This is a gorgeous, well-kept library. Did you know you can get a library card here even if you're…read morenot a resident? Really cool! It's about six stories tall and they offer all sorts of services, including classes like financial planning. They have a solid vinyl room and their children's area was very impressive. You need to stop by whenever you're in the area! I highly recommend it!

Having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card!…read more Came here for a Lunar New Year event to support my author friends, and got a library card while I was here. Hooray for checking out audiobooks from SFPL on my Libby account!

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.

It's a small local library located in the mission Bay Area, and note the opening hours vary each…read moreday, which I think it's not as convenient. It's very clean and new, and short walk to the outside park along the canal right across the corner.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

Most unhelpful people I've ever came across, the counselors just email to you in circles when you,…read moresaying the same two things when try to get ahold of them, nothing is ever available, the take over a week to respond to emails both veterans and regular counselors, they are extremely rude. How can people attend school if they are making it so difficult to even get help.

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!

Hey old friend 23 days ago I was born into the future haha ...old sign near the 1 bus and Lyon or…read morethe full house homes

The bar is beautiful, private, and romantic, with wonderful music and decor reminiscent of the…read moreearly 20th century. Even when you arrive you need a password, i loved that! The cocktails were solid and well-balanced; I particularly enjoyed the Pinhook Rye, neat, which was complex and delicious. Furthermore, the service was outstanding. It was truly one of the best bar experiences I have had.

Bourbon and Branch is a classy but casual spot to grab a drink in the Tenderloin. I went around…read more11pm on a Friday night without reservation, and got to hang out in the library area which was beautiful. I'm not a huge bourbon fan usually, but the bartender was super friendly and knowledgeable and whipped up a smooth delicious cocktail that I really liked. The folks here love what they do, and it shows. You need a reservation to get a spot in the secret room, but I really enjoyed the walk-in library area too. Great for chatting, as it didn't seem rowdy and was on the chill side. Would love to come back again and try more drinks!

The North Beach Branch library is very modern but compact. The architecture is quite unusual since…read moreit is in a shape to fit the corner on Columbus Avenue and Lombard Street. A light-filled interior. Pop in and check it out yourself!

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

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.