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San Francisco Main Library

4.1 (462 reviews)
Closed 12:00 pm - 6:00 PM

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Jen V.

I'll be honest -- we initially went inside for the restroom, not the books! My aunt and I had just gotten off BART after nearly an hour on the train and really needed a stop. That said, we were pleasantly surprised. The library is beautiful, well-maintained, and feels very welcoming. The security guards were helpful and kind, which we appreciated. The restroom was spacious and clean, and there's even a small bookstore right by the entrance. Next time I'm in the area, I'll definitely plan to spend more time exploring the books not just the "facilities".

Inside
Christine B.

Came by the San Francisco Main Library around 2:30pm on a Sunday. It was relatively busy, but I had no trouble finding a seat. The building itself is huge, very well organized, and pretty clean. There's a directory to help you navigate, though the size can feel a little overwhelming at first. There are plenty of desks with outlets, and the overall atmosphere is quiet and very work friendly. Staff were friendly and helpful. I came to create a library card and the process was very simple and straightforward. There were staff picked book recommendations organized by genre.

New collections
Dean L.

Used to be next door, but whatever works. Newer with same challenges. Check out circulation desk is now in the basement. Clean, well lit, comfortable and in close proximity to shelters, security is robust. It's been years since I walked through the floors but only had time to renew my card (4 years) and pick up a few used books from the SF Friends of the Library kiosk. Just remembered that decades ago right out of college, I applied and got a job as a SFPL Library Page. They sent me to the Noe Valley Branch that was originally built as a Carnegie Library. This was before digital libraries and check outs.

Debbie F.

Very nice large library with a helpful staff. Not a great area in SF and homeless were coming and going and arguing with the nice guards

Christian H.

Great place to relax and take a breather from your day to day life. We are incredibly lucky to have this in San Francisco.

John King and Jasper Rubin
Elma C.

Tonight's event at the SFPL was John King's "Portal: San Francisco's Ferry Building and the Reinvention of American Cities" book discussion and Q&A with Jasper Rubin. Events such as this one serves as a proof that SFPL is a window to San Francisco's very soul. John King's presentation was very engaging. He effortlessly captivated the audience with his anecdotes wrapped in historical facts. His passion for history was evident in every word he spoke, and it was truly inspiring to hear him and Jasper Rubin share facts most of us in the audience were probably not familiar with. The sense of community was present before, during and after the event. SFPL still attracts genuine San Francisco nerds who can never get enough of knowledge and facts. The audience members received a free copy of the book and an important piece of San Francisco history written by one of the most esteemed SF Chronicle writers and 2-time Pulitzer Prize nominee.

Puzzle table on the 4th floor
Don L.

I'm from San Jose and I think the SF Main Library blows the MLK Library in DTSJ out of the water. The beautiful, historic location in the middle of San Francisco has plenty of chairs to sit on, rest your legs, and read a book. The library was quiet and peaceful. The male and female restrooms on the first floor had a police officer in each one so I felt safe. The interior architecture and views of San Francisco were awe-inspiring. The selection of books, music, and movies was expansive and all-encompassing. A free community puzzle table on the 4th floor gave me a chance to meet and talk with some fellow library patrons. It was a one-of-kind experience as it helped to convey a sense of camaraderie as we all worked towards completing the 1000-piece puzzle. The fifth floor in the middle of the library houses a gigantic selection of magazines and newspapers. The sixth floor has the California room which housed a number of historical documents from San Francisco and California's rich history. The seven floors of the SF Main Library have an amazing selection of material to check out and a ton of free things to do here. I had to take off one star though because I saw one man using the air hand dryer to dry his exposed buttocks. Only SF things.

Dipesh G.

My first book checkout and visit to the SF Main Library was great. The staff were helpful and it was easy to get the book I had on hold. The inside of the library is very nice, however, it is a bit sketchy outside.

Don't get it twisted!  The Main Library is a work of art.  
 
 (Specifically by architects James Ingo Freed and Cathy Simon.)
Pernicious J.

This place is a marvel. First visit was years ago. Not sure if I made it past the 3rd floor. Saw some dude looking at porn on the computer, heard a very loud scuffle as someone got tackled down below by the security gate and I have to admit I basically nope'd out of there. Years later, being done with bookstores as buying books in bulk has become an expensive and environmentally-unfriendly habit, I am now a Friend of the Library. Times have changed and my mind has changed. Although SFPL is speedy and organized with regard to transferring holds sometimes I like to drop by in person. And being that the Main is second-closest in proximity to me, and most often has the book I am looking for, it turns out to be the main place to be. This library is amazing. It is beautiful. It will make you proud to be a San Franciscan. The astounding architecture, the organization of the operation, all the cool spaces and round rooms to relax and read, or plug in and work. Printers abound! (Follow the very visible signs and arrows.) Properly staffed, adequately secured, and clean. Much like on MUNI, you'll probably see someone in here who is going through tougher times than you are. If you don't want to risk bumping elbows with the hoi polloi you best go buy an annual membership to The Mechanic's Institute or something. It's $120 per year. I have chosen to send double that amount to SFPL each year instead. It is a greater public resource and with the amount of books I go through I'm still saving money. :]

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San Francisco Main Library Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - San Francisco Main Library

Is there disabled parking?

There is handicap-designated street parking on all the streets surrounding the library.

Is the library branches open to the public during the pandemic?

Looks like the library people leaked the dsw drama to FOX news. Goodwill classifications are mainly specific to the libraries like Rec and Park. They don't have work with the closures.

Can I book a room for a call or a meeting? If so, could you link the Portal? Thanks.

Hi, the process is explained here to book a community meeting room https://sfpl.org/index.php?pg=2000002901

Are there computers to do hw?

Yes. Lots of public Access computers, plus computers specifically for children and teens to use in the dedicated centers for those age groups.

Do I need a library card if I just want to enter and study at a table?

No not at all. Welcome to the library

Where is the quietest floor or area for silent studying in the library, aside from the private study rooms?

The floors tend to get quieter, the higher up you go, so try the 5th floor

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Review Highlights - San Francisco Main Library

Although SFPL is speedy and organized with regard to transferring holds sometimes I like to drop by in person.

Mentioned in 43 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)
1.0 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)
1.2 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.

Public Knowledge Library

Public Knowledge Library

4.0(1 review)
1.0 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.

San Francisco Main Library - libraries - Updated May 2026

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