Tuesday, January 2, 2018

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

By Carol Cooper


In the new world of social media, video games, phone apps, and online searching, it might seem like libraries are only for elderly readers. Students who are actually required to turn in book reports might read a version online or download it for a fee. All this can make the idea of libraries seem passe, but the best ones, like the San Diego Public Library, have reinvented themselves. They are offering all kinds of services, many of which are free with a current card.

Not all parents are great at helping their kids with homework assignments. There are a lot of after school programs that offer assistance, but not everyone can afford the fees. Some children have discovered that libraries can be the source of tutoring, online access, and school materials. There are teachers and volunteers on staff happy to help kids from kindergartners to high school seniors, seven days a week in some locations.

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.

A lot of individuals with mental health issues and no insurance become homeless and dangers to themselves and the rest of society. The San Diego system has programs staffed by professionals who are willing to work, free of charge, with these individuals. They direct them to housing, education, counseling, and medical assistance.

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.

Families without personal computers are at a disadvantage unless they have library cards. Libraries have banks of computers available to patrons during regular business hours. They are free to use and have access to the internet. Patrons who need to print out forms or articles or make photocopies can usually do so for a slight fee.

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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