Located on the Second Floor of Central Library

The Pauline Foster Teen Center's beach theme welcomes teens to relax, hang out, and enjoy the wide range of programs offered by the Center's staff. The 3,800-square-foot area includes two study rooms, a game room, and 14 computers.

In addition to tables and desks, there is also modular seating that can be moved around. Though this fun area may tempt visitors of all ages, only those 12 to 18 years old are allowed.

The Gray White Family Teen Reference Desk is located here for the exclusive use of teens and their needs.

Two Study Rooms offer a quiet space with flat-screen monitors provided in each room.

The Game Room houses two 60-inch flat-screens, a Sony PlayStation 5, a Nintendo Switch and approximately 40 games between the two video game systems. The Game Room is open and available for use during select hours throughout the week.

Other technology in the Teen Center includes:

• A collaboration table that allows students to collaborate on projects or video games,
• 2 Chromebooks available for use in study rooms.

In addition to this technology, the Teen Center also offers a variety of board games, thousands of books, and a selection of magazines for browsing.

The Teen Center has regular programming almost every weekday! Please see our events page for more information!

Tours and Presentations

The Teen's Tour is appropriate for youths between the ages of 12-18 years (6th grade to 12th grade), visiting the library as a group or class. Depending on your interest and the amount of time you would like to spend with us, your visit may include:

• a building tour led by Teen Center staff;
• highlights of special spaces in the library that specifically interest teens;
• space for your group to have lunch in the library Courtyard.

Click here to schedule your Teen Tour

Teen Center staff also offer presentations during your tour of Central Library! You can choose up to two presentations for your visit. If you would like a presentation, please indicate that when making your tour reservation. Presentations availability depends on tour group size.

Potential topics include:

• Introduction to the Library Catalog (15 minutes): Students will learn how to navigate the online catalog, filter searches and request holds.
• Introduction to Articles and Databases (15 minutes): Students will learn how to access and use online databases on a variety of subjects.
• Introduction to Credible Resources (15 minutes): Students will learn how to determine the credibility, accuracy, reliability, relevance and timeliness of sources.

Looking for a class, school or community visit? Contact us at teenspace@sandiego.gov

*Also called Pauline Foster Teen Center in Memory of Stanley