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    Parkside Branch Library

    3.8 (40 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

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    Wendy H.

    This is the only library I know that hosts Lap Sit (it's not what you think for those of you who have a dirty mind), a children's sing along and story telling program on Saturday mornings. My sister likes to say it's like Gymboree but free! The program is about 1/2 hour and has two sessions, 10 AM and 11 AM. We took the Kid to his first Lap Sit. Despite the weird name (I wished they named it Free Gymbo!), the kids don't actually sit on the parents' laps. The library set up little school chairs in rows in the children's section. Each kid gets to sit on their little chair and lyrics for the songs are passed out to the parents to sing along. The lady hosting the lap sit was quite nice. She actually reminds me of Miss Nancy of Romper Room and all those other kiddy programs. She sang a couple of songs while strumming a guitar and read two stories. The Kid, Mr Ants in His Pants, actually followed along and sat through the whole program. Towards the end, he was singing along with the lady. Miss Nancy (not her real name but I never caught her name) even passed out musical instruments (bells, sticks, etc. Ah, just like music time in elementary school!) for the kids to play along towards the end. A really enjoyable program for big and small. A big hiss to the parents with the baby who actually moved their chairs into the middle aisle (chairs were arranged in rows with an aisle in the middle) nearly knocking over a kid in the next aisle (really must you be so pushy?) and who sang so loudly (or ghastly as Simon Cowell would say) that they drowned out Miss Nancy at times (she even wore a mic!). Didn't have that much time to browse around the books but the Kid found two cardboard books to take home and two dvds (the dvds are in excellent condition!). I finally used my library card after an 11 year absence (head hangs down in shame). Will be back for the weekend sessions!

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    7 years ago

    Busy library and very accomodating staff. Parking can be a pain. Have been a card carrying member for years.

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    4 years ago

    Local library. Great staff. Parking can be a problem but generally OK. Great to have a local library for books placed on hold.

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    16 years ago

    modernized, but still looks like the old lieberry. then a little kfc after :]

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    13 years ago

    Clean and great location. With they had longer hours more days of the week and were open on Sundays, but really no complaints.

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    11 years ago

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    15 years ago

    very HELPFUL STAFF but not very big. i wish is had a bigger history section

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    Ask the Community - Parkside Branch Library

    Do they have bathrooms?

    Yes, the Parkside branch has public restrooms

    Is this a good place to host a weekly book club? Are there large desks/meeting rooms?

    There might be table space but no meeting room here at Parkside Branch. Please contact our meeting room coordinator (415) 557-4590 or a neighborhood library directly to find a place and time for your book club to meet.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Parkside Branch Library

    If you know how to use the library system you'll always be happy with selection because you can have books delivered here from any branch.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Mechanics' Institute Library and Chess Room - Across the street from Crocker Galleria

    Mechanics' Institute Library and Chess Room

    4.5(66 reviews)
    5.2 miFinancial District

    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.

    Since being unemployed in the Bay Area thanks to recent layoffs... I've taken the opportunity to…read moreexplore the city during the weekday. Specifically to do things that are only possible on the weekdays. Like exploring some historic buildings! The Mechanics Institute is one of the oldest institutions on the West Coast and this particular building had been around since 1910. It is a members only building, but they hold free public tours on Wednesdays at 12 pm weekly (sign up available online through their website): - During the tour you'll learn a little bit about the history of both the institution and SF, but you'll also learn about what it does today. You'll get to see the chess room, library, and some art deco architecture elements like the spiral staircase and glass dome ceiling. The Chess Room was fascinating since they talk about some notable members, like how the author of Queen's Gambit was a member of their Chess Club. - The tour time can range anywhere from 30 min to 1 hr depending on the questions that come up. However, they allow you to spend time afterwards exploring the library (or taking photos of the staircase) so you can hang out afterwards to look books, old magazines, or admire the collection of artwork they have on the walls. - During the tour you can go up / down the spiral staircase, but there is an elevator present for those who have difficulty walking up the floors. However some parts of the tour had us going through the library shelves and navigating stairs among the shelves. - Although the tour is an opportunity for them to showcase membership benefits... they are NOT pushy at all about selling memberships. However, if I were living near/in the city and working remotely... a membership would be a good option. It's very affordable compared to other private memberships and it's a quieter library than most public these days. They also have great WiFi and rooms available to do video conferencing, so it's a more affordable option than places like WeWork while still being in the city. Plus you can probably leave your stuff behind to run to the restroom quickly... something you can't really do working in free public places like a cafe or public library. This is on top of other benefits like members only events, etc. Honestly, this is a hidden gem in the city with historic significance - if I lived closer to the city and had a remote job, I would definitely look into getting a membership. Public libraries are still great, but I can see the benefits of a private library like this one. Cheers to funemployment and getting the opportunity to explore SF buildings!

    Photos
    Mechanics' Institute Library and Chess Room - Mother Road  ~ Featuring Octavio Solis and David Mendizábal {5/22/2024}

    Mother Road ~ Featuring Octavio Solis and David Mendizábal {5/22/2024}

    Mechanics' Institute Library and Chess Room - Lunar New Year and The Year of the Dragon: What Will It Bring?  Maxine Hong Kingston, David Lei, and Linda Lei.{2/1/2024}

    Lunar New Year and The Year of the Dragon: What Will It Bring? Maxine Hong Kingston, David Lei, and Linda Lei.{2/1/2024}

    Mechanics' Institute Library and Chess Room - Chess room

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    Chess room

    Chinatown Branch Library - Beautiful location.

    Chinatown Branch Library

    4.1(51 reviews)
    5.2 miNob Hill

    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.

    The SF Chinatown library is much smaller than expected, but it's well maintained and quiet inside…read more Peaceful tables and chairs. They even have a staffs recommended books section which stands out on the shelves. Convenient stop. Public restroom was very clean and one spacious area for sure. They really did a good job here with the organizing of books and upkeep. Nothing fancy, but for Chinatown, it's a very lovely building from the outside which blends in well with the neighborhood architectures. Staffs are friendly and helpful as needed. I don't mind visiting again just to read a bit more Chinese fiction books or read more newspapers and magazines in the back. No cellphones, so just be respectful if you really have to make calls or do something with your mobile devices/phones. The place isn't huge and aisles were pretty narrow, but the book selections are worth checking out. You can find useful resources inside and ads/marketing/events listings by the entrance area. I'll be back.

    Photos
    Chinatown Branch Library - Chinatown branch SFPL Explorer map sticker

    Chinatown branch SFPL Explorer map sticker

    Chinatown Branch Library
    Chinatown Branch Library - Old and historic library for San Francisco Chinatown.

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    Old and historic library for San Francisco Chinatown.

    Parkside Branch Library - libraries - Updated May 2026

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