The building was populated with an amazing assortment of wildlife: squirrels, bees, doves, flies, lost cats and dogs, lizards, fleas, termites, spiders, and mice. None of these visitors could really be blamed on the proximity of the Zoo next door. The staff learned not to feed the squirrels, to administer soda and sympathy for bee stings, [and] to wield a well-aimed fly swatter . . . —Clara Breed, City Librarian.

Read here about The Library in Balboa Park

The Public Library in Balboa Park’s Food and Beverage Building, 1953.