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    Potrero Branch Library

    4.5 (57 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Potrero Branch Library Photos

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    Gorgeous view of downtown from upstairs.
    John S.

    I love this library branch, or branch library, because it does so much with what it's got. What's it got? A great view, a great location, a cute little building, and very helpful librarians. What's it not got? Much space, which is why its design is so good. Now I'm sure plenty of people will nitpick about how much room the children's and teen sections take up, but libraries serve many constituencies, and kids and teens are two of the most important. The view of downtown from the second floor is spectacular, and they've helpfully lined up five chairs on the other side of a shelf so that library users can sit and read or just take in the view without bothering or being bothered by others--other than the people sitting in the other chairs. I've only been a few times, but I've never spent more than twenty minutes or so here. I need to. I want to get a good chunk of reading done here, because it feels so homey. Plus there's a market across the street if you're hungry or thirsty. Did I mention that it's on an almost completely flat stretch of 20th Street? And parking seems plentiful on 20th, or at least it has been on weekday afternoons. Strangely, I live exactly one block to the south but many miles to the west of this branch. It feels so much farther north, but it's not. I couldn't find a book in the stacks, and one of the librarians found it in on the New Books shelf. I was looking for that book and a couple others specifically, but I ended up taking home three others that I found while perusing the pleasant place as I perambulated.

    Shane S.

    Recently went to the Potrero Branch Library. If you want to see an amazing collection of books simply go check out the stacks at the Main Library. If you want to go to a small quiet friendly branch w/ amazing views of the skyline of downtown San Francisco simply come here to the Potrero Branch Library. Walk up the stairs to the second floor & grab a book before heading to a room of chairs for study w/ an amazing view of Downtown. Might have the best views of any branch in the San Francisco Public Library yet still have to visit eight more branches before I have visited every branch in the City.

    views
    Lydia Z.

    My favorite library in the Mission Bay side of town. It's small but cozy with an amazing view of both the city and a few 20th street bodegas, rendering a coffeeshop feel if you work/read at one of the group tables or a balcony feel if you sit on the seats by the window. I love natural lighting for reading and this place is perfect for spending a quiet afternoon on the weekends. Ok maybe it's not always quiet since the space is so open and not everyone can whisper, but it is usually not too bad. I have seen signs for fun events/ activities (i.e. free food) but they seem to happen during work hours on the weekdays so it's probably catered to them school kids. Makes sense as there's an elementary school right down the block and 2 high schools a few minutes away. I imagine the place being a lot different during the weekdays but I never have time to go. Besides that, I like how they planned the space. It never feels overcrowded as most nice places in SF are, and everything I need in a library is there. There are 2 self checkout stations and a for-hold bookshelf right by the entrance. Bathrooms are huge! Children section is floor level while adult/teen section and a few computers are crammed on the 2nd floor. Like I said, this library seems to be less catered to adults than say the main library. Nonetheless, I never have trouble finding a few good books to check out; the selection of books is varied/large enough to keep me coming back for more!

    Athonia C.

    Ouch. I forgot to read the hours of operation. It opens at 1pm on Friday. Oh noooos. Guess I'll have to write a yelp review while I wait. That'll teach em! So peep this: San Francisco libraries give their members free access to Lynda.com training videos! Almost everything you ever wanted to learn is found in these instructional videos. It's usually $25/mo or more to subscribe. California libraries are also the place to swoop up music, be it digitally over the net or on physical CD. Use the website to have your cds delivered to this branch if this is closest to your home. Also, you can use the library app from the App Store of your choice if you would like to use your smart phone when you check out books at the library. It doesn't necessarily make things easier but you do feel like your superior to the troglodytes standing at the counter. Now, onto the Potrero library: this is a cute library with a magnificent view. What better destination to use as an occasional remote office? It's not swanky but we can look at the city while we work. WiFi is great here and it's just a few yards from grocery stores. Buhleedat!

    Renovation Starts - May 17th, 2008
    Sam T.

    Anybody can sign up for a library card as long as they show a picture id (drivers/ca id, school id, passport) and address verification: (must include name and California residential address), like a personal check or mail postmarked within the last 30 days. It is a painless process. 2 minutes to fill out an application and another couple minutes for your application to be processed. And the library has 5 different new library card designs for you to choose from to spice up your wallet. Hey, if you're not the paper and pencil type... apply online at www.sfpl.org! Now for the Potrero Branch review. Why not five stars you say. Well, Potrero is in need of remodeling, which will begin very soon this Spring 2008! The building is dated. The branch needs disablility access. An elevator will be added during the renovation. The bathroom is ghetto. They still have the seperate hot and cold water faucets. The toliet has as much flush intensity as a pinto has horsepower. Potrero Library is one of the few branches that does not have wi-fi access yet. The heating system has a mind of its own. The staff room would make Anne Frank's pad look luxurious. Otherwise, the Potrero Branch Library is located in fairly quiet neighborhood with an awesome view towards downtown San Francisco. You can bring your kids to storytime every Thursday morning. The branch has two adult and two children 30 minute computers. And one fifteen minute computer. Parking is plentiful around the area. Potrero has a small collection of cds, videos and dvds. Also the branch has a moderate size collection of adult, children and teen material. If your can't find a particular material, you can always ask the librarian to ship an item from another location to the branch. An excellent staff is ready to help you with your research and other library needs. ** The branch bookmobile will provide service to the area when the Potrero Branch closes for renovation.

    SFPL - Potrero Branch
    S. A.

    Coming from a country where public services are not at its best, I've to admit that I'm easy to impress. But the public programs for children and toddlers at the SFPL are outstanding! and the Potrero Hill Branch just rocks. My daughter has been attending the weekly music and games program since she was 8 months old (she's now 2.4 years old) and she loves it ! Every Thursday we wake her up saying "its library day" and that makes her day. She has learned lots of songs, which now she sings along, has made tons of friends there and loves to dance to the tunes. The lady that runs the program is now like part of our family. Of course there's always room for improvement, but we thank our gods (and the taxes we pay) for this type of programs.

    Amazing views
    Sumit C.

    What a great library in Potrero. Amazing views, newly done (so everything is clean and tidy!), free wifi. A bit noisy, but its just people getting used to it. Easy parking nearby. Come on a sunny day to soak in the views and the sun and read your faviorite magazine or just browse the internet.

    Tables upstairs

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    I can order a book or DVD that is in the system and have it delivered to my branch in a few days.

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    8 years ago

    CONGRATULATIONS SFPL on library of the year! We HEART you guys! Big shout-out to my Potrero home branch.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Potrero Branch Library

    Review Highlights - Potrero Branch Library

    Now, onto the Potrero library: this is a cute library with a magnificent view.

    Mentioned in 3 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)
    2.0 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)
    2.5 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.

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    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.

    Public Knowledge Library

    Public Knowledge Library

    4.0(1 review)
    1.8 miSoMa, Financial District

    The Public Knowledge Library is the latest public library of the San Francisco Public Library…read moresystem & is the 29th library in the system. It is located on the second floor of the SFMOMA & opened about 6 months ago. It will be here at SFMOMA until 2019 & perhaps permanently. The Public Knowledge project includes installations by artists & librarians using resources such as books, magazines, & newspapers addressing the shifting paradigm of libraries to digital technology. The Public Knowledge Library aims to showcase the historic & contemporary relevance of public libraries to support individual needs & interests along w/ generating a community spirit. When I visited today besides browsing some excellent books they also had on display an original card catalogue cabinet from the main library from 1917 that was used until 1989 when it was replaced by digital records. Also on display here was vinyl records & listening stations w/ a focus on musicians in San Francisco. I was delighted to listen to the original first recordings of Joan Baez in San Francisco that was recorded in June, 1958 when she was just 17 years old. It was interesting to listen to her play w/ just her vocals & an acoustic guitar. I also enjoyed listening to some of Miles Davis Live at Blackhawk in San Francisco. I liked reading the linear notes on both records. Items here are non-circulating yet don't worry as many of the items are available for check out at the main library. It is worth paying a visit to SFMOMA if in SoMa to visit the Public Knowledge Library & look forward to returning to see other exhibits here down the line.

    Potrero Branch Library - libraries - Updated May 2026

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