Tag: reading

12 Favorite Places in San Diego to Read and Write.

The spacious Reading Room at downtown San Diego's Central Library.
The spacious Reading Room at downtown San Diego’s Central Library.

Do you love to read or write? I have a number of favorite locations in San Diego where I can pick up a book or pen while enjoying a pleasant view and relative peace. I find these places to be comfortable, inspiring and expansive for the mind. But, of course, my list is completely subjective. One can find countless benches, tables, parks and beaches in sunny San Diego.

Some readers and writers might like to place themselves in a coffee shop, or at the center of a bustling scene. Others might like to be surrounded by natural or artistic beauty. Others simply want solitude. Personally, I prefer the latter two–with a bustling scene in the quiet distance, perhaps.

Here are my 12 favorite spots, in no particular order:

San Diego Central Library’s amazing Reading Room. (See the above photo.)

Downtown San Diego’s large new Central Library is just a wonderful place all around. But perhaps its best feature is a gigantic eighth floor Reading Room, crowned by the building’s fantastic lattice dome. Comfortable sofas and easy chairs allow patrons to gaze through enormous windows out toward San Diego’s South Bay. And the Reading Room is so nice and quiet.

Benches can be found overlooking moored boats in San Diego Bay's Crescent Area.
Benches can be found overlooking moored boats in San Diego Bay’s Crescent Area.

Any bench near the water in San Diego Bay’s Crescent Area.

If you don’t mind the occasional company of homeless people, San Diego Bay’s Crescent Area is a fine place to stretch one’s legs and mind. It’s a not-very-touristy stretch between the Grape Street Pier and the Coast Guard Station, with a number of comfortable wooden benches facing picturesque boats moored in the bay. Bicyclists and joggers pass by frequently and gulls and pigeons swing by for an occasional visit. The wide view, stretching across the bay to Point Loma, always puts me in a thoughtful mood.

Picnic benches at Embarcadero Marina Park North offer views of sparkling San Diego Bay.
Picnic tables at Embarcadero Marina Park North offer views of sparkling San Diego Bay.

Picnic tables near the water at Embarcadero Marina Park North.

When writing, I like mental peace. I find this state of mind can be most easily reached inside a happy, carefree atmosphere. So I often seek out an available picnic table near the water at Embarcadero Marina Park North. The blue bay sparkles, boats sail past serenely, families laugh on the grass, colorful kites glide overhead. Sometimes I just sit and do nothing.

Several tables are usually open on the deck of the Inamori Pavilion at the Japanese Friendship Garden.
Several tables are usually open on the deck of the Inamori Pavilion at the Japanese Friendship Garden.

The Inamori Pavilion at the Japanese Friendship Garden.

Would you like to sit at a table overlooking a tranquil koi pond and waterfall? I would! That’s why I have become a member of the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park. I wrote two short stories recently while sitting at one table. They are titled An Old Man on a Bus and Waterfall Tears.

You'll likely find solitude in the beautiful Administrative Courtyard in Balboa Park.
You’ll likely find solitude in the beautiful Administrative Courtyard in Balboa Park.

The little-known Administrative Courtyard in Balboa Park.

I discovered this perfect, blissful park a couple of years ago. It’s called the Balboa Park Administrative Building Courtyard and it’s located in the park’s Inspiration Point area, behind the Balboa Park Administration Building. Almost nobody goes there. You might have the entire beautiful place all to yourself. A perfect sunny place to really concentrate.

Shelter Island offers shade, grass, trees, and wide views of San Diego Bay and the downtown skyline.
Shelter Island offers shade, grass, trees, and wide views of San Diego Bay and the downtown skyline.

A bench, a picnic table or the grass on Shelter Island.

I love Shelter Island–especially the southwest end. Few tourists, great views, grassy lawns, a wonderful pier. When I walk along the park-like paths I feel as though I’m on vacation. Many benches and picnic tables along the length of Shelter Island make ideal places to read or write. Or just bring a blanket and lie down on the grass. It’s so pleasant you might fall asleep!

The area around La Jolla Cove is so beautiful, you might just sit in one spot and take in the scenery.
The area around La Jolla Cove is so magnificent, you might do nothing but sit in one spot for a long while, taking in the scenery.

A spot near the ocean at Ellen Browning Scripps Park in La Jolla.

When you’re visiting one of the most beautiful locations in the world, of course you’ll feel inspired. After finding a spot to read or write for a bit, get up and walk along the cliffs. Breathe in the fresh sea air. Watch birds, seals and the endlessly crashing waves. You’ll feel so alive.

Many picnic tables are often unused at Silver Strand State Beach. An ideal spot to quietly read or write.
Many picnic tables are often unused at Silver Strand State Beach. An ideal spot to quietly read or write.

An isolated picnic table at Silver Strand State Beach.

Silver Strand State Beach can be lonely, especially off-season and on the San Diego Bay side. There are usually dozens and dozens of picnic tables that are empty. Walk or pedal down the Silver Strand bike path, perhaps, and rest for awhile at a table. Then take out a book or your laptop or notepad. If you’d like to get up and stretch your legs, walk under the highway to the Pacific Ocean side, take your shoes off, walk on the beach and watch kitesurfers.

Sit atop the OB Pier high above the swelling blue ocean and you're certain to feel inspired and alive.
Sit near the end of the OB Pier high above the swelling blue ocean and you’re certain to feel inspired and alive.

Any bench above the water on the Ocean Beach Pier.

Sit on a bench out on the long Ocean Beach Pier and you’ll feel that you’re far from land–in a magical place between airy blue heaven and the rolling, living blue water below. When you glance up from your book or laptop, you’ll see fishermen sharing the rail with patient pelicans, and surfers bobbing below waiting for their perfect wave. But bring a jacket. The ocean wind can be chilly, even in summer.

Many benches await thinkers, dreamers, readers and writers at Spanish Landing in San Diego.
Many benches await thinkers, dreamers, readers and writers at Spanish Landing in San Diego.

A spot beside San Diego Bay at Spanish Landing.

This is another fine place to sit by the water. Spanish Landing is an uncrowded retreat from city life with a view of the marinas behind Harbor Island. You might hear aircraft taking off from nearby Lindbergh Field, but I seldom notice. There are many benches along the grassy park to choose from. Here you can also read interesting historical markers. With a little imagination, you might visualize Spanish explorers landing here many centuries ago.

One of the many beautiful, peaceful spots that can be found throughout Liberty Station.
One of the many beautiful, peaceful spots that can be found throughout Liberty Station.

Any bench at Liberty Station, particularly by the boat channel.

Liberty Station has many walking paths and benches where anyone can sit down to think or simply relax. My favorite spots overlook the boat channel. Light twinkles from the water, the breeze is pleasant, and paddleboarders and kayakers occasionally coast on by. There’s no hurry to do anything. If I write or read just a few words, I’m happy.

There are a couple of hidden benches not far from here in Balboa Park! Perfect for writers who like to observe people!
There are a couple of hidden benches not far from here in Balboa Park! Perfect for writers who like to observe people!

A hidden bench beside the Timken Museum of Art.

Against the north wall of the Timken Museum in Balboa Park, tucked behind a few trees, you’ll discover a couple of hard concrete benches. During a hot summer day they are so nice and cool! One can peer between foliage at the grassy area near the Botanical Building and reflecting pool, where people play, picnic and walk dogs. It’s like your own secret space in green heaven. But bring a seat cushion if you sit there for long!

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Where are your favorite places to read or write? Leave a comment!

All of these photos are from Cool San Diego Sights. To see thousands of images from all around San Diego, simply navigate about my website!

Do you enjoy reading philosophical short works of fiction? You might enjoy visiting Short Stories by Richard!

Make a “lending library” box for your community!

A simple, homemade lending library box next to somebody's front yard in Crown Point, a neighborhood on Mission Bay. Leave a book or take one!
A simple, homemade lending library box next to somebody’s front yard in Crown Point, a neighborhood on Mission Bay. Leave a book or take one!

Here’s a cool idea that almost anyone can bring to life!

Once in a while, as I walk about, I notice cabinet-like wooden boxes on neighborhood streets that are filled with books. They’re usually placed near a sidewalk–a spot that anybody passing by can easily reach. These community “lending library” boxes are filled with used books, magazines and other reading material that neighbors can freely borrow and return when they please. Anybody can add to the small library. Now that’s very cool!

Here are photos of several boxes I’ve come across. Their designs appear to be rather simple. They can be built however one likes, as long as the shelves are visible and sheltered from the elements. And they can be painted creatively!

Does your neighborhood have a “lending library” book box? Looks like a fun, inspirational project! It enriches the life of your community and promotes literacy!

A lending library book box built like a cabinet along the Fifth Avenue sidewalk on Bankers Hill. The contents are always changing. Today the shelves were almost empty!
A lending library book box built like a two-door cabinet along a sidewalk in San Diego. The contents are always changing. Today the shelves were almost empty!
This fancy book box has a sliding glass door and sloped roof. You can find this tiny library at the east end of the Quince Street Trestle pedestrian bridge in Bankers Hill.
This fancy book box has a sliding glass door and sloped roof. You can find this tiny library at the east end of the Quince Street Trestle pedestrian bridge in Bankers Hill!
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If you’re feeling really creative, you could make an imaginative “Little Free Library” like this!
A lending box created by Boy Scouts and the Friends of the Coronado Public Library.
A lending box created by Boy Scouts and the Friends of the Coronado Public Library.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

To read a few short works of fiction that I’ve written, visit my special writing blog Short Stories by Richard!

Wise words inspire readers at the San Diego Library.

We read to know we are not alone. Wise words inscribed in the San Diego Central Library's large, friendly Reading Room.
We read to know we are not alone. Wise words inscribed in the San Diego Central Library’s large, friendly Reading Room.

Many wise words are digested by hungry minds at the San Diego Public Library. At the Central Library in downtown San Diego, wise sayings and phrases are inscribed upon the building itself. One must simply open eyes to find inspiration.

The three most important documents a free society gives are a birth certificate, a passport, and a library card.
The three most important documents a free society gives are a birth certificate, a passport, and a library card.
If there's a book you really want to read but hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.
If there’s a book you really want to read but hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.
We will be known forever by the tracks we leave. A San Diego Trolley passes some wisdom written on the east side of the downtown public library.
We will be known forever by the tracks we leave. A San Diego Trolley heads down tracks past some wisdom written on the east side of the downtown public library.
Yo que me figuraba el paraiso bajo la especie de una biblioteca. From Poem of the Gifts, by Jorge Luis Borges . . . I who had always thought of Paradise in form and image as a library . . .
Yo que me figuraba el paraiso bajo la especie de una biblioteca. From Poem of the Gifts, by Jorge Luis Borges . . . I who had always thought of Paradise in form and image as a library . . .
It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it.
It is what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it.
I go into my library and all history unrolls before me.
I go into my library and all history unrolls before me.
Words inscribed on steps leading to the San Diego Central Library. A portion of Maya Angelou's On the Pulse of Morning, a poem read during the 1993 Presidential Inauguration.
Words inscribed on steps leading to the San Diego Central Library. A portion of Maya Angelou’s On the Pulse of Morning, a poem read during the 1993 Presidential Inauguration.

Women, children, men, take it into the palms of your hands, mold it into the shape of your most private need. Sculpt it into the image of your most public self. Lift up your hearts. Each new hour holds new chances for new beginning.

A trolley heads down Park Boulevard past a series of wise sayings and phrases concerning books, libraries and the written word.
A trolley heads down Park Boulevard past a series of wise sayings and phrases concerning books, libraries and the written word.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

To read a few short stories I’ve written, click Short Stories by Richard.

New mural painted on Union-Tribune building.

A new mural is being painted on the north side of 600 B Street, the new home of the San Diego Union Tribune. It depicts a man sitting on a wall reading a newspaper. Loose windblown pages transform into colorful butterflies.
Mural painted on the north side of 600 B Street, home of the San Diego Union Tribune. It depicts a man sitting on an actual wall reading a newspaper. Loose windblown pages transform into colorful butterflies.

A mural is being painted on the north side of the building at 600 B Street, a high-rise that is the new home of the San Diego Union-Tribune newspaper. The large mural overlooks a fenced park-like space that once was the playground for a downtown child care center.

I saw the colorful new mural behind scaffolding this morning while walking to a nearby trolley station. The artwork cleverly depicts a person reading a newspaper, while “sitting” on a wall that juts from the building. The man doesn’t seem to notice that windblown pages are rising skyward, transforming into butterflies.

The image is quaint, almost nostalgic, as if it were lifted from the pages of a treasured children’s book. Undoubtedly the San Diego Union-Tribune is the inspiration for this mural. It’s a funny choice of images, considering the fact that physical newspapers seem to be gradually fading away. But whatever the digital age might bring, the written word, like language itself, will live on…

UPDATE!

Here’s a photo I took after the mural was completed:

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

To read a few stories I’ve written, visit Short Stories by Richard.

Roald Dahl celebrated in San Diego’s Balboa Park!

Families are entertained by a story box rendition of The Magic Finger during the Roald Dahl celebration in Balboa Park.
Families are entertained by a story box rendition of The Magic Finger during the Roald Dahl celebration in Balboa Park.

Author Roald Dahl was celebrated today in Balboa Park! Who is Roald Dahl? He was the amazing writer who gave the world Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, The BFG, Fantastic Mr. Fox, Matilda, The Witches . . . and many other extraordinary stories that have been enjoyed by millions of children and adults.

Roald Dahl, who would have been a hundred years old this year, is being honored around the world in September, and Balboa Park had its own very special celebration today. The good people of Write Out Loud put the whole thing together. You might have seen my posts about various other events Write Out Loud has organized, including TwainFest in Old Town and the Moby Dick Reading Marathon on the tall ship Star of India.

I took a few photos while wandering about Balboa Park, but the most colorful ones show the story box reading of The Magic Finger on the patio outside the House of England. By the way, the story box is a form of street theatre in Japan, where it is known as Kamishibai.

Celebrating 100 years of the beloved storyteller Roald Dahl. Many readings, screenings and activities could be found around Balboa Park during this special day.
Celebrating 100 years of the beloved storyteller Roald Dahl. Many readings, screenings and activities could be found around Balboa Park during this special day.
People converge on the House of England in Balboa Park to listen to a story box telling of Dahl's fun story The Magic Finger.
People converge on the House of England in Balboa Park to listen to a story box telling of Dahl’s fun story The Magic Finger.
A good number of people, young and old, gather minutes before the reading begins. A small crowd stood off to one side.
A good number of people, young and old, gather minutes before the reading begins. A small crowd stood off to one side.
Inside the House of England, a special display provides details about Roald Dahl's life, writing and philosophy.
Inside the House of England, a special display provides details about Roald Dahl’s life, his writing and philosophy.
...Go throw your TV set away, and in its place you can install, a lovely bookcase on the wall. Roald Dahl
. . . Go throw your TV set away, and in its place you can install, a lovely bookcase on the wall. Roald Dahl
...If you have good thoughts it will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely. Roald Dahl
. . . If you have good thoughts it will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely. Roald Dahl
While I stood waiting outside the House of England among Balboa Park's International Cottages, I snapped this photo of a beautiful rose.
While I stood waiting outside the House of England among Balboa Park’s International Cottages, I snapped this photo of a beautiful rose.
Okay! The story is now underway! The young heroine has a magic finger which is activated when she sees red.
Okay! The story is now underway! The young heroine has a magic finger which is activated when she sees red.
Uh, oh! She's about to use her magic finger on a foul, nasty teacher!
Uh, oh! She’s about to use her magic finger on that foul, nasty teacher!  The teacher grows fur and a tail!
A joyful story box rendition of a clever, inventive Roald Dahl work of short fiction for children.
A joyful story box rendition of a clever, inventive Roald Dahl work of short fiction for children.
Those who don't believe in magic will never find it. Roald Dahl
Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it. Roald Dahl

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

I like to write short fiction, too! To read a few of my stories, please visit my other blog Short Stories by Richard.

Alice pops out of rabbit hole at San Diego County Fair!

Just inside the O'Brien Gate at the 2016 San Diego County Fair. This year's theme is Alice in Wonderland.
Just inside the O’Brien Gate at the 2016 San Diego County Fair. This year’s theme is Alice in Wonderland.

I have photographic proof that Alice has popped back out of the rabbit hole. In fact, she has emerged from Wonderland only to find herself smack dab in the middle of the San Diego County Fair!

Yes, the slogan this year is “Mad About the Fair.” And should you head up to Del Mar and purchase a ticket, you’ll find yourself among thousands of San Diegans enjoying scenes and characters from the classic children’s book Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by the immortal author Lewis Carroll.

The San Diego County Fair is a wonderful place to enjoy a lazy summer’s day no matter what the theme. You can eat deep fried Twinkies, take a ride in the Fun Zone, toss a ring at a bottle, and see all sorts of cool performances, craft exhibits and livestock. But this year it might be better than ever. Alice in Wonderland is just too much fun.

Walking down the good old midway. Once known as the Del Mar Fair, the county fair is a wildly popular summer attraction in Southern California.
Walking down the good old midway. Once known as the Del Mar Fair, the county fair is a wildly popular summer attraction in Southern California.
There's a White Rabbit walking along! Don't follow him! You don't know where he might lead!
There’s a White Rabbit walking along! Don’t follow him! You don’t know where he might lead!
Alice falls down the rabbit hole. One of many outstanding works of art by high school students displayed at the San Diego County Fair.
Alice falls down the rabbit hole. One of many outstanding works of art by high school students displayed at the San Diego County Fair.
A high school pencil drawing of an imaginative Wonderland.
A high school pencil drawing of an imaginative Wonderland.
A first place winner at the San Diego County Fair. This student created a very nice visual composition.
A first place winner at the San Diego County Fair. This student created a very nice visual composition.
More great art. Alice tries to make her way through endless weirdness and absurdity.
More fantastic art. Alice tries to make her way through endless weirdness and absurdity.
One of many fun displays outside at the Paul Ecke Jr. Garden Show. I see the grinning Cheshire Cat and all sorts of other Alice and Wonderland stuff.
One of many fun displays outside at the Paul Ecke Jr. Garden Show. I see the grinning Cheshire Cat and all sorts of other Alice in Wonderland stuff.
Some steampunk contraptions at the outdoor garden show. I see a cool steampunk washing machine and a weird metal Mad Hatter taking a shower.
Some steampunk contraptions at the outdoor garden show. I see a cool steampunk washing machine and a weird metal Mad Hatter taking a shower.
Another fun entry at the garden show. These gardens seem to contain many teacups and mushrooms.
Another fun entry at the garden show. These gardens seem to contain many teacups and mushrooms.
Flowers, butterflies and trees shaped like hearts, diamonds, spades and clubs.
Flowers, butterflies and trees shaped like hearts, diamonds, spades and clubs.
The Queen of Hearts wants people to have their photo taken here. Or it's off with their heads, I suppose.
The Queen of Hearts wants people to have their photo taken here. Or it’s off with their heads, I suppose.
It's Tweedledum and Tweedledee. They're from the sequel to Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, the equally classic Through the Looking-Glass.
It’s Tweedledum and Tweedledee. They’re from the sequel to Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, the equally classic Through the Looking-Glass.
Some more fun Alice in Wonderland pottery characters created by The Madd Potter.
Some more fun Alice in Wonderland pottery characters created by The Madd Potter.
A long colorful mural above some fair vendors depicts beloved characters created by Lewis Carroll. Their appearance has evolved due to popular culture and now incorporate steampunk elements like goggles.
A long colorful mural above some fair vendors depicts beloved characters created by Lewis Carroll. Their appearance has evolved due to popular culture and now incorporate steampunk elements like goggles.
Alice plays flamingo croquet in a fantasy world full of rampant irrationality and nonsense.
Alice plays flamingo croquet in a fantasy world full of rampant irrationality and nonsense.
Even the Cheshire Cat has gone steampunk!
Even the Cheshire Cat has gone steampunk!
Get ready to enter the Mad About the Fair exhibit. It's dark inside, so many photos didn't turn out so good.
Get ready to enter the Mad About the Fair exhibit. It’s dark inside, so many photos didn’t turn out so good.
I've spotted Alice! She's passing a huge hat possibly worn by The Hatter.
I’ve spotted Alice! She’s passing a huge hat possibly worn by The Hatter. He must have one huge head.
One display highlights differently illustrated Alice's Adventures in Wonderland books over the years. Some are imaginative adaptions or interpretations.
One display highlights differently illustrated Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland books over the years. Some are imaginative adaptations or interpretations.
A super long table in the exhibit was set for an epic tea party!
A super long table in the exhibit was set for an epic tea party!
A whole variety of displays paid homage to the Steampunk genre. Here are some Victorian ladies in cool steampunk top hats.
A whole variety of displays paid homage to the Steampunk genre. Here are some Victorian ladies in cool steampunk top hats.
A very cool steampunk mechanical man made of brass gears, with a glass globe for its head.
A very cool steampunk mechanical man made of brass gears, with a glass globe for its head.
Clocks seem to be a common Wonderland motif. All sorts of fun old clocks were displayed on this wall. I didn't see the White Rabbit's pocket watch.
Clocks seem to be a common Wonderland motif. All sorts of fun old clocks were displayed on this wall. I didn’t see the White Rabbit’s pocket watch.
The cool artwork of singing legend Grace Slick was on display! You might remember the Jefferson Airplane smash hit White Rabbit.
The cool artwork of singing legend Grace Slick was on display! You might remember the Jefferson Airplane smash hit White Rabbit.
The White Rabbit represents curiosity--always in a hurry and just out of reach. He is a moving mystery.
The White Rabbit represents curiosity–always in a hurry and just out of reach. He is a moving mystery.
Alice awaits at the 2016 San Diego County Fair. Follow her back down into the rabbit hole, if you dare!
Alice awaits at the 2016 San Diego County Fair. Follow her back down into the rabbit hole, if you dare!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Do you like to read short pieces of very imaginative, thought-provoking fiction? You might enjoy checking out Short Stories by Richard.

Harebrained prose causing snorts of delight!

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Would you like to read a few absurd short stories?  Do you like to laugh? Then click here!

Shakespeare’s First Folio exhibit coming to San Diego!

William Shakespeare

I learned something extraordinary today!

From June 4 to July 7, free to the public, an authentic First Folio of William Shakespeare will be on display at the San Diego Central Library downtown, in their 9th floor art gallery!

Here’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see a very rare First Folio, containing some the most important works of English and World Literature ever penned! The book will be opened at Hamlet’s famous line “To be or not to be” — and unquestionably many eyes will read it! In addition, the exhibition will include other material concerning Shakespeare, his history and his work. There will also be interesting items from the world-famous Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park, including Shakespearean props, costumes and photographs of past theatrical productions.

The First Folio is on tour from the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C. The special exhibition is in honor of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.

But that’s not all! Throughout this spring and summer, over the course of several months, the Old Globe Theatre and the San Diego Public Library will be teaming up with various schools and organizations to bring our city a whole slew of exciting activities celebrating William Shakespeare. There are plays, recitations, lectures, reenactments, games, film screenings, teas and a whole bunch more. Many of the activities will be held at different libraries around the city. It’s all too much to detail here. So check out the official website!

This is going to be great fun!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Do you like to read short pieces of thought-provoking fiction? You might enjoy checking out Short Stories by Richard.

A strange, shimmering dream takes flight.

Dandelion fluff. Seeds take flight.

I’ve published another very short story.  It can be read in just a few minutes.  It’s titled One Strange, Shimmering Dream.

Would you like to be inspired? You might enjoy reading it. Click here.

What is your dream?

Paths of light: night photos under the library dome.

View of the lit dome of San Diego's downtown library, seen from the 9th floor at night.
View of the lit dome of San Diego’s downtown library, seen from the 9th floor at night.

Yesterday evening after work I walked a bit in the darkness. The air was cool, downtown was quieting. I was drawn to the San Diego Central Library, and of course I had to ascend to the 9th floor. Few others were about. I lingered high above the city, outside under the lattice steel dome. I watched small trolleys slip past below. A thousand distant lights stretched toward the South Bay. The world seemed remote. Paths of gentle light were traced above, around and below. I seemed to float in a swirled galaxy; but I saw no stars.

Inside a glowing steel lattice. The new library's dome in the past couple years has become a distinctive feature of San Diego's skyline.
Inside a glowing steel lattice. The new library’s dome in the past couple years has become a distinctive feature of San Diego’s skyline.
Gazing through the unique dome toward the 12th and Imperial Transit Center's clock tower.
Gazing through the unique dome toward the 12th and Imperial Transit Center’s clock tower.
Nine stories below, a trolley heads north into the heart of East Village.
Nine stories below, a trolley heads north into the heart of East Village.
Looking down into the large reading room of the San Diego Central Library after dark. Under the dome, people were quietly studying, or just gazing out into the nighttime.
Looking down into the large reading room of the San Diego Central Library after dark. Under the dome, people were quietly studying, or just gazing out into the nighttime.
Meshed paths of light seem to radiate like a halo from the top of San Diego's amazing downtown library.
Meshed paths of light seem to radiate like a halo from the top of San Diego’s amazing downtown library.

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