The first location was rented space in the Commercial Bank building at Fifth and G streets, and the new library opened its doors to the public for the first time on July 15, 1882.

San Diego was the first city west of the Mississippi River to receive a Carnegie Library grant.

She maintained contact with many Japanese American children when they were interned with their families during World War II; her correspondence with those children is now on display at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles.

Youth Services Librarian Emily Derry was responsible for the introducing the concept of a published book to the library and brought the author and illustrator onto the project.

Odi was named after the vision statement of the library, with each letter standing for opportunity, discovery, and inspiration.

[5] In 2010, construction began on a new $184.9 million 366,673 square feet (34,065.0 m2)[6] Central Library at 330 Park Boulevard in downtown San Diego.

[7] The building includes bay view terraces, roof gardens, a public reading room, an auditorium, and an art gallery.

Library cards are free to applicants who reside within the state of California or own property in the city of San Diego, and to men and women serving in the armed forces who are stationed within San Diego County.

[17] Renowned American sculptor Donal Hord bequeathed to the San Diego Public Library his lifelong collection of books and several sculptures in appreciation for the assistance he had received from library's staff over the years.

It is led by a group of volunteers and provided with donated materials and equipment from a local surplus.

North Park North University Community Oak Park Ocean Beach Otay Mesa-Nestor Pacific Beach/Taylor Paradise Hills Point Loma/Hervey Rancho Bernardo Rancho Peñasquitos San Carlos San Ysidro Scripps Miramar Ranch Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa Skyline Hills Tierrasanta University Community University Heights Valencia Park/Malcolm X Branch Library & Performing Arts Center