Wonderful service! Cute activities for kids, families, adults, and seniors. I've gotten craft projects 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. read more

Chinatown Branch Library - Lunar New year events 2026 - Libraries Near Me - San Francisco, California

The SF Chinatown library is much smaller than expected, but it's well maintained and quiet inside. 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. read more

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This SF library branch is located in Chinatown close to the main streets and I stopped by to kill some time before meeting up with friends. There a good amount of tables and chairs to read at and it's a good place to spend a quiet few hours in the afternoon. Being Chinatown they have a good selection of books in Mandarin as well as news, magazines and large print books. There's self-checkout and the staff were great at helping me find a couple of books. Definitely a great space for the neighborhood! read more

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

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Back at the chinatown SF library...there are so many libraries...chinatown is near north beach and the financial district...easy to access walking from the buses in chinatown...near the cable car...quiet...new books...sunny out..free tote bags for summer reading this year...picked it up in chinatown...any of them offer the summer reading tote bags...using a website this year to track reading... read more

This branch was closest to our hotel in SF and we headed there because the business center in ours was expensive for printing. If you're a CA resident you can sign up for a library card! We signed up a few days prior and decided that we needed to print a few documents prior to heading to the airport. We visited shortly after opening and was walked through the process of using the printers. The staff at this branch was super helpful in setting us up. I wasn't aware but you can print up to $2 in documents at the SF library per day for free. This is a great perk. Also, I borrow a lot of books on Libby so if your local library doesn't have a book, you can expand the search to another library in a different city if you have a library card. Now my Libby account is connected to the OCPL and the SFPL. The library also has a lot of streaming options available via your library card. Definitely do not overlook this valuable resource. read more

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

Nice amount of seating but they are severely lacking working electrical outlets. The staff was polite and the place was clean. Large selection of anything you would need from your local library. read more

Chinatown Branch Library - Just an example of one of the seating areas inside. - Libraries Near Me - San Francisco, California

The Chinatown branch of the SF library is the most used library in the City! Old, teen, professionals and very young use this library branch. When it was closed due to CoVid19, there was a void in the community. The neighborhood folks love to read, read hardcopy newspapers and have a safe space to study and learn. We must expand our library access! Luckily there are e-books and other media accessible through Overdrive, Kanopy and Hoopla as well as other software applications. Technology to the rescue. But we still treasure real books. They are worth your time holding a book in your hand. Give it a try soon. read more

Excellent library great book selection and such a pretty building in a beautiful neighborhood

Note: Ratings relative to other public libraries and spaces in SF. Overall: 2/5 "SF Clean" (aka clean for a SF public library) but severely lacks power plugs. I want to like this branch but it's obvious the SFPL / SF doesn't care about the Chinese community with this lacking library. Seating: 1/5 Small library with limited seating. Power plugs only available at TWO tables, which means maybe 5 people at a time could actually work out of this library. Wifi: 4/5 Functional. Hours: 3/5 Standard branch library hours. Bathrooms: ??? Didn't use. read more

Two floors. Lower floor is an extensive children's library w/ many Chinese books & some English titles as well. Extensive collection of Chinese books on the second floor along w/ a smart selection of English language books. I arrived here from the Financial District & was a steep walk up the hilly San Francisco streets. I walked past the Trans America building & into the heart of Chinatown where the library is. read more

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One of the four branches with a Children's Room (upper and lower level). It is very good to have a library in the area. The staff here are friendly and services are very efficient so I will definitely come in when I am near the area! There is a stop for the Powell-Mason & Hyde Cable Car Lines! Seriously, some of the kids who come here really annoy when they misbehave. I've seen times when the library staff asked them to lower the volume of their chatting. This is the only downside which does annoy other library patrons! read more

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

I always purchased my books. My girlfriend suggested that I get a library card. I had my second knee replacement in 2019 and instead of buying books to read, I went to this location. They were very helpful in opening my library card and began visiting then several times a week. I enjoyed reading my selections of books. When SIP came, I had 5 books that I wanted to return in March. This location opened on October 2020 and returned my much over due books and went on line to order my new selections of books. 3 out of the 7 were here within 3 days. Just finished reading one and on to my second novel. Support your local library!!!! read more

Very nice workers who are Chinese and so cute. They really helped me set up my library card and would even come up to me and check how I was doing. They don't speak the greatest English but I appreciate them so much because they only wanted to help awesome employees. It's a little hard to navigate the place. At times I could swear it was organized alphabetically, then other times by author. I'm sure I'm just dumb and couldn't figure it out. Nice place and I can't wait to hang out here more read more

This is the closest library to me, and I am a fan! I manage everything online by holding books and DVDs I like, get an email when they arrive at my home library here and pick them up. The front desk has been very approachable and helpful, and this library is beautiful and clean. read more

There are few cards that stay in my wallet at all times. Even the seemingly important ones - my insurance card, ATM card, gift cards with "Treat as Cash" stamped on them in large black letters - fall to the bottom of my purse and are often lost in the shuffle from one bag to another. But my library card - that stays with me. I love the library; it makes me so happy to be surrounded by so many books, more than I will ever have time to read. It's from the library that I learned McNamara thought "his war" was a mistake, how to make a souffle, and that Dave Barry is truly a funny man. The Chinatown branch is a gem. It's bigger than I expected, the people are friendly, and the cd and DVD collection is huge. Not that I would ever do this, because it is illegal and Just Plain Wrong, but it is possible to load those cds into your itunes. If you were so inclined. Which I am NOT. Alas, my love fest with the Chinatown branch stops at the bathroom which is, in a word, disgusting. read more

I work at the Chinatown Library and I love that there is a secret second floor bathroom that no tourists and/or commoners can use. Only me! Mwahahah! Other than that, the book section here is dull and the computers are always taken up by a bunch of dense German tourists. Not to mention that a cable car stops every 15 minutes in front of the library. Leaving a bunch of foreigner tourists staring at us Chinese like we're some aliens they've never seen before. We're here and we're queer! Learn to love us bitches! because we ain't going no where! read more

Overall the SFPL gets 5 stars because of its easy online reserve, pickup, and renew services. They certainly uphold the idea that libraries are in place to share information by making the exchange so easy :D Yay! For sure it helps that this branch is so close I can see it from my window but I would give the branch 5 stars anyway. I didn't think of it like this before reading Heather M's review, but I agree- its easy to focus in there because I don't understand Cantonese. Another huge bonus is the WiFi which is pretty fast in comparison to a few cafe's I know of (this place would get 6 stars if you could eat and drink in here!!) The technicians and librarians are helpful. There is no reason to be intimidated to drop in and leave with 30+ books and media like I do. And If you DO need to use the restroom may I suggest taking a break from your librarying by stretching your legs and strolling on up to the Fairmont Hotel on California and Powell for some upscale relieving? read more

I love the Chinatown Library. It's got a great number of books in Chinese, not that I can actually read any of them, but more surprisingly, they have a fantastic collection of DVDs and videos. I used to go the main branch and was always disappointed with the DVD selection, especially for a branch of its magnitude, but this tiny little branch has a great selection, and a lot of people who work and live around there take full advantage of it. I've been able to get a hold of some pretty decent and relatively current movies there, and it's a nice complement for my netflix service. read more

Chinatown Library: For 95 years, this historic public library inn Chinatown, still going strong today. With a large selection of books,CD and movies in Chinese,vietnamese and of course english, this library have everything but a cafe.Oh Yeah, seeing older men and women sweating after a tough shopping spree in the produce market in Chinatown, and coming to this library reading the chinese periodicals to keep up with their current event. Afterschool, juveniles getting off school reading anime cartoons, Chinese cartoons, playing video games on the house-computer,and running around the library creating trouble. I often wonder, is this a library? The professional staff and associates are friendly and constantly busy assisting other people. I went to other libraries in the city, beside the main library, this branch is the second biggest and busiest in the city. This is my reading place. I would love to give this library a 5-star,except this library is noisy and kids misbehaving feels uncomfortable. The public lavatory is nightmare. Like waiting in line @ the cafeteria. read more

I love this place. It's full of good magazines, books, and great DVD collection. The librarians are pretty friendly. but It does get crowded with the computers sometimes. Great atmosphere with plenty of people, and kids. read more

This has become my go-to library. It's pretty quiet, usually not that busy, and unlike the main library, this one isn't overrun by bums. The building is really neat. It kind of feels like you're walking into the police station from Resident Evil. read more

After avoiding the library for the past 20 YEARS...I finally started to go back to the Chinatown branch. Glad I did! The 1st floor has a great set up for children except after school it gets very noisy most days. We come frequently with our niece to read books. The second floor has a great Chinese selection, new arrivals, CD and movies. Love browsing the aisles! Computers are always occupied...mostly people, of ALL ages, playing games! Very clean AND (too) WARM -- it serves as a great alternative to staying home in the winter because our flat is ALWAYS in the mid 50s!! BRRRRR!!!! Staff is always friend when we need help! 5 star branch minus 1 star for the noisy kids and adults. read more

This small library has lots of Chinese books, magazines DVDS and CDs. I use to come here a lot to escape the world and just dive into their free resources. The library has gone 21st century with its computers and kiosks. The children's area use to be upstairs but those little ones can scream. Glad to have a separate children's area to keep the noise down and to allow more space for expansion. Plenty of DVDS to cater to this popular form of media. Highly recommend this library because it's also a window to the Chinese culture. read more

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My local branch library and (so I've heard) the busiest-per-capita library in the SFPL... it definitely has a neighborhood feeling to it, from the older gentlemen catching up with the week's Chinese language newspapers to the middle schoolers poring over this branch's extensive anime novel collection. If you're an Asiaphile (a good or bad thing, depending) then you'll be impressed by this branch's extensive "Asian Collection", of cookbooks and language manuals and martial arts books and even ethnic studies stuff. It's all housed in the shelves by the doors. I enjoy this library because it's clean, well-lit, and because it doesn't feel dead -- the poetry installations are kind of neat too. Good public programs, including community in-language programs to teach Chinatown seniors how to use computers (haven't convinced my grandparents to do this yet, though!) read more

This library certainly is a good place to study in the evenings when the kids are gone. The staff behind the reference desk looks like they are always chilled doing nothing but surfing the internet. Overall, cool place to study at in the evenigs. They need to do something about their bathrooms. GROSS! read more

I used to go to the Main all the time before it got taken over by creepies and bums. Even though this library is crowded it is surprisingly quiet. Some people are even taking naps here! They have a good selection of movies and books. The staff here are really friendly and helpful. read more

*continuation of story from review of San Francisco Public Library - Richmond Branch The book I had returned was sent to the Chinatown Branch library. So we called this branch after visiting the Richmond Branch, but they hadn't received the book yet. The woman who answered the phone was very nice though and said she would leave a note for the people working the next day since she would not be there. I was quite anxious and my mom was going to Chinatown the next day anyway, so she dropped by the library and asked them about the book and my important document. The woman upstairs told her the book had been sent to the Marina Branch, but my mom insisted that it was sent there, so she sent her downstairs. The woman downstairs said she had to go upstairs. My mom said they had just sent her downstairs. So the woman downstairs remembered that someone had found my important document earlier that morning and they had it at the reference desk upstairs. Up to the reference desk and they had my important document! Of course, they didn't just give it to her. They had to check to make sure it was going to the right person. Two thumbs way up for the staff and service at the Chinatown Branch library and for helping me get my important document back! read more

This place is always quite packed. In the past, I wondered why there were tons of people waiting for doors to open in such a large building with a unique facade. It turns out it was the library - one that serves everyone and anyone of all ages. I like how they have an entire section on the first floor dedicated to children including furniture for their size! There are tons of dvds and media selection here. I also see a huge selection of Chinese in language materials including children books. Highly recommended. If you are going to use the Internet, bring your own laptop and use the wireless. Huge lines for the computer terminals here. Also, not really part of the library, but you can gawk at tourist passing by on the cable car. get thirsty? go across the street for Quickly's (literally cheapest boba place in Chinatown). Want to relax and get away from people for a bit during your stay at the library? Take a break and walk around and up into Nob Hill. I've never been blessed to utilize the bathroom facilities here so I have no comments on it. read more

As expected with a library in Chinatown, this place is packed. The demographics mainly consists of elderly Chinese people with their grand kids. It's a noisy, lively place, just like Chinatown. It makes for an interesting work day. I recommend it for the experience despite the opposing qualities of an expected library. I wonder what news they're reading so intently in their native language. read more

Ah! Finally, a smaller, cleaner library. I normally go to the Main Branch whenever I need to sit with my laptop and do some work in an environment where I won't get distracted (ie coffee shops). This branch is definitely much smaller than what I thought it would be, but I find it to be a bit cozy. Adults section is upstairs, children's section is downstairs. Oh, what's awesome is that people aren't bathing themselves in the bathrooms or sleeping on the tables. Love that! read more

I find this a very comfortable place to study, and it's only 5 blocks from my pad. A little crowded, but that's life in the big city (I mean what do you expect, it is Chinatown, the densest neighborhood in SF afterall). Close to a bunch of good grocery stores and super markets so if you get hungry, ti's the place to roll. Also, had alot of my Southeast Asian Studies textbooks for checkout, so how could I legitimately complain? read more

I really like this location for its convenience and the fact that it's in the middle of Chinatown, but I think it's because the location is in Chinatown that is also its downfall. The staff are nice enough, and I love being able to request books I want to read and have them magically appear on the hold shelf when they are available. I also like the three self-checkout machines with an option to skip printing a receipt. (I can check when my stuff is due through the SFPL website: who needs receipts for libraries nowadays?) There look to be some fun activities on their schedule, but I haven't had a chance to participate in any yet (e.g., Mid-autumn Moon Festival crafts how-to class, female characters in shoujo manga). But my biggest qualm is with the section that houses the English translations of various manga series. It's not in any sort of order, and many of the volumes have pages torn out or partially cut out. This example doesn't help with the perception that Chinese people don't give a flying truck about others. Ugh, it just makes me sad + angry = sangry. The verdict: Being that the Chinatown branch is the one closest to me, I'll still be going here to satisfy my bookworm tendencies. However, I vow that I'll try other branches to see if I'm willing to give up the shorter walk. read more

Yay for a Lib in Chinatown! It's clean and has a convenient location

Came here to study and had a great experience. I wasn't sure what I'd find in this part of town, but the library is actually nicely kept up and clean. There were many tables for studying and people were respectful. It did feel a bit on the crowded side, but overall, there was plenty of space for all. One downside is that there aren't a lot of outlets so come with all your electronics charged. You can occasionally snag a table near an outlet but it's rare. Also, the bathroom was shared, wet, and out of towels. There are a few computers, and even though there weren't many, they weren't really being used. You'll need a library account to use them. read more

Decent library with a good selection of books - I'm not entirely sure how the books are all organized though, because sometimes I just can't find what I'm looking for in the place where it's supposed to be, but the librarians are helpful and always pull them out for me. It seems to have odd hours, as I went on a Friday and they were closed for the whole day (not what the website says is true). Employees are nice and can speak both English and Chinese, but I'm a little dubious of their competency, because I brought proof of address the first time and watched the guy input my information into the system...and the second time I came to the library, the employees insisted that I had never brought any address proof and would be unable to check books out until I did again. read more

As a place to study, being a non-chinese speaker, this branch is super. Sure, its kind of noisy and bustling, but given that I don't know a word of what's going on, it is really easy to tune it out and get focused. Plus, it's open an hour later than the main branch, which is helpful for those of us used to 24-hr libraries at Cal. read more

Very big. Very big. And sadly, pretty damn quiet. I would expect everyone to be extremely loud in here, since it is Chinatown afterall. I felt completely starred at while walking down with heels. However, it is a library, so I shouldn't be expecting otherwise. I love how they have a big kid's section too, with the tables/chairs and everything. read more

~This review is for the library as a study space, nothing more and nothing less~ While studying for finals for a change of East Bay scenery, I stopped by the Him Mark Lai Branch Library at the edge of Chinatown. Like all things in San Francisco, it's crowded. Unlike all things in San Francisco, it's free!!! You can take a seat at one of the tables and read or study at your leisure, as long as you don't mind sitting close or possibly bumping elbows with fellow patrons. Noise level was appropriately to a minimum, but not so quiet that you feel uncomfortable flipping leaves of a newspaper. I actually got a good chunk of work done here because all patrons were quiet and respectful. I was also able to carve out a nice little study space where no one bothered me. Can't really comment on the book selection because I only came here to grab a seat and study, but it looked like a well-organized collection of books. The unisex bathroom on the first floor is pretty disgusting, though. It's filthy, full of foul odors, and has some graffiti inside. I would thus recommend that you only stay for a couple hours, or as long as you can before having to use the bathroom. As a student, I've been to quite a few libraries to study in and around the Cal campus, and I can safely say that I've experienced better than this library on the edge of Chinatown. read more

Big branch, quick service. This is where I normally go. Along with the kids on the bottom, adult on top section. It's like a two for one deal. read more

Nice building, clean, and good selection of books and movies.