Patrons Can Do More Than Borrow Books At The San Diego Public Library

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.

It is amazing to realize that, in this day and time, there are many people who can't read at all or read on such a low level that they are functionally illiterate. This is often the result of poverty, disability, and academic failure. Many immigrants don't read English. Without help, these people find it almost impossible to get decent jobs. The San Diego facilities are working with tutors who volunteer their time to teach adult reading and writing skills.

There is a free program in place to work with individuals who have mental health issues. They have professionals at the library available to consult with adults who are homeless or in need of medical attention. They can direct them to programs that have the resources to assist with education, housing, and counseling.

It can be difficult for those with disabilities to take advantage of the free resources that public libraries provide. In San Diego, those with disability issues have a special place where table and work station heights can be adjusted. There are Braille books, large print books, audio books, enlarged computer screens, and special assisting software.

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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