City College Rosenberg Library

(466 reviews)

4.2 mi

San Francisco Main Library is rich with resources. Aside from books, videos, music, and research…read morematerials, they also rent out spaces for community events. Library cardholders also have access to free admission to local museums via Discover & Go, amongst other resources. And there is a library in every neighborhood, making it one of the best neighborhood information hubs for kids and adults. Located on Larkin and Grove.

Truly a gif to our city. This is a beautiful library. I was met by security at the entrance. They…read morewere there, beyond providing security, to help people find what they are looking for. This place is very big. 5 or 6 stories tall. Full of so many resources it can easily be overwhelming. So the help was welcomed. I started by getting my library card. A process that they make very fast and easy. I happened to be there for the announcement of Bruce Lee Day. Bruce's daughter was there to make the announcement along with other politicians and library leaders. I spent a few hours exploring and appreciating this incredible place. It's someplace I know I'll be back to visit again and again.

Very good talk. Excellent event. America is a melting pot and we should all join together to stop the violence and hate.

I went and got their book for Free, they ran out soon after. Good talk plus lion dancing.

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Panel: Talk French History in California 3/2/24

Mission Bay Branch Library

(63 reviews)

4.7 mi

Quiet and clean. Many parents bring their babies and kids…read morehere, so don't complain of the noise from the little ones.

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.

Mission Bay Branch Library Open House - 7/8/23 - Free Snacks (while supplies last)!

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Book stack and new releases

Mechanics' Institute Library and Chess Room

4.4

(67 reviews)

5.1 mi

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!

The history of the Mechanics' Institute is quite intriguing, with great ties to the early 20th…read morecentury and is considered a historic building of San Francisco. Though this location is not the original building, it stands strong and tall in the heart of downtown. As with many structures affected by the 1906 earthquake, its original location was damaged and lost. But this location has been here early on for those who worked in the trade and was one of the first libraries before city public libraries were established. There are many stories to this building, housed with books of many genres. There's also community events that are for members as well as for non-members. So yes, there are fees to join any of their community events here. The history itself was probably more interesting about this building than the building itself. It is definitely very dated inside, but there are some notable designs that can make you feel like you're in a different time. A positive visit nonetheless.

Mother Road ~ Featuring Octavio Solis and David Mendizábal {5/22/2024}

Lunar New Year and The Year of the Dragon: What Will It Bring? Maxine Hong Kingston, David Lei, and Linda Lei.{2/1/2024}

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Chess room

Potrero Branch Library

4.5

(57 reviews)

3.7 mi

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.

Such a great view of the city!

Resin class

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Gorgeous view of downtown from upstairs.

Chinatown Branch Library

(52 reviews)

5.3 mi

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.

Great library. Good variety, helpful staff and clean! Been going there since I was a kid and…read moredecided to stop by last visit. Still a cute, small branch!

Old and historic library for San Francisco Chinatown.

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Chinatown branch SFPL Explorer map sticker

City College of San Francisco - Downtown Center

(21 reviews)

4.8 mi

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.

Peanut butter cookie

Lobby

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Presidio Branch Library

(39 reviews)

4.4 mi

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!

This library is so cute. I just walked in because I love checking out libraries. It's amazing how…read morethey're able to fit so much in such a small space. It's a single floor with the back area being the children's playroom. There's a single gender, neutral bathroom. Staff is very friendly.

Always nice to be there when it opens!

Children's area

Front entrance

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Prelinger Library

5.0

(5 reviews)

4.1 mi

Amazing independent library. They have such a great span of material in such a small space. Great…read moreimage resource where you can copy and use anything in the whole space without worry of laws and other issues. I think what made this library so special to me was browsing through a section on maps and urban planning and suddenly turning around to find a whole area of books on Detroit. *heart* What a surprise. It's nice to see someone on the west coast care about poor old Detroit. :) Definitely coming here again.

I spent maybe 2 hours exploring, and a large part of that was digging through a box with hundreds…read moreof old punk flyers and zines from the late 70s/early 80s. They also have most issues of Punk Planet, which started in 1994, in their music/punk section. I could spend hours just reading those. I also found a book that spent almost 200 pages exploring why people eat dirt. Get lost in this place and just have fun exploring!

Bourbon & Branch

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.

Services was impressive, from both the hostess & our server. Ambiance is top notch! Music &…read moreconversations! Definitely did not check my email for the secret word of the day missed out on that experience. But of course I had a reservation. Drinks were very good! What an extensive cocktail menu!

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North Beach Branch Library

3.7

(23 reviews)

5.7 mi

I attended a free Chinatown Food Tour conducted by the North Beach Branch head librarian Mr Lee. It…read morewas free. There were free food samples along the way! What a delightful surprise! As we walked along, we learned about Chinatown history and also historical Chinese food facts. Attendees on this walk/tour came from all over the City. The two hours flew by! What was great was: people were chatting with each other; the stories we heard were quite fascinating; and Mr. Lee was a lively & fun personality. Plus the snacks! This might have been an inaugural event / tour for adults as a new activity for the NB Library. If it is, I'd say it was a winner!

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

Head Librarian Mr. Lee sharing information during the Chinatown Food Tour - 5/29/26

The architecture is modern!

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Taken from the street

Painted Ladies

(374 reviews)

3.6 mi

Beat park to sit and have a picnic at, amazing views!…read more Theres a bi-rite down the street with awesome pasta salads, would highly recommend enjoying at the top of the hill on a blanket

Been to San Francisco numerous times, but finally made the visit to the Painted Ladies on my last…read moretrip. Located right next to Alamo Square, these seven houses are a common destination to visit with their vibrant colors. We were, luckily, able to find a place to park on the street less than a block away. Easy walk through the park. Nice view of the houses from the hill of the park. Colors weren't as vibrant as I expected, but they were majestic none the less. If you have time to visit the Painted Ladies, then they're worth a quick stop. If you're strapped for time, I'd either do a quick drive-by or skip it all together.

Smurfs were taking pictures with Painted Ladies

08.23.25 Painted Ladies - the most famous set across the street from Alamo Square Park along Steiner Street

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If you have to ask what jazz is, you'll never know. -Louis Armstrong

Nimitz House

5.0

(3 reviews)

7.7 mi

When crossing the eastern span of the San Francisco Bridge, few people realize the history of the…read moremilitary in the area. One specifically, the Nimitz House, hidden just under the freeway on the east side of Yerba Buena island, has an incredible story and history! This house was the final residence of General Chester Nimitz, the leader and architect of WWII Pacific Theater. Simply said, the man whose leadership and strategy was used to win the war and allowed the Allies to proclaim victory. This house is a three story mansion and shows its unique architectural splendor as you approach it. It contains large windows which enabled views of the east bay and if you search the internet, you will see the elegant interior - a fitting home for its resident and his family. Gen Nimitz past away in this home at the age of 81 from a stroke. Unfortunately, California is not maintaining the residence and it has been falling in disrepair. Paint, windows, and the structure are all showing signs of neglect. Don't let its condition stop you from visiting though. Although you can't enter, you can appreciate its history and marvel of the fantastic area and views it provided.

Have you ever fallen into a rabbit hole of discovery on the Internet, only to find yourself, at…read more3am, looking at pictures of seemingly abandoned buildings on islands off the coasts of California or Mexico, which you found by zooming into said islands on Google maps and looking through the posted photos, then wondering who the hell this random guy named Christian is who posted the photos not even five months ago? What is Christian's story, you wonder, as you continue to look through the other attractions of the island, which does not include residential or commercial buildings, only to discover a few hiking trails that lead seemingly to nowhere...but what's this? A campsite with no electricity, running water, or bathrooms? Just a field on an island designated as a campsite, reached by some trail made by a dude with a machete, or something? But despite the lack of these amenities...there are picnic tables! Who decided first that it should be a campsite? Who brought the tables? What are the backstories? I've found some neat places online using this exact technique, and I've been fortunate enough to visit such places. It's cool to stand in the location of such a place after seeing all the pictures online and building it up in your head, and honestly, what makes these places better is when there aren't a ton of people crowding around when you get there, trying to take a picture for their Instagram. Sometimes, like in the case of this house, I do the reverse and come upon a neat building, art piece, or other landmark as I'm out doing other things, then furiously search the Internet for more info on the history. For me, the places that are a bit mysterious are the coolest finds. We came across this spot accidentally; we had gone to see the mission in downtown and stopped to check out Treasure Island on the way back. We drove around a bit looking for a good place to see the skyline, and came upon this very unique bit of Yerba Buena, which is somewhat hidden on the side and requires you take some twists and turns down a side road. Although there is an informational board in front of this house that suggests many people visit this place, the houses are surprisingly well-kept, with all windows intact and walls free of graffiti tags, and things are generally not trashed by garbage human beings. Looking into and around each of the houses, I got the sense that this is an area that is largely unvisited, especially compared to the neighboring areas of San Francisco, and now even Treasure Island. I wanted to do my own digging to see how well-known this weird circle of Victorian-style houses, juxtaposed beneath the modern industrial backdrop of the various overpass-bridges, are to people my age online. The results were interesting. One Reddit post with someone claiming you can rent these out for events. Quite a few articles discussing some cool historical facts, like how the Navy wouldn't let the developers of the overpass build over the house if it would block the sunshine (this house was where Admiral Chester W. Nimitz lived the last years of his life). You can easily see the curve of the overpass, as if someone nudged it out of the way. Not a whole lot more on it, other than apparently Willie Brown (past SF mayor) trying to make it the mayor's ceremonial mansion (god, please don't). Overall, despite not being able to go inside any of these houses, they're kept in beautiful condition by someone I'm assuming to be a groundskeeper, and a stop here is worth it for the view alone. Just don't mind the whizzing and whirring of the cars commuting from above.

Senior Officer Quarters beside the mansion.

Swing in the yard

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Senior Officers housing still stand beside the mansion.

The Westerfeld House

5.0

(3 reviews)

3.7 mi

This house is incredible with an amazing history. Truly gorgeous and fun to share with people who…read morehaven't seen it before.

"You see that mansion up there on the hill? They say Charles Manson lived there, in the top room…read moreof the house." That was my first introduction to The Westerfeld House from the drugged out property manager who used to manage my apartment building - and he was wrong (surprise!) But there is a tie to the Manson Family: One of its members lived there until he moved to Spawn Ranch. And rumor is Charles Manson did visit a few times. Tom Wolfe even wrote about The Westerfeld House in The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test calling it, "A great old shambling Gothic house, a freaking decayed giant known as 'The Russian Embassy.'" (I'm curious if one of my mom's law school friends crashed there because she was one of Ken Kesey's Merry Pranksters. It IS a small little world in which we live.) Built by a wealthy chocolatier then sold to the architect of the Palace Hotel, the Westerfeld House was built in 1889 for the then-grand sum of just under $10,000 ($27M in today's money) and is now a designated Landmark and privately owned. It housed a nightclub called "Dark Eyes" in the late 1920s just before the stock market crash then it was divided up into a boarding house in the '40s. In the '60s, Joplin and Big Brother & The Holding Company and the Grateful Dead used to hang out at The Westerfeld House. In the 1970s the founder of the church of Satan lived there (his pet lion left some deep claw marks in the ornate door frames and molding around the house). Longtime and current owner, Jim Siegel, apparently had Buddhist monks bless the house because of its provenance. I've gotten a chuckle over the years that its owner sometimes hangs hand-painted protest signs as window coverings: When Alamo Square became a huge tourist destination (it took a long time to be "discovered", surprisingly) it seemed like all the tour bus companies discovered it at once: There were eight or more busses every 5-8 minutes buzzing the park and blaring Tony Bennett's "I Left My Heart.." And Siegel hung signs that read "Get off the damn bus, walk around and SEE the city!" In so many ways, The Westerfeld House is so very representative of San Francisco! Look for the house on Fulton at Scott that looks a bit like the Addams Family mansion and you're there.

Corner Fulton & Scott, Alamo Square

Another view

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Beautiful building- Westfield House

Dragon's Gate

4.3

(144 reviews)

5.1 mi

Dragon Gate has been part of my San Francisco story for as long as I can remember. I first saw it…read morein the mid-1970s during a visit with my parents, and it made an immediate impression on me. I still remember taking photos of it with a brand-new camera my father had just given me, not realizing at the time that it had only been completed a few years earlier, in 1970. Over time, I've come to appreciate more of its details and background. The gate was a gift from Taiwan and built in a traditional Chinese architectural style, complete with guardian lions, decorative tiles, and inscriptions symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. It marks the formal entrance to Chinatown at Grant Avenue and Bush Street, and it's a natural stopping point for visitors before heading further into the neighborhood. Nearly twenty years after that first visit, I moved to San Francisco and have been here ever since. These days, walking past the Dragon Gate feels more personal. It's less of a tourist attraction for me and more of a familiar landmark, one that quietly welcomes people into a neighborhood full of history, culture, and character.

I've walked under the Dragon's Gate more times than I can count but I still love that moment when…read moreyou're walking up and you finally see it and suddenly you know you're in Chinatown. It sits at the edge of Grant Ave and it is a literal gateway into Chinatown. As soon as you walk past it, you are under the beautiful green tiled roofs curling along the streets with stone lions in this ornate, colorful and instantly recognizable neighborhood. The gate was a gift from Taiwan in the 1970s and every time you see it it feels special and different. It's not the largest or most beautiful gate I've seen, but I think it holds a special place for me because it's so familiar. It can look different depending on whether you visit on a bright sunny morning, or a foggy afternoon, or whether you see it under the glowing lanterns of a San Francisco night but to me it always feels familiar. No matter how many times I've been to Chinatown, I always stop here for a second before heading in. I have to take a moment to pay homage to this little spot that marks the entrance of one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the city.

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49 Mile Scenic Drive

3.7

(25 reviews)

4.0 mi

The 49 Mile Scenic Drive was created in 1938 in order to showcase the highlights of the City of San…read moreFrancisco. for the 1939 Golden Gate Exposition. It was already a convoluted route which originally began at city Hall and ended on Treasure Island. Since 1939 the route has been altered somewhat but still remains convoluted and today plagued with traffic problems and poor maintenance of signage. Specifically, the Seagull in profile with a blue background signs have been badly faded and not all are clearly visible. You will need to use the internet to get a clear description of the route. Some of the major sites along the route are City Hall, Asian Art Museum, Little Saigon, Japan Town, Union Square, China Town, Telegraph Hill, Lombard Street, Coit tower, Fishermen's Wharf, Palace of fine Arts, Golden Gate Bridge, Lake Merced, California Academy of the Sciences, Haight-Ashbury, Twin Peaks The Castro and Oracle Park. Parking at these various sites runs the range of easy to very difficult. Metered street parking is available at some locations. Due to the numerous hassles involved in trying to run the route most tourists opt for city transportation or the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus. "If you are going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair..."

This is a great idea but in the day and age we are in now I wish they already had a google map link…read morefor this drive. As most of the reviews mentioned the signs are missing so I had to follow a map on SF website and my friend would navigate me which is great if you're traveling with people. A lot of the places we already hit due to our own itinerary but some of the places on the drive I never saw when doing research about the city so this was great anyways!

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4 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Eric H.

8 years ago

Don't come here expecting quiet on any floor, in any area. The floors are essentially unmonitored (see: thefts, mentioned elsewhere) and nobody except the janitor is ever seen away from the entrance desks. SFPL Main Library is quieter, and they have crazy people and babies there. read more

Michael B.

15 years ago

Nice resources. Most staff members are friendly. The patrons can sometimes be a little noisy.

Leigh McInnis Lee G.

415

18 years ago

I love this place, quit, cheap and well respected

Pacific N.

16 years ago

Very impressive for a community college.

City College Rosenberg Library - libraries - Updated August 2026

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Really nice big library with lots of seating on all levels. The lobby level has a Pete's coffee in…read moreit with lots of seating if you prefer to do some reading and studying in an area where you can eat/drink. The first few floors of the library aren't too quiet, which I prefer, but the 4th level and higher are quiet study areas. There are also plenty of electrical outlets, but they are scattered throughout along the walls and floor (not built into the tables like what more modern libraries have.) I'm not a SFSU student, but was able to come here with no issues to get some work and studying done. There is very limited paid parking around the area and the free street parking is impossible to find, but if your mobile and capable enough you can park unlimited for free at the mall up the street and walk over (it was about a 15 minute walk.) There are also several muni and bus stops in the area, so public transportation is probably more ideal. I like getting my steps in, so I parked at the mall and walked over. There is free guest wifi in the library for non-students. You just need to sign up for it with your name and email address, and the system emails you a one time password to use. The wifi is surprisingly slow, considering that this is on a college campus and I'm sure there are many students that rely on needing good internet speeds for their courses and studies.

Back in the day, this library was just like any other municipal library. After the renovations,…read morethis place is way more inviting for the student who need a quiet place to study or form groups for meetings and presentations. Similar to that of an office. After the renovations, this place feels more like a miniature IT campus similar to that of Apple or google. And the library gets super busy especially during midterms and finals. Surprisingly there's a Help Desk where you can get a loaner laptop, you have basic computer questions. Basically this is a good place to start for your studying needs.

Merced Branch Library

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Fantastic library tucked away right behind Stonestown. It's a perfect getaway from the chaos and…read morethe noise. I read here for almost 2 hours and almost forgot to pick up my children from school. Their fireplace reading nook makes it even more cozier to read. If it's sunny outside you can also enjoy their outdoor patio and read on the bench. This library has a great children's section, too! They also have a reptilian pet in the glass case. The librarians are friendly and the bathrooms are clean. Due to recent plumbing issues you'll need to ask the front desk for the key. This is a must visit if you love libraries!

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I always strive to stay positive...it's a goal most days...i'm older now...the last post was at 28…read moreyears old...it's years later...a mother of kids...with a father...good idea..good goals north america..parents...

Libraries are becoming rare places where you can focus without interruption. The one does a great…read morejob preserving that kind of atmosphere.

Ortega Branch Library

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This library is a gem in the Sunset neighborhood. A lovely place to peruse and borrow books, and…read moreis especially great for kids in the community. The selection of books is really nice, and ordering books into the branch is easy. The summer reading challenge for kids has also been a fun annual activity. The library staff are wonderful and understanding even when we forget to bring our library card. The place itself is small but warm, welcoming and safe. The playground outside is also a great way for kids to enjoy their day. Highly recommend!

The Ortega Library sits right between a middle school, an elementary school, and a big community…read morepark so calling it "busy with kids" is an understatement. I'm here often to pick up large stacks of books, and let me just say- the SFPL app is game changing for me as a busy teacher. I follow a bunch of librarian/teacher influencers, and the moment they rave about a new title, I'm on the app placing my hold. Picking up books is fast and painless. Everything is always ready in one spot in alphabetical order- scan your library card, stack your books on the check out pad, and the machine takes care of the rest. Get a receipt printed or emailed. Now, is it a little chaotic being surrounded by middle schoolers using all the computers? Sure. But honestly, I'm glad they have a safe, supervised place to hang out. And let's talk about the real bonus: the Mister Softee and Magic Frosty trucks often parked out front. Free books plus ice cream? That's an unbeatable combo. Overall, Ortega Library is a gem. busy, messy, joyful, and incredibly useful. They do a ton of community events also. Your library card also gets you free museum perks, which I still need to explore but love knowing exist.

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