- imagine a stormy, pouring rain day in San Francisco - you walk into the library searching for a copy of George Orville's 1984 book - floor-to-ceiling windows with a view of gorgeous trees outside - comfy chairs in front of a fireplace - 1984 DVD copy for your home projector (old school, no TV at home and no streaming) 10/10 cozy atmosphere read more

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First time visiting Merced Library! After our movie at Regal Stonestown, we decided to stop by for storytime. The library was cute, clean, and well-organized. What really caught both my son's and my attention were the display bugs, caterpillars, and gecko--something we had never seen in a library before! We didn't get a chance to explore the entire library, but we enjoyed our visit and hope to come back again soon. read more

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Fantastic library tucked away right behind Stonestown. It's a perfect getaway from the chaos and the noise. I read here for almost 2 hours and almost forgot to pick up my children from school. Their fireplace reading nook makes it even more cozier to read. If it's sunny outside you can also enjoy their outdoor patio and read on the bench. This library has a great children's section, too! They also have a reptilian pet in the glass case. The librarians are friendly and the bathrooms are clean. Due to recent plumbing issues you'll need to ask the front desk for the key. This is a must visit if you love libraries! read more

I had a very disappointing experience with the main librarian at this branch. My class successfully completed the Summer Stride reading challenge and earned tote bags as their prizes. I stopped by this location while I was already in the area, hoping to pick them up for my students, as I've done without any issues at other library branches. Unfortunately, the librarian refused to release the tote bags and insisted that each student had to come to the branch individually to claim them. Rather than explaining the policy in a helpful way, I felt like I was being lectured. After waiting nearly 40 minutes, I was simply told no. As a teacher who spent the summer working hard to encourage my students to read, it was discouraging to encounter such an inflexible and unhelpful response. Programs like Summer Stride are meant to motivate children, and making it harder for teachers to support their students undermines that goal. Based on this experience, I won't be returning to this branch. read more

Sorry but have to rate them low because of their obnoxious "teen area" bs table reservations. Open seats in the whole library without computers total 20. Oh but no! Eight of those are reserved for teens all weekend and 2pm to close M-F. Keeping in mind mind that 1. The library opens at 1p twice a week 2. Not one single time have all the teen seats been filled. 3. You can't sit in a TEEN seat until someone needs it. Meaning many times seats are empty. Also why tf are teens more important than adults. It's ridiculous read more

Librarians are psycho. Like previous poster Amy, I had the same experience of "you can't use these chairs" they are reserved for teens. No teens in sight. Maybe the library would be more popular with teens if they had a more chill vibe. read more

This library is across from Stonestown shopping mall near SFSU. Visiting for the first time right now today at 1pm in the afternoon. Many of the library branches seem like this one...renovated but clinical...there are books on hold on the shelf and I don't recognize any of the patrons...been going to Stonestown since 2003 over 20 years ago. I am not a stranger. This is completely unacceptable. I would not live here. I am from a suburb is right. read more

Very cool and neat small library. You can breathe the fresh air inside the library which is great. They open up all the windows and the library settings are pretty good. :) read more

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I haven't been to the public library in ages. This recent visit is my first visit to any public library since the pandemic. Going to the library is still a cool way to kill time and /or get your shit done. The Merced Branch is located a block away from road-heavy 19th Avenue and blocks away from Stonestown mall and San Francisco State. As you walk in, you are greeted by the friendly staff and librarians. This location has plenty tables for your work. The branch also has a very nice patio for your break away from your work. Though not many people check out books much these days, people come here just to use the library's free and strong Wi-Fi with their device(s). However, there are noise in the teen and kid's sections. My advice is to bring and wear a noise-cancelling headphone when you are at loud public place such as the library. You definitely don't want to hear babies crying while you are reading or listening to your podcasts. As a father, I know the tough task of handling crying kids. Growing up, going to the library is the thing I do when I am poor or get my homework done. Even at my old-fart age, it is still fun. Hopefully the city and county gets more funded money and extend more and later hours to our public libraries. read more

This library is not the closest one to me, not even the second closest to me, but I prefer to come here. It's also not the biggest and yet I still come. Why? It's in a very convenient location, close to the shops at Stonestown, close to public transportation and they always have parking out front. Ever since I joined a book club I prefer to borrow my books vs. buy them and this branch has about half of the books I need. If they don't I ask to have the book(s) I need shipped to this branch and will pick them up from here. Their stock of books and DVDs is pretty decent, or I have the same taste as the person that curates their collection. The site is clean and pretty quiet. During COVID they were one of the branches that opened up to service patrons. The staff there has been friendly and helpful. read more

The craft at Merced library was very good. Thank Sara the librarian for setting this up.

The Merced Branch Library is a mere 100 feet or so from where the M MUNI line drops you off. The library is on a single floor & is small yet found the staff here friendly. I love the smart & eclectic range of CDs here from Leonard Cohen to the Red Hot Chili Peppers to Miles Davis to Willie Nelson to many others. The crest jewel of the library is there are five comfortable chairs set next to a fireplace. Although San Francisco has a mild winter it was a rainy afternoon when I sat by the fireplace reading through some of the Merced Branch's books which was quite a nice atmosphere. The Merced Branch Library is also eco-friendly as it features efficient low-flow faucets in the restroom to reduce water usage by 40 percent which is awesome! To give you a feel of some of the Merced Branch Library's programs here are some events at the library for the month of January 2018 including a Knitting Circle for all levels of knitters & the circle provides practice supples, Homework help for elementary school students on Wednesdays at 4pm, & Teen button making to create custom personalized buttons w/ their button machine. read more

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Staff are very friendly and my kids loved it here. They have a small garden inside so my kids can do a little stretch after reading/ using the computer they have. PS. They have a few boxes with different kinds of mantis in it! Super cool and I don't think you can see them in other library's. Recommend checking them out. read more

Parking is okay, better to come on the bus which will drop you off in front of Stonestown. Nice reference librarians who are helpful and a stay up with the latest city and national news trends. Clean and organized. Cozy too with an outdoor patio. It's across the street from Shake Shack. Eat after. read more

The location of this library is the worst! You turn into a residential neighborhood and then you find this branch. Just a weird place to put a library. You almost have to be from this particular area of the city to know that there is a library in this area. Aside from the location the book selection and size is terrible. I came here to do some studying for school and hoped to get at least 2 hours worth of studying done but that just did not happen. There are not a lot of outlets at this library which makes doing computer work a bit difficult. Plus, there are limited computers here as well. Of course there is always the strange older looking gentleman who is overweight on the computer looking at newspaper articles instead of reading an actual NEWSPAPER!!!! Aside from those issues this branch seats small people. Meaning, if you are over 6 feet tall you will have some difficulty finding a comfortable chair to sit in. I could not even stretch out my legs!!! I gave this place a try and 20 minutes an after not finding a table or seat to accommodate my studies I had to leave, complete waste of time. This library is meant for children, CLEARLY! if you are a college student or an adult I would advise that you look stick to your campus library, study area, and local branch! #happyreading #studyhard read more

Merced Branch Library - Hidden away in suburbia!! - Libraries Near Me - San Francisco, California

This SFPL branch library is a jewel. Staff are responsive to community interests and offer a variety of events for adults and children. The books cover a host of subjects and there are dvds and CDs to entertain and delight. A charming garden court offers respite and serenity. Several PCs are available for study, research and internet use. This is truly a neighborhood library that is a treasure! read more

Mehhhh....I'm sitting here in this library as I'm typing this review. The good thing about this place is that it's nearby my gym. Like basically across the street since my gym is next to Stonestown. That's basically the only good part really. Libraries are normally a place of quietness so that people can read their book or study. But here I'm sitting in a chair near the fireplace that isn't fired up with loud Opera type of music playing somewhere in this place. It's so distracting! Why are they playing Opera in here? and so loudly? Then the restrooms..you have to ask for a key to use them. I guess it's to keep the non-library users from using their bathrooms, but what a hassle. This library is so small compared to the ones I've been to so far. I personally like my own space so I'm not a fan of sharing a table with someone and even if I'm sharing a table with other people--it's def not cool to be sitting so close to each other. At least the library on Anza had longer tables so each person has *some space rather than like here it's basically half an arm's length of space between chairs. I won't be returning back to this library. There are better ones around. even if I have to drive further.. read more

Merced Branch Library History Merced Branch Library was designed by architects Appleton & Wolfard and built at a cost of $137,511. The building was constructed in 1957 and opened to the public on January 24, 1958. Merced Branch was the 25th branch established in the San Francisco Public Library system. Spectators at the Merced Branch Groundbreaking Ceremony c.1957 Image of Spectators at the Merced Branch Groundbreaking Ceremony c.1957 In addition to English, Library staff speak the following languages: * Chinese - Cantonese and Mandarin * French * German This is where Lil' Infodiva was exposed to the wide world of informazione. I used to walk from home to this branch @ age 7. Those were the days. I remember my 1st library card. I think in Kindergarten we took field trips to this library. No, I do not work here. I have alot of memories, time and love invested here. The library is going thru some remodeling. Infodiva here giving you the herstory of why I am so dam fabuloso. Enjoy your Sunday Weeples. 94132 OMI SF NATIVE Support Your Libraries. They are National Treasures. read more

Merced Branch Library - Merced Library c.1957 Groundbreaking - Libraries Near Me - San Francisco, California

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The Children librarian is very helpful and so as the Asian male at the front desk. Any other persons I go ask questions never make me feel welcome. As I mentioned in my Tips, this place is not kids friendly. read more

Quiet and peaceful library. I particularly enjoy coming here because the staff is always very kind and willing to help you with anything. Pros: ambiance and there is always free street parking in the area Cons: limited table space and WiFi can be rather slow at times read more

This branch is staffed by dedicated and caring individuals who create a warm and positive environment for patrons and guests. The branch members on occasion endure rudeness and threats from unsound individuals who take out their grievances on SFPL staff. However, despite these unsought or desired provocations, Merced Branch staff maintain their composure and dignity. We must give appreciation to public service employees who provide selfless excellence every day at the Merced Branch! read more

The layout is choppy. Bookshelves cover the view of the other sides of the room. Enter and there is a detector. 2 self check out machines near entrance. Library split into 2 adult sections and 1 child area. Small table and small chairs for toddlers. What's neat about this location is there's an outdoor yard with plenty of benches to sit and enjoy a book. 4 self use computers available for 1 hour reservations or time periods, next to front window. read more

Decent size and clean library. They have section for teen, children, and adults but they don't have a lot of selection of books. Other than books, they have magazines and movies section as well. They have free wifi if you brought your own laptop, tablet, or even your smartphone to use their internet. They do have computers if you want to use but very limited computers. There are tables if you do decide to study here but only about 4 tables i believe and it can fill up fast if you go during prime time There's are 2 hours parking in front of the library which is winson st which plenty. But if you want to park all day like on 19th ave or junipero serra, its best to go after 3 pm because all day street parking are taken up by sfsu students from 9 am to 2 pm since they are back in school session which it makes it harder to find all day street parking. read more

Small, but clean and quiet. This is a good meeting place for small study groups and tutoring, which is my main reason for going here. Street parking is fairly easy, but the challenge comes in finding a table to sit at to do your homework. Only thing I wish was that the staff wouldn't turn lights on and off when making their 15 minutes to closing warning announcement. Though I guess it helps those that are hard of hearing. Gotta be a reason, right? read more

I first went to this library because I was working across the street at Stonestown Mall and because the M Oceanview train stops right out front. Wow! This has got to be about the best branch library I've ever been in. I thought the Castro/Eureka Valley library was cool but it still attracted a lot of homeless people and it's been closed for remodeling. I found the librarians at the Merced Branch to be super helpful - they actually stopped what they were doing to chat with me and search the shelves. I never got that kind of service at the Noe Valley branch. And unlike Noe - Merced is open SEVEN DAYS A WEEK! How progressive is that? The Sunday hours are super limited but it's so awesome to have the library as an option - I go to church just down the street and it's so wonderful to exchange my weekly book on Sunday - so convenient. I live on Liberty Hill - half-way between the Castro & Noe branches - but I choose to do most of my library stuff at Merced even though I no longer work in Stonestown... doesn't that say volumes (hehe) And now that there's a cool new Trader Joe's in Stonestown, my Sunday errands are completed efficiently and happily. read more

I'm in love with this little library because it's about a block down from school, so when I can't find parking to study at our j. Paul Leonard library, I come here instead. 2 hour street parking. Around 10am there are a bunch of kids here on Monday mornings, so I'm guessing they have story time :) their bathrooms are pretty clean, they also have low water flow to save water during this drought, lol. there's a nice outdoor patio, perfect for sunny days and getting fresh air without the noise of the city! It's located right across stonestown mall, so you can conveniently grab food after your study session. I'm grateful for little places like these that make a college students hectic life just a bit more easier! read more

Merced Branch Library - Story time :) - Libraries Near Me - San Francisco, California

Wow, staff must hate their jobs here. Without exception, every employee I encounter is openly rude, sighs loudly at questions and generally have crappy attitudes. It's a nice building, but staff here get a stink face if they have to lift a finger or get off their chair to actually do their job. The older ladies that sit by the children's ares routinely make loud personal phone calls that can be heard in the entire kids area. Super classy. Verdict? Zero stars. read more

The staff here are not welcoming or friendly. My toddler started crying and they kicked us out. They used the excuse that she wasn't wearing shoes even though I was holding her!! Who kicks a baby out of a children's section of the library?! One librarian in particular approached me so aggressively that I was too shocked to even process how inappropriate her behavior was! I will never visit this library again. read more

DO NOT DONATE YOUR BOOKS OR PATRONIZE, They only accept items they can resell. Even for books meant for the enrichment of kids, they will not accept free donations unless they can profit from you according to their on site location representative. Bring your supplies and extta materials to goodwill, theyre more grateful over there. The library here just isn't a library for kids anymore...what a sad day....they also rejected a Book named "Little Manilla is in the Heart by Dawn Mabalon.... that tells you how picky they are read more

Best toddler storytime I have been to around in the bay area so far. It's lead by Kimberly. She's a children librarian. I like how she focuses on a "theme" each week whether it is "rain, spring season, bugs/flowers, buses". She's creative with her props (scarves, bubbles, singing, movement, dancing, musical instruments used). Kids love it. 30 minutes. read more

This branch is the best and includes what previous Yelpers have mentioned: modern, clean, well organized, very helpful staff. What brings this out for me is that although it is busy, it is not really crowded. It is not packed with kids using this as a free latch key site. It's not near a school so it's quiet and the people using this place actually use it as opposed to being a resting place for the indigent. Ever go the the Main Library . . . never again! Well spaced out. My kids actually have a space made for them and not a make-shift space. It's real for them and good for me. I've come here a number of times and the staff are actually helpful and friendly. It must be the air or the great lighting, or even the management. Something good is happening here. So kudos to the Merced Branch. Glad its reopened and just keep it nice. read more

If you are disabled and can still drive, this is the library to go to. They have a handicap space and a short term parking zone right in front. There's also lots of free parking on the flat street. There are only a few steps and no other incline to enter the library (I'm not sure if they have a ramp.) The doorway is very wide. And the staff members are extremely helpful. It is a little small, but I order most of my books on the fabulous SF library website, so if this branch doesn't have a book, they will order the book from another library and send me an e-mail when the book arrives. Check out the library's website-- I keep discovering new features like extensive book recommendation lists, customer and staff reviews, and audio books which can be downloaded from the website. You can even send in requests for the library to purchase books they don't have. The SF library as a whole is really an amazing public institution. The only problem I have is that most of the branches near me are not very accessible, but the Merced Branch is! read more

Great library- quiet, with wifi, room for studying, which really helps when I am tutoring students there- there are lots of books, and convenient on-street parking. The place is modern and has been remodeled recently; there are electric outlets on the study tables. All in all, pretty awesome and free! read more

Merced Branch Library - View of the mall across 19th Avenue from the library. - Libraries Near Me - San Francisco, California

The branch staffs are rude and unprofessional Will visit other branch close by, the one at Ingleside is lot quieter. Staffs talk loud adding along kids area in vicinity make one loose their reading focus. Suggest one bring an ear muffler along to eliminate noise Teenage area is not any better. One will find tutor with students going over with their school work. They should conduct tutor in closed room. Branch librarian handles customer with attitude problems. One occasion I had to wait 30 minutes for restroom. When it became available, an homeless person came out with smelly clothes and back packs dragging along. Obviously, staffs don't pay too much attention when handling bathroom keys out. I ended up using McDonald 's restroom So sad they staffed with arrogant people at prime location read more

The renovations are just gorgeous! The restrooms have a modern appeal to them and are super clean. Everything is well organized, just how a library should be. The location of the library is extremely convenient for broke college kids and people who are bored roaming around Stonestown. I love that the children's area is tucked away in a separate wing; far away from those PERVies watching adult flicks--which is really disturbing and creepy--something that (in my opinion) should be done in the privacy of your own home; if that's your thing. If you don't have a library card already... GET ONE! It beats paying for books and dvds! read more

This is a great library. It is always clean, organized and the employees are helpful when people need them. Whoever is in charge of the special events and educational programs is doing a great job. I have been taking advantage of these resources and I am always keeping an eye open for future events. read more

I've come to realize there's one drawback about this branch. That is if you want quiet then this may not necessarily be the best branch to go to, especially if there's a special program going on. Here I am doing something on my laptop and I have to listen to the speaker and the accompanying audio and video associated with the program. I guess it's the program of this place not having a room or space designated for events. read more

I went here last Friday after Labor Day to pick up "Song of the Swallows" by Leo Politi which won the Caldecott Medal 69 years ago. My friend was with me on that confusing day. I'll return here again to return "Frog and Toad Together" by Arnold Lobel which is a Newbury Honor Book that won this honorable award 40 years ago. read more

This library branch is nice and great. I love how it is net Stones Town mall. I love the outdoor seating here. What I don't like is that the Wifi here does not work. It should be working. read more

This is a great branch for the SFPL system and though I really like the Civic Center branch overall, the Merced branch is right in the running as far as preferences are concerned: A good location, ... . Really great! read more