The exterior is a beauty of architecture. There's lots of outdoor 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! read more

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

Presidio Branch Library - Libraries Near Me - San Francisco, California

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If you're looking for a quiet place to study, this is not it. The space is beautiful, but it's very noisy, with lots of kids and no real quiet zone. Disappointing if you're coming to focus. read more

Neighborhood gem and a good place to study, read, unwind. It can get noisy because it's an open area and the caustics lend to this. They have a lot of programs for children so you can sometimes hear a lot of loud talking and crying from them. Also, there's days when the teens from nearby high schools come in all at once and they don't bother at all with inside voices. Besides that, I think it's really important to support your local libraries. This branch is small but it's a classically beautiful building and they've got a good selection considering it's not as large as other SF libraries. Hours are a little hard to keep track of (most likely due to budget cuts) so check ahead of time. read more

I love the branch, but the staff is super timid and rude at times, like they've never helped someone new to the library in their life, and it took everything out of them to help someone new. And the fact they open at 11 is so odd. Talk about a lazy uptight branch! they wanna sleep in and get off early. Some of us want to work at 9 or 10 like literally every other library. read more

The Presidio Branch Public Library is a sweet addition to presidio heights neighborhood. Surrounding the space of the library is a small park where lots of neighbors walk their dogs, eat their lunches and enjoy the sun. There are a few benches and a good amount of lawn space. Overall, the Presidio Branch Library one of the smaller public libraries of San Francisco. It's main floor, (which the staircase leads up to) has a children's reading room, holds section, teens area, fiction, non-fiction, mystery and reading suggestions from the library. There are about four big squishy couches to lounge in, a couple of long tables to work at, and a few computer stations for browsing or utilizing the SF Library online catalogue. Also, there is free WIFI. No password needed! The bathroom is downstairs. You can take the elevator, or walk outside the library to use the staircase that faces the facade. There is also a meeting space where there are free classes held every week! Hours vary pretty significantly between days, so be sure to check the website before you visit! Also, TIP!!!! Make sure to get a library card, and make use of your SF residency! There are several free activities that can be used through the SF Public Library website. I recently went to the Japanese Tea Garden FOR FREE!!! Bottom Line: Quaint neighborhood library. read more

Clean, updated with a classic feel. Its really small but feels nice, clean and upper class. Only a 2/10 on the bum meter. Though i don't go much, may 15x a year its a great place to study. 5 stars The only drawback is the limited and erratic biz hours, 2 stars. I'm guessing due to budget cuts. read more

So clean and quiet(except for the kids). Grand reopening better than ever. Spacious front yard read more

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Excellent place to get work done, when not too crowded. It's a beautiful area (Presidio Heights) and an impressive building. The interior has most of what you'd want, such as outlets, an easily accessible bathroom, and good lighting. I'm not giving the full 5 stars because they don't take the effort to loan out less common, but really useful things like iPhone cables. read more

I like this small neighborhood branch, the people there are really friendly and I can walk there. They don't have a huge selection, but you can check the general catalog online, they ship between locations. I put a hold on a couple of books online last week, and before I knew it, they were already ready for pick up at the Presidio Branch. There's a self checkout, so I was in and out within minutes. They are also open for a few hours on Saturday & Sunday, a big plus for me. Both the online and offline experiences have been great for me and I will definitely check here before I order any book on Amazon. read more

Presidio Branch Library - Libraries Near Me - San Francisco, California

very clean library ...very friendly staff too. even though it is small, the children's section is well kept and stocked. we come here at least once per week! Thank you to all the wonderful staff members at this library! read more

SO beautiful! The children's classes are so great to socialize your children and to be able to connect with other moms or nannies! I started coming here for 2 years with the three year old I used to nanny (Starting when she was 8 months) and now I am coming here with my own baby boy (Starting when he was 6 months) ! The staff is so helpful and kind and always willing to help find the perfect book! The rhyme time class is so wonderful to learn new songs, hear and see new books performed and to mingle with other moms and nannies. BONUS: If you have a child's library card for your child, there is an unlimited amount of renewals! Amazing :D See you on Thursdays! read more

Beautifully restored community resource. It's quite popular especially on weekends, mostly for studying... it may be hard to find a seat at peak times. It's not huge, but there is a generous kids area for those with little ones (not me!) and it's not bad for a neighborhood branch. The lawn in front and behind is quite popular with the local doggies including Darwin, though I do wish everyone picked up their poop... come on people! There was a little mailbox with baggies for those who came without, but it was quickly vandalized and only the post remains. read more

Never would I have thought it'd be possible to just walk to my local public library. This branch is a couple blocks from our new place. Amazingly close. It's open late on Sundays and most weekdays until 9pm! While I've used the San Francisco Public Library for research, I had never checked out any materials. The library's quite small. With the online ordering system it seems huge. You order; they notify when it arrives; you pick up. Great system. Tonight I picked up my first item: Bill Buford's Heat. Support your public library, especially the good ones!. read more

This library is awesome! It has the old San Franciscan feel to it meaning it doesn't have the modern design and aesthetics like the main or marina library. This is also a nice place to read etc. because there are few people here. Additional plus: Dog park outside. read more

When I stepped in here after the remod it still had the original smell, the original structuring but just the upgrades allowed more natural light and more open space! I've been to this library when I was in grade school, so it was quite nostalgic to come back to it. I don't like having to go to cafes just to study, I feel obligated to buy something and it can get noisy in there which is why the library is the go-to place. The fans are remotely controlled but watch out for days when it's really stuffy in there. It'll be nice to step outside once in a while but also smart to keep the door open to get that nice breeze in every now and then. The other issue is that because of the open space even the smallest of sounds can be magnified 50x. And kids yelling/whining is another story... This library serves as a somber retreat from the the hustle and bustle of Sacramento and California streets so that I can get some work or even some reading done. I'm happy that this place is a 5 minute walk from my house and a pleasant walk at that. read more

Like the other reviewers this library is stunning and has plenty of interesting and fun children's classes. The library offers a community event space which is located down to the left of the entrance. read more

This library was a pleasant surprise! I hadn't been here in years but was impressed by the renovation. The outside still has a classic government feel, but the interior changes have really brought it up to date. I think the kids section was my favorite change. It was very popular with lots of kids and parents so apparently the local people feel comfortable coming here. While this isn't the closest library to me, I am always willing to travel a little bit further for cleaner or nicer facilities especially when it comes to a library. I want my daughter to be excited to read and not overwhelmed like at the main branch. read more

The is one of the best libraries in San Francisco. Love the inside and neighborhood. I also love the outside of the library. This is a cool library. read more

Is it a qualification for all older women who work here to look at you like they don't actually work there and therefore aren't responsible for anything directly related to their duties? And why is it that every time I come to this place when they are supposed to be opening, they are at least 10 minutes late? Is the "open" time posted on the door actually when the employees are supposed to arrive, and not when doors are open to the public? Maybe I'm just confused. I mean, all the other libraries are open when they say they will be. read more

A quaint library with neatly organized books, clearly marked sections, a separate children's area, computer section and lots of tables to have a quiet read. read more

The building itself is beautiful. The lawn is maintained wonderfully, cute little trees and flowers are planted along the exterior, and puppies and babies are always around. So even when the library is closed (which somehow it usually seems to be), at least the outside is still enjoyable. Inside it has that quaint, old-fashioned, time-is-stopped feel. The delightful smell of molding books is all around and the "shhhh" atmosphere is wonderfully palpable. It definitely lets you forget about all about being in a rushy, windy city. If only it were ever open! read more

SO GLAD THIS LIBRARY IS OPEN!!! Love their online ordering system!! The yard in the back is nice. The left side facing the library is *supposed* to be dog free, but sadly, I see dog walkers ignoring that. Noise does travel in this library & can be an issue. I've seen many kids and Moms/adults talking in full voice without even trying to speak softly. I've yet to see a librarian or anyone for that matter, ask people to keep their voice down. Maybe I will start that! Where is the bell that would remind people to keep their voice down? That would be wonderful if the library would use a bell when noise escalates. Library: Please post additional signs showing where dogs are NOT welcome. That way there will be some grass not covered in dog poop that people could use. read more

I come to library look for Russian books. I need help find they send Russian woman help me. Russian woman no speak russian. She say 3 words in russian and rest all english. When I speak her she shake head like she understand she no understand. I no like staff lie read more

I LOVE the smell of library. The smell of old books remind me of my childhood days where I would spend HOURS at the library. At the end of the day, I would check out the max amount of books I could get. Walked in on a Saturday afternoon, realizing it's been months since I've been at the library. When the library smell kicked in, memories rushed in, and I smiled. My initial plan was to quickly check out a Lily Allen CD, then run out. A couple CD's down from the Lily Allen CD I found a 70's hits CD. HAAAAAAY! Hmm. I wonder what other CD's they have? I spent about 15-20 minutes quickly going through their CD collection. It wasn't too big, but its kinda tiny. Quickly went through the self-check out, and walked out with 9 CD's. We shall meet again. read more

I love this library. It has an excellent movie and music section, it is clean and quiet and the kids section is fantastic. I love how they have the books on hold (and you can reserve them online! Woohoo for technology!) where you can actually go and get them yourself. The woman who does the storytime (I think her name is Jean) is a sweet, gentle woman that kids seem to love. read more

Pretty library but very small! I would not recommend it as a good study place if you plan to stay all day as there is limited 2 hour street parking and not too close to any lunch or snack spots. read more

What a gorgeous library! Looks pretty standard from the outside, but you're blown away by the avant garde architecture as soon as you walk in the lobby. The library has more than ample study and work space. Each carrel or table is complete with outlets and lights, so doing work on your computer is hassle-free. The library has also integrated technology quite impressively. Books can be reserved and renewed online, you can get email alerts, and even pay overdue fines. I'm excited by how easy it is! read more

Friendly staff, found book online, picked it up easily. It was as simple and easy as writing this review.

I love thie library. I really love this particular library. Outside of the obvious plus that I live 2 blocks away, this is the type of old, stately library that you can curl up in for hours and escape in a great book. The librarians are really helpful and have lots of great book suggestions. With the awesome online ordering system, you have access to just about every book in print at this library...even if the book doesn't live on its shelves. Just go online, find the book, order it and oila! within a few days its at the Presidio Branch on the "hold" shelf. So great! Like Amazon...but for free. You can even rate and review book after you read them! read more

this is where i run to when i have a paper to write or a lot of reading to do. it's never crowded & always quiet. the building is classic & beautiful; it almost makes me want to study. i'm only giving three stars because of the attitude i received from one of their employees. i came here recently to find a children's book to perform for one of my classes. i asked the woman at the info desk for help & she said i would have to wait for the children's librarian in the children's book area. her tone was extremely rude, as if i should know how they run their children's section. i waited for the said children's librarian for 10 minutes until finally the woman at the info desk came to help me. she helped me find the books i wanted but she could have been a lot nicer about it. the librarian at the info desk should not act irritated when someone asks her for info : / read more

What a beautiful newly renovated library. The only thing this library lacks is peace and quiet. I have been here several times. I can tell you for a fact, that every time I come here, its very loud. Children are screaming, yelling, turning off the lights. Yes. I just said they turn off the lights here. This branch is apparently "the spot" for Au-pairs, who take care of the kids who live in the neighborhood, to frequent. Give me a break. I've tried focusing really hard, but the only way I could drown out the noise, coming from the playground downstairs and the childrens section, was with more noise (my headphones). This is definitely not a good idea and I do not understand why I have to do this. Is this supposed to be a library? A library is a sanctuary. It is a place to read. Not a playground. Say what you wish, the noise disturbs everyone who comes in here to work, read, or focus on whatever they need to do. What a waste of tax payer money. They forgot to soundproof this place. read more

5 stars for the fabulous employee who keeps helping me with the computers and printing/ scanning. Each time, he jumps up from his desk without a single eye roll to assist me, and he's right there before I even have to ask for help. He's on it, and he's so patient, too! I also give this library 5 stars because the computer prints are only 10 cents, and the internet's free.. I can't believe I was paying big money at print stores!! Lesson learned! They also seem to have an extensive DVD collection, but I'll have to update you on that section of the library, as well as the actual books section, at a later date. As for now, if you need to use a computer and print and receive good customer service at the same time, take a trip to the Presidio library. And that, folks, is a golden nugget of information. read more

A stately building with lovely staff and reading spaces. The collection is smaller than some but well-stocked.

I love this place. The staff is wonderful and always so helpful. I went in trying to find kid videos for my nephew who was visiting for the weekend. The staff person was super helpful. Small or big things, the staff will help! The Presidio Library is a peaceful place...nice reprieve from SF madness. read more

The staff was very helpful and I had a library card in less than 10 minutes. Selection is impressive given its relatively small size. The staff selection is also very impressive. read more

It's a normal library. Small/medium size, some seated spots, okay selection of materials. It's definitely one of the least busy libraries in town so go there if you want some peace of mind. read more

This library is getting a modern upgrade in the technological sense! Hopefully when it reopens people will find it a great space with everything you would expect from a modern library, but still contained in the original historic architecture. Task lights, ample outlets at the workstations, secure after-hours book drop outside, rejuvenated finishes, better circulation, and on and on... This was made possible by our Bond money approved by voters. Yay for libraries and yay for us for holding onto what is important and improving it for the sake of the neighborhood! read more