

  by Lisa Gross, 3 months ago

  As a single person with no family I can’t impress upon you enough how I look forward to seeing my network of friends at each class. We really have built a community with these classes. Also seeing the friendly, kind faces of the librarians and volunteers really make my day. I depend on the library for so many things! Thank you!

  As a single person with no family I can’t impress upon you enough how I look forward to seeing my network of friends at each class. We really have built a community with these classes. Also seeing the friendly, kind faces of the librarians and volunteers really make my day. I depend on the library for so many things! Thank you!
• Share A Place to Just Be on Facebook Share A Place to Just Be on Twitter Share A Place to Just Be on Linkedin Email A Place to Just Be link

  A Place to Just Be

  by ajax m, 3 months ago
  Libraries are places where there is no pressure to do anything. You can read a book, use the computers, use any amenities they offer, or simply spend some of your time relaxing inside. Libraries are also places where people can host community events for no cost to the participants.

  
  

  Third spaces are important for those who cannot afford to spend money to have an enjoyable time. Libraries are one of these third spaces. They provide a connection to others, either through interpersonal communication or through any stories one might read. This sort of connection is important and valuable for anyone... Continue reading

  Libraries are places where there is no pressure to do anything. You can read a book, use the computers, use any amenities they offer, or simply spend some of your time relaxing inside. Libraries are also places where people can host community events for no cost to the participants.

  
  

  Third spaces are important for those who cannot afford to spend money to have an enjoyable time. Libraries are one of these third spaces. They provide a connection to others, either through interpersonal communication or through any stories one might read. This sort of connection is important and valuable for anyone and everyone.
• Share A Place for Inspiration on Facebook Share A Place for Inspiration on Twitter Share A Place for Inspiration on Linkedin Email A Place for Inspiration link

  A Place for Inspiration

  by Saul , 3 months ago

  Every visit opens the door to new possibilities—discovering a great book recommendation, exploring a new space, learning about a program or service, or simply borrowing a physical book. The library remains a vital place and resource.

  Every visit opens the door to new possibilities—discovering a great book recommendation, exploring a new space, learning about a program or service, or simply borrowing a physical book. The library remains a vital place and resource.
• Share I love the library on Facebook Share I love the library on Twitter Share I love the library on Linkedin Email I love the library link

  I love the library

  by Michelle , 3 months ago
  "Zaydee, wow what a beautiful name how did you come up with that name for your daughter? " Me- I rented every name book there was at the library. Finally at the end of the last book, I saw the name. ✨

  12 years ago I took my daughter to the branch and attended the story time classes. I can still hear my favorite song that consisted of only 5 words repeated over again in an addictive melody. " What's the whether, what's the whether liiiiike what's the whether what's the whether liiiiiike" 😆

  My daughter also really enjoyed playing... Continue reading

  "Zaydee, wow what a beautiful name how did you come up with that name for your daughter? " Me- I rented every name book there was at the library. Finally at the end of the last book, I saw the name. ✨

  12 years ago I took my daughter to the branch and attended the story time classes. I can still hear my favorite song that consisted of only 5 words repeated over again in an addictive melody. " What's the whether, what's the whether liiiiike what's the whether what's the whether liiiiiike" 😆

  My daughter also really enjoyed playing inside. The El cajon location had a fire truck and a doll house. It was great to get out of our tiny home and the free AC was the greatest perk during some summer days 🥵

  When my daighter and I both discovered the I Survived book series the library branches surely saved my wallet. Was so grateful we could have access to so many books I liked the original version my daughter the graphic novel version. we've read them all thanks to the library 🥰

  Most recently I went into the library to help out my daughter who is writing out a speech at school for the Cajon Valley TedX club. I rented out some books for her and while I was there I saw a poster for a free parenting class. I'm all registered and excited to attend these zoom classes. Im looking forward for the help with the most important role of my life and for my daughter to feel better supported by her mother. What an amazing gift from the library that keeps on giving. I'll be a better happier person and so will my daughter.

  I'll end this with some quotes from my 6th grader when I asked her why she loves the library.

  "I like the drama from the books"

  "It's a good place to study because it's quite"

  "I like taking a break in English to go get a book"
• Share Stranger in a Familiar Place on Facebook Share Stranger in a Familiar Place on Twitter Share Stranger in a Familiar Place on Linkedin Email Stranger in a Familiar Place link

  Stranger in a Familiar Place

  by AEL, 3 months ago

  I recently got a job at the San Diego County Library system, and it was a relief to finally find employment again after months of unemployment and a cross country move. Did I mention that my partner was deployed this whole time during the job loss and move? It was a tough spring, but I found my way to the library after moving in to my new home just outside of San Diego. A library is one of the only places, no matter what state I may be in, that is usually all the same, and the familiarity never changes.

  ... Continue reading

  I recently got a job at the San Diego County Library system, and it was a relief to finally find employment again after months of unemployment and a cross country move. Did I mention that my partner was deployed this whole time during the job loss and move? It was a tough spring, but I found my way to the library after moving in to my new home just outside of San Diego. A library is one of the only places, no matter what state I may be in, that is usually all the same, and the familiarity never changes.

  
  I learned that SDCL is different from SDPL, but I'm still welcome at both to check out material. I liked visiting different branches to see what each one looked like and what collection it had, and it was a great way to break up my days of job searching. Now that I'm an employee at SDCL, I'm able to do what I enjoy and meet more of the community as an employee and member. Because of libraries, I'm able to continue developing personally and professionally. I have always loved working at libraries and I'm so fortunate to continue my career path.
  
  (Thanks to a library in South Carolina, I was able to sign my marriage license due to a librarian's ability to be a notary public. Yes, I got married at a public library. Libraries really are great places!)
• Share Libraries are for the people! on Facebook Share Libraries are for the people! on Twitter Share Libraries are for the people! on Linkedin Email Libraries are for the people! link

  Libraries are for the people!

  by mostephanitely, 3 months ago
  

  Maya Angelou once said, “If I can get to the library in any town, I’ll be ok.” Our local branch is a bustling, lively place that brings people together. Whether I am checking out audiobooks from home or picking up my books on hold, coming here instantly makes my day better. I especially love how central it seems to the loves of so many of us, my family included! My parents, my siblings and their kids, and I often gather here together just to squeeze in some weekday family time. It’s a very special place that offers something different yet... Continue reading

  Maya Angelou once said, “If I can get to the library in any town, I’ll be ok.” Our local branch is a bustling, lively place that brings people together. Whether I am checking out audiobooks from home or picking up my books on hold, coming here instantly makes my day better. I especially love how central it seems to the loves of so many of us, my family included! My parents, my siblings and their kids, and I often gather here together just to squeeze in some weekday family time. It’s a very special place that offers something different yet equally impactful to each of us. We love the library!