We've tried every trick in the book to get you to explore some of the neatest finds in San Diego. This week, we'll try something that speaks volumes for how libraries can stretch our minds and change our views.

We'll reserve our point-of-view on the future of libraries and their role in our neighborhoods. In 2009, libraries, though struggling financially, do serve a need and hold a special place in the hearts of their patrons. Libraries, as most of you know, provide more than a selection of books. In many places, the library is the backbone of the community. We want to tell you about two libraries that offer something special.

Encinitas Library

Just up the coast from San Diego is the Encinitas Library. As if this new, beautiful, contemporary library isn't eye-catching enough from the outside, step inside and you'll appreciate the $20 million dollars invested into this 27,000-square-foot library building. You'll be in awe.

Walk into the Encinitas library and it is not the bookstacks that grab your attention. It isn't even the size of the place. The centerpiece to this library is the fantastic view of the Pacific Ocean. Second to that is the 2,200-square-foot balcony all along the west side of the building. The balcony opens up the stillness of a library to the outside western breezes and the over-sized, panoramic view of the ocean less than one-mile away. This library could inspire anyone to study, work, or just have a cup of coffee and enjoy the view. If you are into architecture, you'll love this building.

Anyone can drive to the Encinitas library, but what is more fun, periodically, is to take the Coaster commuter train. As a point of reference, exit the Encinitas Station and walk up the short hill, past Encinitas City Hall and enter the parking lot just above City Hall.

Mission Valley Library - Children's Garden

For those who live in the North County or are visitors to San Diego, another library that has made a name for itself is the Mission Valley Library in the Costco/IKEA/Lowe's parking lot. This $7 million library is almost 20,000-square-feet. While both libraries have won awards, the Mission Valley Library has won awards for the incorporation of public art in the project.

Mission Valley Library

Still, one of the best features of this library isn't that it serves as a quiet escape from the 'big box' stores that surround it. The Mission Valley Library has two outdoor areas for library visitors to enjoy. The outdoor patio along the side of the building has a children's garden and seating area. The second-level outdoor balcony or mezzanine to the back of the library offers a view of the San Diego River and traces of Mission Valley's rural past.

If you're curious, you can also ride the rails to Mission Valley Library. The San Diego Trolley San Diego Trolley-"Green Line" makes a station stop just outside the building at the Fenton Marketplace station.

Mission Valley Library - Patio

When you think about libraries, you can't judge a book by its cover. Each holds within its walls something for everyone. We need our libraries, and more than ever, our libraries need us take to advantage of the world of knowledge they provide to each and every one of us, no questions asked. In our book, these two libraries open their doors to our humanity and to the natural environment just beyond their windows.

Check out the Mission Valley and Encinitas libraries.

Encinitas Branch Library
540 Cornish Drive
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 753-7376?

View Larger Map

Mission Valley Library
2123 Fenton Parkway, San Diego, CA 92108-4739
(858) 573-5007

View Larger Map