Mission Valley Library

Mission Valley hosts a huge number of shops and restaurants. It can be a good palce to go shopping because of the variety of options, although it lack’s the personality of other shopping areas, like the Gaslamp, Little Italy, Hillcrest, La Jolla, or Pacific Beach. Still, Mission Valley draws lots of visitors, both tourists and locals alike.

One gem in this shopper’s paradise that is often overlooked is the new Mission Valley Library. Locals have the added benefit of being able to check out library books, which is nice because everyone loves free knowledge. But tourists will also enjoy sneaking a peek at the modern design and simple décor. The modern industrial outside boasts engine-turned polished stainless walls, and an illuminated clock tower that changes color at night.

Inside the library the décor is impressive, with high ceilings and water-jet cut decorative steel plating. The organic patterns are detailed, with outlines of leave and cut-outs of leaves, both. The complex design is accentuated by the front lighting that casts shadows on the ceiling.

The landscaping is minimalist, with clusters of reeds and ricer stones lining the path to the entrance. The parking lot is small, but ample for library visitors. However, the library is located in the Fenton Parkway Shopping Mall, and some visitors to the mall will occasionally park in the library lot. (By the way, if you see this happening, report it to the parking lot security agent, who will ask them to leave.) When this happens tha lot can become too full, though I’ve never had to wait more than just a couple minutes, and that was on a weekend.

Another added perk to the library is that it is located at the Fenton Plaza trolley stop. The library is a beautiful site to behold as you exit the trolley into this Mission Valley stop, and the library offers a memorial site to trolley riders who pass by. The other side of the trolley line there is the San Diego River, making the green line a fun to ride just for the view!

Libraries across the country, San Diego included, are experiencing a revival. Beyond the modern architecture making this library a place of substance, the library also hosts numerous community events on a weekly and even daily basis, whether it’s hearing a guest speaker, looking the art and collections on display, or joining in on a local club meeting, libraries offer much to their local communities and visitors alike. Check out the schedule of events to make an interesting stop into a special afternoon.

http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm?curOrg=SANDIEGO

I definitely recommend stopping by the Mission Valley Library when passing by on the trolley or if you are at nearby IKEA, Cold Stone Creamery, Starbucks, International House of Pancakes (IHOP), Lowe’s Harwarde, or even Qualcomm Stadium down the street. Even if you can’t check out any books, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate the impressive design of this San Diego Landmark!