Library Partners

The San Diego Public Library (SDPL) is a department of the City of San Diego. The new Central Library, which opened to the public in the fall of 2013, is located in downtown San Diego. There are also 35 branch libraries throughout the City. SDPL has the distinction of having been the first Carnegie-funded library in California and as a Carnegie library is committed to providing free service and programs for all.

The Library Foundation SD (Foundation) is a separate 501(c)(3) organization that grew out of what had originally been the Library’s development office. The Foundation is governed by a board of directors and has several employee staff members. The Foundation raises funds for the library system and was instrumental in capital campaigns for the construction of the “new” Central Library (which opened in 2013), and more recently, the new Mission Hills-Hillcrest and San Ysidro libraries (which both opened in 2019). The Foundation serves as a fiscal agent for donations to Matching Funds. FSDPL has a good working relationship with the Foundation; our organizations have collaborated closely over the past 7-8 years, especially with respect to library advocacy. In addition to participating in advocacy-related meetings and conversations with elected officials and their staff and facilitating involvement of Friends members and volunteers, FSDPL also provides financial support to assist with advocacy efforts.

The Board of Library Commissioners (Commission) is a volunteer board with members appointed by the Mayor, whose official role is to advise the Mayor about library issues. The Commission meets monthly. Meetings are open to the public. FSDPL provides a monthly report at the meetings of the Library Commission.

LibrariesTransformSD is a coalition of library supporters; FSDPL is a key partner together with SDPL, the Foundation, and the Commission. LibrariesTransformSD engages in advocacy at the City level.

American Library Association (ALA) is the oldest and largest library association in the world. The mission of ALA is “to provide leadership for the development, promotion and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.”

United for Libraries (United) is a national network of library supporters who believe in the importance of libraries as the social and intellectual centers of communities and campuses. No one has a stronger voice for libraries than those who use them, raise money for them, and govern them. By uniting these voices, library supporters everywhere will become a real force to be reckoned with at the local, state, and national levels. The mission of United for Libraries is to support those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for all types of libraries.

Community Partners

University Heights Community Association (UHCA)

UHCA was founded in 1983 and is a 501(c)3 nonprofit member-supported community association dedicated to improving the quality of life and sense of community in San Diego’s University Heights. The association organizes events that bring people together, publishes a paper to keep them informed, and hosts monthly meetings that serve as a forum for learning and discussion. Self-help projects like cleanups strengthen community pride, volunteer opportunities encourage participation in public life, and a strong membership empowers the community and amplifies its voice.

Local Businesses

From time to time, local businesses may offer special sales or discounts to Friends of the University Heights Library members.