I didn't know until recently that funding for the library is based on usage…read more So in addition to finding lots of great books and movies you don't have to pay for, you're doing a needed service just by using a public library. In person, online or sign up for the Kanopy app on your TV (with Firestick, Roku, Apple TV and more) and have 30,000 movies, series, documentaries free at your fingertips - and commercial free! And when you borrow a book from the SFPL there aren't any late fees anymore. Simply return your books and movies to any branch to borrow new titles. I also heard something about free museum passes.. gotta check that out. Support your public libraries!

San Francisco Main Library is rich with resources. Aside from books, videos, music, and research…read morematerials, they also rent out spaces for community events. Library cardholders also have access to free admission to local museums via Discover & Go, amongst other resources. And there is a library in every neighborhood, making it one of the best neighborhood information hubs for kids and adults. Located on Larkin and Grove.

Super nice neighborhood library especially if you have kids! Story times on Tuesdays and Thursdays…read moreare amazing, plus other kids activities every two weeks. My daughter can't help it but comes inside even when we heading to the playground. There're also a few games and a nice little play area for kids inside which is our common place to be on a rainy day.

Quiet and clean. Many parents bring their babies and kids…read morehere, so don't complain of the noise from the little ones.

The history of the Mechanics' Institute is quite intriguing, with great ties to the early 20th…read morecentury and is considered a historic building of San Francisco. Though this location is not the original building, it stands strong and tall in the heart of downtown. As with many structures affected by the 1906 earthquake, its original location was damaged and lost. But this location has been here early on for those who worked in the trade and was one of the first libraries before city public libraries were established. There are many stories to this building, housed with books of many genres. There's also community events that are for members as well as for non-members. So yes, there are fees to join any of their community events here. The history itself was probably more interesting about this building than the building itself. It is definitely very dated inside, but there are some notable designs that can make you feel like you're in a different time. A positive visit nonetheless.

Chess tournaments held here and it's kind of difficult to find if you are not familiar with…read moredowntown SF. The elevator looks original and the stairs are tight but look grand. The sitting area is tight but sufficient and there are outlets for computers and chargers.

Checked out Potrero Branch library Sat 10/18/25. They had an Potrero Hill R&B Festival outside so…read moreI couldn't see where the library was, had to go behind the tables to see it. They have 2 floors. 1 unisex toilet first floor, 2 on the top. Bottom floor has seed catalog to help yourself to seeds for your garden. Nice views at the top floor, looking out of the windows, of the city.

potrero branch library is a small 2-story library with very friendly librarians, it's perfect for…read morefamilies, children, remote workers, or anyone looking for a quiet place to work and read. highly recommend!

Wonderful service! Cute activities for kids, families, adults, and seniors. I've gotten craft…read moreprojects I could do at home like embroidery, and they also offer in-library events and movie screenings! I come here often for their printer and request many books online in the SFPL system and then they are delivered here, waiting for me! There's 2 levels and something for everyone. I love how it's near Chinatown so I can get food or boba nearby. It's on a cable car line so it's always a fun time! I've provided entertainment for many a tourist when they see me carrying too many books.

Great library. Good variety, helpful staff and clean! Been going there since I was a kid and…read moredecided to stop by last visit. Still a cute, small branch!

This CCSF branch is great! Their location is so convenient, just a few minute walk from Powell Bart…read morestation. The building itself is pretty new, so you won't feel like you are walking into some super old building. I took a few ESL classes here. Most of the instructors were great. They really cared about teaching cuz they were always so passionate in class. During all my college years, I miss the teachers here the most. Their library is always quiet and great for studying. I prefer this library way better than any public library in San Francisco. Why? SFPL's schedule is not making any sense! Even though SFPL has many great locations, they keep their library hours SHORT! I don't get it, if you have such facility available, why not just extend the hours to make it more accessible for everyone? Anyways, CCSF downtown's library closes at 7:45 on most days, which fits my schedule perfectly. Even though I don't study at CCSF anymore, I would stll stop by their library if I need to get some work done. Yes, they do have guest wifi, no need to worry about not being able to connect to the rest of the world ; ) There are some great things to do near by as well. There are plenty of shops, there is a motive therator, there's places where you can play pool, where you can go ice skating, etc. You will have a lot of fun studying here. Anyways, go check it out, you may love it.

The pastries do taste good and worth the money. I would still think you have to devote time to get…read moreyour order in and pay. There is no parking. Unless you want to pay at the parming garage across the street. Bus or walk only. But if you are in the neighborhood, it is good to stop by.

The exterior is a beauty of architecture. There's lots of…read moreoutdoor light streaming in the big windows. Comfy leather seats, large tables with lamps to get work done. Parents: a children's room in the back keeps your kids safely surrounded with appropriate reading material. The librarians are very helpful and are quick to questions or dilemmas. This branch is in the nicest neighborhood. Grass in the front and back make the Presidio library a dog haven too!

This library is so cute. I just walked in because I love checking out libraries. It's amazing how…read morethey're able to fit so much in such a small space. It's a single floor with the back area being the children's playroom. There's a single gender, neutral bathroom. Staff is very friendly.

Amazing independent library. They have such a great span of material in such a small space. Great…read moreimage resource where you can copy and use anything in the whole space without worry of laws and other issues. I think what made this library so special to me was browsing through a section on maps and urban planning and suddenly turning around to find a whole area of books on Detroit. *heart* What a surprise. It's nice to see someone on the west coast care about poor old Detroit. :) Definitely coming here again.

I spent maybe 2 hours exploring, and a large part of that was digging through a box with hundreds…read moreof old punk flyers and zines from the late 70s/early 80s. They also have most issues of Punk Planet, which started in 1994, in their music/punk section. I could spend hours just reading those. I also found a book that spent almost 200 pages exploring why people eat dirt. Get lost in this place and just have fun exploring!

Services was impressive, from both the hostess & our server. Ambiance is top notch! Music &…read moreconversations! Definitely did not check my email for the secret word of the day missed out on that experience. But of course I had a reservation. Drinks were very good! What an extensive cocktail menu!

Checked out this speakeasy while in SF last year. It wasn't too hard to find and I think my friend…read morewas able to make reservations. There was another room, so it was a bit confusing, but I think that one was for dining. The bartender wasn't too friendly at first, but warmed up after a few minutes. He was able to make some refreshing mocktails! The vibe here is dark and moody. The main decor is just the bookshelves. Worth a try if you're in the area!

I attended a free Chinatown Food Tour conducted by the North Beach Branch head librarian Mr Lee. It…read morewas free. There were free food samples along the way! What a delightful surprise! As we walked along, we learned about Chinatown history and also historical Chinese food facts. Attendees on this walk/tour came from all over the City. The two hours flew by! What was great was: people were chatting with each other; the stories we heard were quite fascinating; and Mr. Lee was a lively & fun personality. Plus the snacks! This might have been an inaugural event / tour for adults as a new activity for the NB Library. If it is, I'd say it was a winner!

U should find good outlets for your time ..come hang out spend time ..read ..write ..be positive…read more..the war is over but the struggle is real usa..don't get it