Between the shelves, the Pacific Beach / Taylor Library contains books, technology, and friendships.

Today’s libraries are more than just homes for books. Reading, activities, learning, and even friendships occur between bookshelves.

Located on Pacific Beach, the Earl and Birdie Taylor Library is essential for those whose beautiful environment, unique buildings, and friendly staff depend on everything from internet services to the release of the latest books.

And the library, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, has also played a role in developing the character of Pacific Beach.

“Our PB library has changed and grown significantly as our community has changed and grown,” said Christina Wainwright, branch manager of the PB library since 2007.

The original PB library, founded in 1914, was just a few bookshelves in the lobby of the former PB Women’s Club on 1721 Hornblende Street. This bookshelf remained in place for 30 years.

As the need for libraries increased, in 1944 the 4516 Ingraham St. rental facility became the following location:

According to Wayne Wright, the library’s bond issuance in 1949 brought breakthroughs to the construction of a permanent building that opened on September 18, 1951 at 4606 Ingraham St. The original 2,880 square feet of the building was expanded to 7,210 square feet in 1965.

When Martha Farnam Elementary School was closed in 1987, the Taylors donated $ 1.25 million for the city’s $ 3 million for a new library site in the district that houses the school. In 1995, the Taylors donated an additional $ 2.5 million to build the Earl and Birdie Taylor Library. Located on 4275 Cass St., the 12,484-square-foot building opened on May 3, 1997.

Grand opening of PB / Taylor Branch Library held on May 3, 1997. From left, Anna Tatar (before she became a librarian), Mayor of San Diego Susan Golding, Mary Taylor, and Vernon Taylor.

(Courtesy of the San Diego Public Library Collection)

“Earl and Birdie Taylor were the parents of Van and Elma Taylor who bought the land with the building and made this wonderful gift that we all enjoy,” Wainwright said. “Their parents were early developers of PB real estate. They took their children to a small library in Hornblende.”

One of the 35 branches of the San Diego Public Library System, the PB / Taylor Library includes 5 full-time staff, 8 part-time staff, and a large number of volunteers.

“During the pandemic, volunteers were not allowed to enter the building,” Wainwright said. “We’re just starting to bring back volunteers. There are some things that can help us work with the library, such as getting a hold list. This usually exceeds 100 items per day. Other volunteers have special events and I may help with other one-off things. “

Friends, a non-profit volunteer at the Pacific Beach Library, also play a major role in supporting fundraising through book sales and other events. According to President Sylvia Wackerman, this group has been around for at least 30 years.

“If you like books, I want people to bring them. Our little store is like a rescue ground,” she said, referring to a second-hand bookstore run by Friends.

“Our store is open Monday and Wednesday from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, two days a week, and volunteers work two hours in shifts. Magazines, calendars, cards, DVDs, and even record boards. We sell books and related products donated by the community, “says Wackerman.

It is also open on Saturday morning in the square facing Cass Street.

Wackerman described the PB community as “very generous” and donated a lot of books in a very good way.

“The fun part is that everything we get is what we process and sell, and it’s completely random. Usually we want people to read, so we We keep the price of books to a minimum, “she added.

Many books cost $ 1 and often have coupons available for children to receive free books.

According to Wackerman, Friends want more volunteers, so the store will be more open. For more information, please visit pblibraryfriends.org.

Friends will fund the library’s summer concert series from the money they earn from selling books and other fundraising activities, and donate $ 500 per event. We also provide light meals and other items as needed.

Want to visit?

Pacific Beach / Taylor Library

address: 4275 Cass St., Pacific Beach

time: Tuesday from 11:30 am to 8:00 pm. Wednesday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Website: sandiegolibrary.org

phone: 858-581-9934

Wackerman said he had been with Friends for about five years, but some volunteers have been with them for 10 to 15 years.

“If you want to be a happy place with book-loving volunteers, this is a really fun place,” she said. “It’s a good place to discuss books, writers, what people are reading and what they are interested in.”

To the east of the library, Taylor Green Park is surrounded by a beautiful square with stone seats and trees. Concerts and other programs are held during the summer.

The park is the only park managed by the San Diego Public Library, and the Taylor Library can plan indoor and outdoor programs and events.

From mid-May to September, an outdoor concert is held on the second Saturday of every month.

“In June, we’ll be hosting the Martin Luther King Community Choir in San Diego. They’re great,” Wainwright said. “Previously, their choir was so big that they could only host a limited number of choir members. The concerts are held outdoors, so we hope all the members and more guests can attend. I am. “

Su Palmer and Liz Ajuzi will appear in July, Alison Adams Tucker Trio will appear in August, and Benedetti Trio will conclude the series in September. Visit pblibraryfriends.org/concert.htm for schedules and times.

As part of the National Night Out, Encanto will be screened as a free movie in the park on August 2.

Other events include Halloween Spooktacular and the annual Beachfest.

The library building itself resembles a giant nautilus shell.

The shell motif is best seen from above, but the open and airy design of the building and the many windows help create a natural atmosphere that connects the library to the park setting and the entire beach community. The architect manual Oncina designed the building in its unique shape.

“There are nautilus shapes everywhere,” Wainwright said. “I don’t know from inside the building, but the shape is repeated several times outside, from the parking lot to the site.”

Christina Wainwright, Pacific Beach / Taylor Branch Library Manager since 2007.

(R. Rosas)

The main circular indoor areas include adult reading, audiovisual, reference, children’s areas, and stack and circulation desks. The rest of the building has a large patio, community meeting room / art gallery, and staff wings. There are friends in the lounge, office, work area and library.

The bookshelf is packed with everything from fiction and non-fiction to biographies, large prints, references, foreign languages, children’s and adults’ books. The New Books section is especially popular.

In addition to traditional books, patrons can check out and download eAudiobooks and eBooks, as well as CD and MP3 audiobooks. DVD movies are available and the library database is accessible to library cardholders.

“Our online catalog allows people to search for items. Request what to send. Download movies, books and documentaries. Take both academic and fun courses,” Wainwright said. Mr. says. “If you’re just checking books in the library, you often don’t realize that you have a lot of other fun.”

The Express Collection is a popular book title and DVD browsing collection. These items are not listed in the library catalog, but you can check them out for free, just like regular books. Holds are not allowed.

The meeting room can accommodate up to 95 people. When not used for an event, Taylor Gallery rotates art exhibitions every few months.

One of the largest library-sponsored groups is the PB Library Book Discussion Group. An informal forum designed for adult readers meets once a month to discuss selected books.

According to Wainwright, the group is unique in that members choose books and vote for the most interesting titles.

“Anyone can join the group,” she said. “We choose titles that people can get from the library without having to buy them. Discussions are hybrid, both face-to-face and virtual.

“What I like about this group is that I often read books that I shouldn’t have chosen,” Wainwright added. “Usually after discussions, I am very grateful for the book. It really helps me to get better involved with the book.”

The quiet area houses the library’s collection of magazines and newspapers. In addition to physical magazines, you can also download and check out the online version.

Nowadays, computers are often needed at home, school, and office, and the library’s computer area has 16 computers connected to the Internet, which can be used for up to an hour each turn. Your personal device has free Wi-Fi access. Youth can access three computers in the children’s area for homework and games.

The children’s area also has books, paperbacks, magazines, audiobooks and DVDs. Children’s librarian Rebecca Smith leads outdoor children’s events such as toddler dance parties and storytime Wednesday mornings.

While clowns, music and animal shows are all enjoyed as part of a children’s event, programs with math, science and other educational elements are held for older youth.

Events such as the Summer Reading Program are popular with all age groups.

“The summer reading program has been part of the library’s offerings for many years,” Wainwright said.

The program runs from June 1st to August 31st and offers prizes such as a museum pass for children, teens and adults. The theme is “Read beyond the beaten road”. People of all ages, from infants to adults, can win prizes by logging (or reading) 10 books.

“We want people to continue reading, not just for kids, but during the summer. It helps keep everyone sharp,” she said.

A new feature of the library is the ability to check out Wi-Fi hotspots for up to 3 months. Wainwright said all spots are currently checked out, but she wants to buy more.

Another new feature is a state-wide free parking pass for state parks. You can also book a specific time pass for attractions around the county, such as the San Diego Zoo and various museums.

Wainwright and Wackerman’s enthusiasm for the PB library and community is contagious, and both women encourage residents to stop by for updates.

“Many of our private label residents have moved, but whenever they’re in town, they come back to our library,” Wackerman said. “They always ask us what we have now and what is new.”