North Park Library
🏢 San Diego Public Library · North Park, San Diego
North Park Library
Open since 1923 in one of San Diego's most walkable arts districts, North Park Library occupies an 8,000-square-foot building dedicated on April 30, 1959 and designed by architect Leo C. Hatch — a neighborhood anchor steps from Balboa Park and the Ray Street gallery walk.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 11:30am–8pm |
| Tuesday | 11:30am–8pm |
| Wednesday | 9:30am–6pm |
| Thursday | 9:30am–6pm |
| Friday | 9:30am–6pm |
| Saturday | 9:30am–6pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 3795 31st Street, San Diego, CA 92104
Phone: (619) 533-3972
Website: sandiego.gov
Plus Code: 8544PVWF+W7 (San Diego, CA)
📱 Scan for directions
Point your phone camera at the code to open turn-by-turn directions in Google Maps.
👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About North Park Library
North Park Library has anchored its culturally vibrant neighborhood since 1923, when the community's first branch opened inside the Plymouth Center Church. After relocating twice — first to a storefront on Grim Street, then to Ray Street — the library moved into a purpose-built 3,560-square-foot building at 3795 31st Street on April 30, 1959, designed by architect Leo C. Hatch. A 1987 remodel more than doubled the footprint to 8,000 square feet. Today the branch serves the heart of North Park — a walkable, arts-forward neighborhood directly north of Balboa Park celebrated for its Craftsman bungalows, Ray Street gallery walks, and Thursday farmers' market — offering 13 public computers, free Wi-Fi, Spanish-language and multilingual collections, children and family programming, and community meeting space. The branch is served by the MTS Orange Line trolley and local bus routes 7 and 11, making it one of the most transit-accessible libraries in central San Diego.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Founded 1923 in Plymouth Center Church; moved to its current purpose-built address in 1959 (dedicated April 30, 1959; architect Leo C. Hatch)
- Building remodeled and expanded from 3,560 to 8,000 sq ft in 1987
- 13 public computers plus free Wi-Fi during all open hours
- Spanish-language and multilingual collections serving North Park's diverse community
- Served by MTS Orange Line trolley and bus routes 7 & 11; 30 metered street parking spaces nearby on 31st Street
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
SDPL cardholders stream, borrow and research free with San Diego's digital collection:
📚 Services
- 13 public-use computers with internet access
- Free Wi-Fi during all open hours
- Spanish-language and multilingual collections
- Children and family area with storytimes and STEM activities
- Homework help resources for K–8 students
- Community meeting space available to local organizations
- RFID self-checkout
- LINK+ and San Diego Circuit interlibrary borrowing
🎸 Programs
- Storytimes for children and families
- LEGO Playtime creative building sessions
- STEM/STEAM activities for youth
- Do Your Homework @ the Library — in-branch help for grades K–8
- Friends of the Library book sales (1st Thursday at North Park Farmers Market; 1st Saturday at the library)
- Community cultural events and art exhibitions
📍 Other San Diego Public Library Branches
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in San Diego · Browse all California libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When did North Park Library first open, and where was it before its current building?
The community's first library opened in 1923 inside the Plymouth Center Church in North Park. It later relocated to a storefront on Grim Street and then to Ray Street before moving into its purpose-built home at 3795 31st Street on April 30, 1959 — a building designed by architect Leo C. Hatch and expanded from 3,560 to 8,000 square feet in 1987.
Is North Park Library easy to reach by public transit?
Yes. The branch is accessible via the MTS Orange Line trolley and is served by bus routes 7 and 11, making it one of the most conveniently located SDPL branches in central San Diego. About 30 metered street parking spaces are also available nearby on 31st Street for those arriving by car.
What are the Monday hours, and why do they differ from the rest of the week?
North Park Library opens later on Mondays and Tuesdays — 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. — which provides extended evening access for after-work and after-school visitors. Wednesday through Saturday the library opens earlier at 9:30 a.m. and closes at 6:00 p.m. The library is closed on Sundays.
Can I borrow books from other California libraries through North Park Library?
Yes. San Diego Public Library participates in LINK+, a statewide consortium of public and academic libraries across California and Nevada, as well as the San Diego Circuit regional lending network. With a valid SDPL library card you can request physical items not held locally at no charge, delivered to North Park for pickup.
✎ Notice something out of date? Suggest a correction and we’ll verify and update it.