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    SDSU University Library

    3.8 (49 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    SDSU University Library Photos

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    Studying
    Wayne K.

    This review is really just for the computer lab because the building is so large that there should be a bunch of different sections.The library here is so beautiful, its a pleasure to come here and study. I've spent a lot of time in libraries that weren't as up to date, and I have to say, that it makes all the difference. The large windows makes it so much more soothing than staring at a wall for 6 hours straight. I love logging into my google account and having all my documents ready in the cloud. Makes my life so much easier

    Tyrone J.

    On main campus of San Diego State University located near Campanile Mall. Library is open 24 hours. The main entrance at Centennial Plaza is a unique architectural feature known as the InfoDome.

    Love Library
    Laura D.

    This is my favorite place at SDSU. I come here to do my homework and just go on Tumblr or something on the computers. They have started remodeling parts of the library and I have to say its looking a lot nicer now! There are more computers now and they've added new tables with really comfortable red chairs. Overall I'm loving these new changes to what was already a great place. Staff is really nice and if you need to scan a book or notes try the cool scanner by the bathrooms. It's completely free and it scans things super quick.

    Nadia R.

    After a taking summer classes and studying at SDSU the Love Library I have to say it's my favorite place. 24/7 open and the place have coffees . Please don't ask why it's called love library

    The Dome!
    Walter K.

    With so many reviews about studying, study areas, and the etiquette of those studying, I think that those particular aspects of the library have been covered sufficiently by others. Therefore I would like to touch on three important areas of the Love Library, its collections, its website and its use for conducting research. The SDSU Library's collections are quite strong in certain areas and somewhat weak in others. (I will not elaborate on these until I write an update) According to wikipedia "The Library ...occupies more than 500,000 square feet seats more than 3,000 people, and circulates more than 488,000 books yearly (as of 2011). It has more than 2.2 million volumes, 4.6 million microform items, and 140,000 maps." This makes it a large University library. The annual budget is over $10 million, but the acquisition of new books seems to have dropped precipitously over the last ten years and the number of e-books in the catalog is alarming. The organization of the library is very good with reference and periodicals on the first floor and the second floor dedicated to computers. Call numbers A-H are on the Third Floor J-P on the Fourth and Q-Z on the Fifth Floor. Fortunately the library uses the Library of Congress Call number system and not the Dewey Decimal System like the San Diego County Library. These is a good media library in the basement with quite a few work stations and study rooms and also compact shelving for overflow. The web site, like the web sites of so many libraries is confusing to use. For some reason one has to go to a drop down menu to access the library catalog. This should be on the front page. The main page of the web site is cluttered and awkward to use. Who would think of scrolling down on the main page of the site? There must be thirty items one can click on on the main page, plus four drop down menus. The arrangement is not logical and there is no site map. Upon deeper digging, I was quite surprised to see that there are 72 staff members listed in the directory and there are some interesting study / research tips. I'm an ex-Library of Congress Researcher and was listed as a Professional Researcher by the National Reference Service for many years, and have used many University Libraries in the U.S., Harvard, Cornell, Georgetown, UCLA, are just a few. That is to say I have been around. As far as I know the SDSU Library does not assign research facilities to scholars and researchers. Nor is there any registration or assistance of visiting scholars or researchers. The collections themselves are somewhat limited for in depth research and a researcher has to jump through many hoops to use the special collections. One major problem I have with the library is that I come across so many mis-shelved books. Another aspect which I have find even more troubling is damage done by students, whether that is "carving" with keys in the elevator or writing on the bathroom walls. One would think with such a tough admissions policy, one would not get students who do this. Obviously this is a difficult review to write. I will add and edit it in the future. If anyone has any feedback, let me know. This is meant to be helpful and not skewed in any way.

    Level 1 underneath 24/7 inside the dome

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    6 months ago

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    8 years ago

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    4 years ago

    SDSU library is awesome! Provides what students need, employees are sweet and friendly. Love to study my MBA classes here!

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    7 years ago

    San Diego State University it's a very nice college and nice people. I'm here working moving there library books to a new location

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    8 years ago

    Good place, but it was confusing how to find a book I needed. I wish they have more helpful staff over there.

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    Ask the Community - SDSU University Library

    Open to public?

    Yes, the public is free to use the library during regular library hours. However, when the rest of the library is closed, access to the 24/7 Study Area is restricted to current SDSU faculty, staff, and students.

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    Review Highlights - SDSU University Library

    After a taking summer classes and studying at SDSU the Love Library I have to say it's my favorite place.

    Mentioned in 11 reviews

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    San Diego Public Library, Central Library - Jonathan (left) with a staff member, discussing the many rare books in the special collections section in the library.

    San Diego Public Library, Central Library

    3.9(305 reviews)
    6.7 miEast Village

    I haven't been here for years. I recently came to bring my toddler. So we were mainly on the first…read morefloor, which is where the kids section is. It was just amazing. It is so big, with so many different sections. They have an area for young toddlers, to toddlers, to kids. I was so impressed with how much books they have. In addition to that, they have CDs, DVDs, magazines, pretty much anything you can think of. There are a couple of different areas where they can sit and learn. I do love how there were different types of seats as well, for instance, for the younger kids they have the little balanced chairs. There is lots of play area for the kids to have sensory play. They have educational computers, there was four. They have a little area for kids to play with toys and use their imagination, so many good items. There are puzzles, coloring, pages, arts and crafts. I was really blown away with how great this library is. The staff who helped me, I did not get her name, but she was so friendly and answering, and all my questions. They have so many activities also throughout the week, such as reading time and other arts and crafts that you can do amongst other peers. I am so looking forward to bringing my child here so that he can have more socialization with other kids. And mind you, this is all free, which is so amazing. I mean, obviously we have tax dollars that goes toward this. . But yeah, you can check out their schedule for what they offer for the kids. Yeah I think this is the best library so far that I've been to for the kids in San Diego. You can also park underground. Just make sure you take your parking validation upstairs so you do get the first two hours free when validated. After that, I believe it's $1.25 per hour or something like that. Which is very reasonable for downtown. Just remember if there's any events, like the baseball games or anything like that, there might be a surcharge, for example when comic con comes on as well. This is definitely a great learning spot for young children. And if you or someone you know, doesn't have the financial means to do arts and crafts, buy so many books, or have enough space to even how all of these things, this is great that this library has it all for free. I have taken my son to the little play area where we pay like $15 an hour for him to run around and it's further up in Mira Mesa. This is just another great alternative for a fraction of the cost. Sorry I just love this so much. We are definitely coming back here and also exploring as many different libraries as we can.

    A beautiful library nestled in the heart of downtown SD!…read more There are sooo many things to explore in this library. Boasting a total of 9 levels, there's an art gallery, bookstore, and even a high school here! If you're looking for gorgeous views of the city while you read, work, or study, head up to levels 8 and 9. Everyone here is super friendly and there's plenty of spacious seating options with outlets! However, if you're planning to visit, you should know that quite a few homeless folks utilize this place to rest and sleep. They're very respectful and keep to themselves, so it didn't bother me personally. Note: They have a parking garage underground and they validate up to 2 hours!

    Photos
    San Diego Public Library, Central Library
    San Diego Public Library, Central Library
    San Diego Public Library, Central Library

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    Mission Hills - Hillcrest Branch Library - Indoor and Outdoor seating

    Mission Hills - Hillcrest Branch Library

    4.0(25 reviews)
    5.8 miHillcrest

    Definitely Kid-friendly! Monday is Lego day and it starts at 3:30.. there are also printed out…read morepages to color, a mini toy playarea, and touch screen computers.. great interactive and courteous staff We've requested titles and picked up books to be transferred from other library locations and the wait time was less than a week! 2 hour free parking (bring your ticket inside to validate it with the machine) Bathroom is clean too that's always a plus and most of all ‍ friendly They host alot of events here and it is always a respectful crowd ..We came here for the eclipse and they were handing out the NASA approved viewing glasses and everyone was sharing with whomever didn't get to see which I thought was so adorable.. security and the staff were telling us to come and stay for crafts also, you definitely feel a sense of community here :) Check out the flyers by the entrance for events or pick up a calendar !

    This library is located on Washington and Front St and is shared by two communities: Hillcrest and…read moreMission Hills. A friend of mine likes this library and I also like it for several reasons and some reasons not so much... There's parking that offers limited parking time but it is available. There's a security guard who patrols the facility and area for safety. The library is smallish but offers most services: a librarian, staff and the front desk for help, computer and printer access, a children's section and ample seating indoor and outdoor. From the many times I've visited, it was clean and everything was organized. The people visiting this library were courteous and kept quiet. One day during my visit a person in a military uniform had a heated exchange with the staffers at the front desk over the issue of why there was not a single American flag inside or outside this library but several pride flags. The staff of who appear to be LGBTQ mostly had no answer. The uniformed gentleman said he is a USA veteran and left angrily. In this situation, politics aside, I agree with the uniform wearing man, and this library, should have an American flag visible and display it with pride along with the pride flags to show inclusivity, which is what matters. I like this library but the staff should seriously consider having an American flag to show some pride for our country and not just one group.

    Photos
    Mission Hills - Hillcrest Branch Library
    Mission Hills - Hillcrest Branch Library
    Mission Hills - Hillcrest Branch Library

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    SDSU University Library - libraries - Updated May 2026

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