Educational Apps for Kids

Learn from home by downloading any of these fun, engaging apps for children of all ages on your cell phone or tablet!

Click here for a complete list of educational apps, which are also included on the library's iPad station known as the Krayon Kiosk.

Take advantage of our Online Resources now!

The San Diego Public Library provides physical books and enriching programs, but is also the electronic repository for a large array of  downloadable eBooks, eAudio books, periodicals and educational programs for children and adults. These electronic resources are accessible even when the library is closed...and these resources can be a savior from boredom as we experience this temporary shut-down.

Go to the San Diego Public Library's main website and click on eLibrary:

https://www.sandiego.gov/public-library/elibrary

For example, if you are looking for a eBook, click on the first tab under "Databases" which is "Books + Literature". This will take you to information on the various formats such as cloudLibrary along with videos explaining how each format works. If you want to read on your phone or other device, download the app then browse the selection of books. You will need your library login and your library card number.

There are "How To" videos for the various databases, so please check out all of the online resources at your disposal!

The La Jolla Library Art committee is pleased to announce an upcoming exhibit of contemporary art by two artists Kathy Schumacher and Krista Schumacher. The working title of the exhibit is Connected: Two Artists, Two Coasts.

Krista Schumacher is an artist based here in La Jolla and Kathy Schumacher is an artist based in Florida.   You may have seen some of their works exhibited or some of the press they have received.  Their art has been featured at events in southern California such as Ferrari of San Diego and the LJ Art Festival as well as events from coast to coast.  They have received a lot of great press over the years and are really taking off, so we feel fortunate to have the opportunity to have their work exhibited at the library this year.

There will be approximately 30 works of art from representational florals to abstract landscapes. Many capture coastal themes.  All works will be oil on canvas  -- some small (12” x 12”) and some large (36” x 48”) and will range in prices from $400 to $5,750.  The exhibit will be up from February 6 - April 22.  

The reception will be Sunday, February 23, 2-4pm. 

Student Essay Contest is Now Open!

The annual Friends of La Jolla/Riford Library Student Essay Contest is now open to all students in 4th grade.

Take up your pen, polish your writing skills and enter to win. Topic: Tell us about your favorite book and how it has had a personal imapact on your life. How did it impact you and why? Top essays will be invited to an award ceremony in spring 2020. Winners receive gift cards & more!  Deadline is 6:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, 2019.

Please feel free to share with 4th grade teachers and families. The entry form and essay prompt linked below.

2019_Essay_Contest_Entry_Form.pdf

Sensory Storytime Makes its Way to the La Jolla Library

Books, songs, and props. A storyteller and children. On the surface, it reads much like a traditional story time. Yet this program will take place in the Seminar Room, where a separate area in a corner of the room will be designated for anyone needing a break. The lights will also be dimmed more than usual. The idea is to reduce surrounding stimuli so the focus can be on the storytelling. The goal? To create the kind of story time all children can attend and participate in, including children with autism. 

Bill Mallory, Branch Manager at La Jolla/Riford Library, called for the program, which is similar to the Sensory Storytime offered at San Diego Public Library’s Central Branch.  The difference is this program will more overtly cater to children on the autism spectrum. “It’s not that common,” said Mallory. “But I see a need for a program designed with children on the spectrum in mind. We want parents and caregivers to feel comfortable coming to the library.”  

For months, Mallory studied recommended structural guidelines and prepared for the launch of this new program with targeted marketing efforts. According to facts compiled by Rady Children’s Hospital, an estimated one in 59 children are on the spectrum with autism. In a bibliographic era calling for more inclusion, Sensory Storytime fits perfectly. The best part, Mallory said, is that every child will be made to feel welcome. “We just want kids to be engaged and have fun,” he emphasized.

Sensory Storytime will be held monthly beginning on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at noon. A storyteller will lead the hour-long program in the Seminar Room of the La Jolla/Riford Library.

IDEA LAB OPENING

Did you know?

The La Jolla/Riford Library boasts what is quite possibly the first biology lab inside a public library anywhere in the world. It contains everything required for the majority of molecular biology techniques, such as a thermal cycler, gel electrophoresis, and centrifuge. Thanks to the camera connected to one of the lab microscopes, students can view their slides up on the TV or on a computer screen, take images, and conduct more in-depth analysis of microscope slides. 

At the new space’s grand opening, Congressman Scott Peters bestowed it with a congressional proclamation! As he put it, the lab is “a reflection of the bio-tech industry in La Jolla and makes emerging technology accessible to anybody.”

Summer Camp!

The first summer camp at the bio-lab was a Hands-On Genetic Modification workshop aimed to teach children and their parents about cells, DNA, DNA replication, and PCR. These experiments were completed with a bacterial transformation (introduction of foreign DNA), which caused the bacteria to glow when exposed to UV light.

Explore the Idea Lab

The Idea Lab at the La Jolla/Riford Library is open to “any member of the community who is curious about science or has an idea they want to try out.” Those are the words of Callen Hyland, a Senior Research Scientist at the University of San Diego and one of the lab’s passionate volunteers. Since the Idea Lab’s grand opening on May 25, 2019, volunteers and patrons have made excellent use of the signature space. The lab has three main aspects—a community biology lab, a 3D printer lab, and two brand new Mac computers equipped to edit digitized photos and videos (such as what you’ve digitized in the Memory Lab!).

Hours of Operation

The bio lab is accessible to registrants from the public during scheduled weekend workshops and by appointment only. The 3D printer lab and memory lab are open whenever a volunteer is present. Check here for information on service hours and upcoming workshops and unleash the citizen scientist in you!