The San Diego City Council has voted to send construction of a new downtown central library out for bids. We look at why (and whether) a viable, robust central library is necessary, what it would cost, if the city can afford it and if now is the right time to go ahead with it.

The Weekend Preview is back! After a hiatus, we decided to bring back those 20 minutes at the end of each week in which we help you plan your weekend. We'll talk movies and music on this Weekend Preview.

This weekend, the San Diego Youth Symphony and Conservatory honor the region's hardworking music teachers with a concert. Such a celebration seems like a good time to explore the state of music education in our schools and look at a new program designed to support music education training called the California Music Project.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a bison, a rabbit, or a spider? Do you ever pretend to be an animal? Every artist in the New Children's Museum latest exhibition, Animal Art, explores how and why animals excite the human imagination. Joining us to talk about the exhibit are its curator, Rachel Teagle and artist Jason Hackenwerth.

Former Presidential Candidate, Senator George McGovern visits San Diego to talk about his book on Abraham Lincoln and his work in progress on the War in Afghanistan.

As President, Barack Obama is a target for all manner of criticism both political and personal. But when do allegations against the President, or any public figure, cross the line and become libelous? KPBS Political Correspondent Gloria Penner discusses the protections and limits of the First Amendment.

What if a camera could capture death? Or desire? Or jealousy? More than any other photographer, Duane Michals has spent his career pushing the medium of photography to capture the metaphysical. We'll talk to Michals about what motivates his photography.

Why do rescued pets seem so well-behaved, and grateful to their owners? Why do the owners of those pound puppies and kitties constantly gush over how great their pet is? We speak to Karin Winegar, author of SAVED: Rescued Animals And The Lives They Transform, about the special connection between a saved animal and their human companion.

We'll hear the true story behind the children's book and musical "Armando and the Blue Tarp School," based on events in Tijuana.

What can pet owners do to help prevent their cat or dog from getting a major disease, or expensive medical procedure? We speak to local veterinarian Dr. Katy Allen about the importance of preventive pet medicine.