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.

Library Foundation SD

A separate 501(c)(3) organization that grew out of what had originally been the Library’s development office. The Library Foundation supports library efforts to help San Diegans learn new skills, pursue lifelong ambitions, and achieve a better life with the help of dedicated staff, committed volunteers,
and generous donors and partners. Foundation support has been central to:

• Completing the Central Library @ Joan Λ Irwin Jacobs Common,

• Building six new library branches and improving existing branches,

• Expanding collections throughout the system,

• Developing and advocating for the adoption of a new Library Master Plan that will guide library planning and investments for decades to come,

• Enhancing crucial programs such as the Summer Reading Program,

• Establishing and funding new programs, such as Books Unbanned, the EXCEL card, Library NExT and Adult High School,

• Leading library advocacy efforts to successfully fight proposed budget cuts and branch closures and earn new city investments in programs and materials,

• Working with the Friends of the Library to meet city Matching Fund goals for 19 consecutive years.

Board of Library Commissioners

consists of seven members appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. The Board is responsible for considering all policy matters regarding the development and operation of the City's Library system and serves in an advisory capacity to the Mayor and City Council. Each member serves a two-year term, until reappointment or until a successor is appointed.

American Library Association

(ALA) 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

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.

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.