We took Waymo to Excelsior because hubby didn't want to walk up hill anymore and it was like 2.2 miles from Visitation branch. It's got children section, teen, CD, movies, laptops to borrow, copy machine, restrooms. Small patio in the back. Good for folks in the neighborhood. read more

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The San Francisco library in my neighborhood told me I can't post any PLB related flyers. The library employee told me, "you can't post any of your documents to our community board." It was kinda my fault for not asking first hand. Before placing it randomly on the table. But at the same time, they were treating me low-key like a pariah. When there's other people posting cool stuff on the table of flyers and all. But I was being "it is what is is" towards that library employee, even though I didn't necessarily agree with that. They didn't give me a specific reason for not allowing me too. Maybe they didn't like the content of the promotional materials related to Patrick Lew Band. I don't do PG rated music or Youtube videos. But I see how it is. That's fine with me. The good thing is, they didn't ban my printing privileges at any San Francisco library. If that were the case, that's when all the boundaries are crossed. I go to the library often to print documents online on my computer. I utilize most of my library visits in San Francisco for that alone. I print online at the library a lot because I don't like the cost and maintenance of printing things directly at home. But they do have a good selection of physical media here. I actually like this location more than the Ingleside branch because it's more spaced out and not as narrow in size and area. I only give this branch the 3 star review because of the lady who worked here who insisted I cannot place any of my band's flyers here anymore, based on experience dealing with her. read more

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I reserved some manga and it was ready for pick up within the same week. I grabbed my books off the hold shelf and went straight to the self checkout station then headed out the door. If you need help at any point or need to create a new library card, the librarians are kind and can help. read more

This branch library is a calm little oasis in the hubbub of busy Mission Street in the Excelsior. Once in the door, a community board greets you and it's filled with events like Mandarin storytelling for tots, homework tutoring hours, tax preparation help and more. It's impressive that a small branch library has so much going on, kudos to the librarians. I spied a librarian and plead guilty to books and movies being overdue (the SFPL no longer assesses late fees but their emails were understandably getting insistent I give their stuff back!) She renewed everything so I could get my borrowing privileges restored and pointed me to the English language stacks of non-fiction. They have a sizable section of Mandarin language books and a sweet children's area with toddler-sized tables and chairs. Reading nooks are built into little corners, padded benches perfect for reading a few pages or just taking a breath before heading back out to the streets of San Francisco. I now prefer the branch libraries to the Main; the Main has become too much of a gauntlet avoiding homeless and the smell of urine or bleach, the stench so disgustingly potent it lingers on the soles of your shoes. You can always have your books held and likewise returned at whatever branch is convenient. read more

Excelsior Branch Library - Community events.. - Libraries Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Hi Yelpers and Yelpettes I am back... I am very happy that this excelsior street area has a library which is close to home... The one thing that I like most about this library... Is the event when they had Star Wars Day which was a cool thing to see!!! When ever I go to this library... The books that I like reading is the travel books, history of the San Francisco Giants and exc!!! And its my 1st yelp review to start off the New Year Of January 2020!!! Not only that this is my yelp review #595 5 more yelp reviews to reach #600!!! read more

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The Excelsior Branch Library is served by plenty of bus lines yet the nearest BART station is Glen Park BART station. The library is on the first floor. It is a small library yet a good selection of items are available. Seemed pretty popular as was pretty full when I went there on a weekday afternoon. There are several programs that happen at this branch: Knitting groups Yoga classes Movie nights Book clubs arts & crafts night cooking classes computer help Of special note is a short walk from here on Mission St & Harrington St is a plaque to commemorate the life & legacy of Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead for the front man of this legendary jam band was raised in the Excelsior neighborhood. read more

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It's been MANY years since I've been to this library. However, I always remember this library very fondly. It was the branch closest to where I lived and when I got out of school in the afternoon's I use to frequent this library a lot. Always had permission from my mother. Because I didn't want her to worry about where I was I always kept her informed no matter where I went. I spent many afternoon's at this branch and actually got work experience from this branch and it was during the time long before computer's were in the libraries and the use of card catalog files were still used. I liked that, I also liked using micro fiche to look up old news paper articles etc. for school projects that I had to do. I also liked using encyclopedias and looking through them. I've always liked libraries and the funniest part about that is that back in those days I wasn't much of a reader, I always try to work around reading things. I actually didn't like to have to read anything. It was at the Excelsior Branch library where I had read and finished the first book that I chose to read. It was about a Native American. I can't recall the name of the book. But, I was so proud of myself when I finished that book. It would be one thing I'd like to do if ever in S.F. again. As I try to never go to S.F. anymore. It's hard to give a rating as I have not been there since the 1980s but, it was always a great place to go back then. And very peaceful. I've noticed that not many libraries are peaceful like they once were back in the day. So, my rating is in regards to how it was back then at least until or if I go visit it again. read more

Good for renting books and using computers. Not good for studying or reading: kids are running around yelling and screaming there parents don't take there kids and staff doesn't re-educated the parents in which library is a place of quiet!! Parents the library is not a indoor playground for your kids!!!! It's a place to read and quiet time!! Library staff it is your job to reiterate this to everyone! Poor management! Kids do what they want here and no one said a anything!! read more

The Excelsior Branch is beautiful and a wonderful space to read, study, and write poetry. There's Wi Fi access! Why go to McDonald's? Why go to a cafe? Go to a library where all the books are! I've had numerous poetry writing sessions with my writing buddy here. Excelsior Branch Library has a bunch of wonderful events. Carmen Yanez and Bei Dao read their poetry, as part of the San Francisco International Poetry Festival, recently, and a few months back (May), I heard Diane di Prima, one of the country's most important poets, give a stellar reading as part of their "Excelsior Library Arts and Culture Salon." My friend always goes to the "First Monday Movies at Excelsior" from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. It's free! They're playing Harold and Maude this August! There's Beginning Computer Classes for Adults and Seniors (send your parents there to learn about emailing, searching the Internet, and using Microsoft so you can get off the hook of having to be their tech support!!) I'm excited about their "Excelsior Library Arts and Culture Salon" -- you don't have to be isolated. You can be part of a community and attend and talk about fun things. My husband only watches the news and the "Hitler" channel, so these events are going to nourish me! Event Time: 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Description: Read a book, or a poem, or a short story. Watch a movie or listen to music at home. Then come join a lively discussion about it at Excelsior library! August's theme is "musicals". Our movie selection is "West Side Story", originally released in 1961 with Natalie Wood and Rita Moreno. Our book selection is "Always Running: La Vida Loca, Gang Days in L. A." by Luis J. Rodriguez. You can also listen to the soundtrack as the music selection - "West Side Story: Original Broadway Cast." Other events offered include: Infant/Toddler Videos Preschool Storytime Chess Club Family Storytime The Excelsior is probably the most exciting library around! http://sfpl.lib.ca.us/librarylocations/branches/excelsior.htm read more

Used to come here all time during my childhood years either for fun or for school project before they remove this place few years back. But finally came back to this library after 10 years when i went here with my mom last year and i did open a new library card. The remodel looks decent and somewhat organized. but i believe it was more roomier and had more variety of books for all ages and ethnicity before the remodel. Seems like there's more kids and teen books than the adult books. Theres wifi here and its free which is a good thing if you come here to study, do your homework, or browse to the internet for fun on your smartphone, laptop, and tablet. They do have computers if you want to the internet but it always get fill up quick since they don't have much computer with internet and always have to wait for people to finish. Of course theres books, magazines, movies, and CDs you can check out and its free to borrow or use it during at the library. Its better if you come in the morning especially on weekdays since there are way lesser people. Even if you come in the morning, sometimes this place is not always quiet...thats if a parents bring their young toddlers, someone phone goes off, or someone always laughing or talking loud. But its better than the afternoon since its more crowded and more busier and loud especially kids who come to this library after school. Parking here are so so since theres more parking meter. It takes a while to find non parking meter if you want to park close or else you may have to park far. Staffs here are usually friendly read more

I took my campers to the Excelsior Library on an afternoon. We did call ahead with a week's notice and asked if we could come in with 23 campers and have a story time. Miss Molly immediately scheduled a perfect afternoon with us and did a lovely story time. You can tell Miss Molly loves her job and she does a fantastic story time! Thank you so much Excelsior Library! The library itself was clean, quiet, quaint and not to busy. Staff greeted us at the door with smiles and stayed Friendly throughout the visit. Overall great experience! We are so fortunate to have this library here to accommodate so many children on Mission St. read more

Wait! Here's an idea...Instead of using Barnes & Noble as your own personal library, why not use your local public library as...um...your library? There one can find magazines, newspapers and books and you can loiter all you want. Use their computers to check your MySpace! Yes! There's more! You can even check out DVDs and CDs for FREE! Don't fret...If you don't find what you're looking for, you can request items online and have them transfered to your branch and put on hold for you to pick up at your convenience! Minus one star for the occasional douchebag looking at porn on the library computer. The library should block those sites, especially since there are always kids nearby. read more

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

3 stars are meant only because this place is library in the middle of the always busy Mission District. Very small and not the best selection in an capacity. If the effort of getting quality books here was the same as the getting a library at this location then I think this place would be alright. But, because that is not apparent this place is less than appealing. I just expect more from libraries. By far, this is the worst library that I have been to. Oh yeah, be careful in the bathrooms because CREEPERS will sneak up on YOU! Not cool at all. read more

Excelsior Branch Library - Good times to know! - Libraries Near Me - San Francisco, California

Grew up in the neighborhood so this is my local library. Use to volunteer here as well. I like that the librarians are all friendly and they have a lot of things that go on read more

The staff are nice but when it come to afternoon, noises are everywhere inside the library. Especially childrens going inside. But I love the library. It is just the noise that bothered me read more

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

Good place to study. Good time to review around 4:30pm onwards were hyper kids arent around. read more

Excelsior Branch Library - Spending time here on my birthday... peace and quiet at times but kids are a bit hyper. - Libraries Near Me - San Francisco, California

Me and a group of my friends got caught here in 1996 trying to rip out a magazine picture of Aaliyah from one of their magazines. I thought I was going to DIE when Barbara (the old librarian) found us and demanded to know what we were doing. Haha. That was a pretty memorable experience for me. But anyway - an assload of my middle school days found me sitting here doing homework and pretending to be studying even though I was really eyeballing all their books and wondering which one to read first. I gotta give the library five stars for the nostalgia I experience everytime I even look at the damn place. But minus two for the renovation. I thought that renovation was supposed to make it BETTER. But now it's disorganized and messy, cluttered, chaotic. It was actually a lot more better the way it was before they decided to change it. Damn you renovation team, you have ruined my childhood. read more

Nicely renovated library on the corner of Mission and Cotter Streets. Free Wi-Fi, good place to study for a midterm, final or finish homework assignments on your own or with friends and classmates. When you want to find and borrow books to read, this is the facility to visit. read more

The library is my lifeline, as a reader with a heavy habit. When my childhood library back in Hellmouth began renovations, I donated heavily. The bonus with my new hometown library, here in the big city? It's a lot like a small town library. Features: * Incredible light * Fast Wi-fi and lots of outlets * Respectable number of public terminals * Comfy chairs in the magazine area (no magazine required) * A surprisingly good selection in the "new books" shelves * Weekly/monthly events for kids and adults * Bathrooms fairly clean; comparatively spotless The Excelsior Branch is a one-room schoolhouse of a library. It's about 25 percent each of adult books, children's books, reading area, and infrastructure. Let me clarify: this is a children's library that has a section for grown-ups, or a reading lounge that happens to have a non-fiction shelf, or a reference desk that has a lot of kids in it, and soforth. It is not a quiet library! When school is not in session, the kids are well, lively. But like the vibe here. It's a living room for a really varied cross-section of people. If you do crave quiet, come on a weeknight. They're open until 9 MTWR, and they're fairly subdued then. read more

I've been coming here since I first signed up for a library card...(ages ago.) the staff are always so friendly and helpful. I have a habit of finding what I want online before coming in to search for the books. There's also the service which delivers the available copies from other branches to Excelsior for pick-up. Super convenient and saves me transportation money. The self-check out station is a genius idea! It's really user-friendly because it's available in other languages like Chinese and Spanish. If you're a frequent library-goer and are pretty much familiar with the facility, you can skip the long lines (sometimes) by using self-check out. The library can get noisy, but I was also a rambanctious kid. I'm usually in-and-out of there in 10-15 minutes because I reserve books ahead of time. But I also spend an extra 5 minutes browsing through the New Books (fiction) section, which has a great selection of chick-lit novels! read more

SHHHH!!!!! This is a library!!!! (bang ruler on the table, yelling at people's ears. The librarians should have reminded me of that old 'All That' skit, but this library was really kinda nice and cool. ) Seeing that I'm half Asian, it makes sense that I would review a library. Walking in the narrow pathway, you see the security bars. They are really tight on security. Library had a big selection of Chinese books. There is also a huge Espanols written books area. The teen books are in the far end of the library, there isn't much selection to look at. Graphic novels are limited, not cool. Tables are pretty ass big, so you can log on your lap top and look at porn, I meant, study history. Lol. Good amount of computers, but they are full of young people checking out stupid messages on facebook or playing some stupid game. Across the library is the children's selection. Not separate like other libraries, so if there are some noisy loud children, do feel free to kick them if you are trying to study. Just joking, don't kick them....hard. NO!! Don't kick spoil brats! New books are in the front besides entrance way and check out. They have printers to make fake IDs, I meant make copies of home work. Magazines and newspaper in the back near teens. No playboy. Oh man! Hee hee The Men's bathroom is near refences near entrance. The women are in the same direction, across. Check out staff are nice and friendly, they really go out of their way to help you. Peninsula library cards don't work here and when you sign up for a library card, you have a selection out of four designs for your card. Look like little kids make them. My choice is JunRu, 9th grader. Overall: need more selection, kinda noisy due to kids. Now leave me alone, I need to study. (look at porn on laptop). Lol read more

It is definitely convenient to have two libraries, Excelsior and Glen Park branches, near my neighborhood! Excelsior is the one I prefer since it is right along the way to so many other convenient stops (Walgreens, Goodwill, post office) I go to frequently. This advice goes for any library branch in SF, but I find a lot of people don't take advantage of this service - you can have books delivered from any other branch in SF to the one you prefer to visit by pressing 'Request' on the catalog entry on SFPL's website and selecting the branch you want it sent to. You'll get an e-mail when it arrives. You can also hit Search Link+ in the catalog results and it will pull up other libraries outside of SF, including some universities or other nearby city libraries, that may have what you're looking for. These too can be sent to your branch! It's that easy. At Excelsior, the hold shelf is close to the terminal where you check out books. It is very quick and easy to grab the books with my name on them, check them out, and go, if that's all I'm there for. For Link+ books, you have to go to the counter to retrieve them. There is rarely anyone in line and, even if so, it doesn't seem to take long to get what you need. The staff range from neutral to positive in their attitudes, nothing to complain about there. I must also note that the computers seem to always be full, although I have a laptop myself so this isn't something I have been too concerned with. But, if you need them, it is something to think about - I would suggest arriving early. A good feature of Excelsior's own holdings is a reasonable graphic novel and manga section for teens and adults (Glen Park is good for this as well); the one for children seemed a little lacking: a lot of Chi's Sweet Home, Pokemon, and Hikaru no Go. They have a large selection of Chinese-language materials and many general guides that may be useful for starting a new hobby: basic language-learning books and dictionaries, "For Dummies" books, a decent selection of arts / crafts books too. If you want more specific titles that are not about general subjects, you've got to use the interlibrary loan or Link+ features in the catalog online (either access it at home or at the branch) if you don't want to go to another branch like the Main! My usual habits at this library are, unless I'm just picking up and heading out, to relax by one of the windows and read either a book I have already checked out or browse the shelves for something new. The library appears to, unlike many other establishments in SF, actually have and use air-conditioning when it is hotter out than usual and it feels very refreshing. Again, Excelsior's general collection is fairly solid and it is up to you to request more specific materials if you have a research or personal exploration mission when you're coming in. If you don't have time to wait what is almost always a few days (rarely, but sometimes, it can be a week or two), the BART is not far away - take it to Civic Center and go to the Main Branch. For general browsing purposes, convenient location for pick-up and visiting on the way to prominent spots in this area, and a typically relaxed atmosphere, however, Excelsior does the trick. read more

I heart you guys! Seriously, you have a great selection of classic literature/poetry. I have yet to explore what you have to offer in terms of Children's books and lit crit, but that is what will keep me occupied for the next year or so. And you are two blocks from my house! Having said that - I really shouldn't be getting any late fees. read more

Surprisingly nice inside and Super friendly staff! It's a nice place to get away to study. The only thing is that once school gets out, it fills up with kids, and many of them are not disciplined. I witnessed a full on yelling match between mother and child; that went on in spurts for over 2 hours. (I almost took a way a star since no one kicked them out; but then again; it's not the librarians' job to discipline the kids.) read more

I love this Library my whole family comes here. We take every opportunity to enjoy Are community. Rent books, dvd's, computers, classes, movie night, summer read, meet for tutoring. The staff here is always friendly, very helpful with a smile. The inside is always clean thank you we love are Library read more

Supportive staff, They go out of their way to help. They all work very hard. Polite, considerate and prompt. If I have to get a book re-issued on phone, talk about my due date ...or any related matter. They are very prompt in addressing these small- day to day needs. I love libraries and this one is in my neighborhood. So it's perfect . It mostly crowded with people from diverse backgrounds. I can spend hours. Book collection is good. Would be great to have more movies!! There are some strange people who frequent this library. But that not the fault of the library. They can perhaps monitor them and their activities. Like what kind of windows they are surfing on the internet. Thanks read more

This library was A-OK. The people working there were very friendly but the actual library is eh. There were only a handful of computers that were all taken and I had to wait 20 minutes to finally get a computer. As I waited for the computer I went downstairs to the bathroom and there was only one bathroom and a line. Parking was hard and you only get like 7 minutes for every quarter you put in. By the time I parked and got in the library it took almost 7 minutes. read more

when i was in 5th grade, i stole all the stephen king hardcovers from my local library. i feel very, very bad about it today, and have said all my hail marys and been forgiven by god. but every time i walk into a library, i'm worried someone will recognize my face from a most wanted list and arrest me. but no one has yet to recognize me here. so i will keep coming... read more

sometimes things just come full circle. as a student i've rented countless books for school worthy projects and reports. nowadays i'm simply on the lookout for a good read. i've browsed many free book swaps at bars and book shops, only to be subjected to what few selection are hand. i've given up buying books since after reading consumption i end up giving them away. so here i am as an adult renting books for my leisure reads. this cost nothing, just as long as i return my rentals on time. coming back here i've discovered different events. they offer many group activities like knitting classes, film noir screenings, and several other things to get one out there to mingle and expand the mind. i've found a greater respect for libraries since i'm no longer here for my studies, but for my own entertainment, and to quench the inner book worm in me. read more

This is a small little library (one level) that looks pretty neat/clean with good lighting. I encountered two staff today for help, and one was alright. The other was very nice and helpful. Aside from the area being really ghetto with loudass people cussing outside the streets, its really nice inside! And theres street parking outside. read more

I grew up to this library. From when it was open to when they renovated it. Great selection of books and friendly librarians. WIFI and computers are offered for the community. I come here often to check out new magazines and novels. Sucks that in this neighborhood some people like to graffiti over the bricks of this library. Nonetheless, great library. read more

even better then you remodel it, love this place sometime when you just want to get away and read a couple of books or magazines....

I've always come here after CCD classes at Corpus Christi when I was younger before it was remodeled a few years back. I liked this library because it is nearby BUT I've come here recently with my boyfriend so I could study and do homework but I left immediately because it was TOO LOUD.. I used to enjoy coming to this library almost every weekend but this time around, I couldn't study with all the noisy distractions. Honestly, they need to be more strict in this library. What happened to "no talking in the library?" Such a shame, those with no manners. If you want to go to a more quiet library, go to the Glen Park branch. read more

This is a library worthy of San Francisco, that is to say fantastic, diverse, and with a fringe element. They don't have as much real-estate as other branches, but it's clean. modern and new. The coolest thing is the diversity in their language offerings. They have respectable offerings of current media in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Tagalong. That is really great as this neighborhood is definitely diverse In addition, they have a great magazine selection and they recommend new books each month, which can give you ideas. They also have a pretty great staff. Where else can you get a freud joke upon check-out?! read more

This library is a decent one. They're always having events, and people are drawn to the location often because of the super friendly staff. The seating inside is somewhat limited, but they do have a decent collection of books, magazines and movies available for check out. I don't have many expectations for it due to its location, but I just feel like it offers the best that it can for its limited space. read more

Noisy and dirty.....feel like in a supermarket when I'm studying here. And the restroom is small and not so clean.

Like other aspects of Excelsior, its library is kind of a hidden gem. Of course it's not hidden to the folks who live here... this library is always busy. People *really* use it here. Perhaps because it's not a wealthy neighborhood, people appreciate having free access to media. I just wish this neighborhood *also* had a book store to complement its great library. read more

This joint is always jumpin', especially on the weekends. I live 2 blocks away and come here with my laptop to people-watch and surf the Net. The only comfortable seats are the 4 cushioned ones near the back window, but come early or else they will get snapped up in a San Francisco minute! I love coming here, and the librarians are very helpful. I'd give this branch 5 stars, but the kids tend to be noisy and run around a lot unattended. read more

I love having access to a library in the Excelsior! It's a little over a mile from my house, but totally worth it; if you live in this area, you know how hard it is to find a good hang-out/study spot. True, game-playing kids occupy all the computers, but this happens at most other SF public libraries. I hadn't had a library card since I was 7, but applied for a new one recently. This is obviously not the Main Library; the selection of books is modest, but I can reserve books online and pick them up here. Saved from an hour-long bus ride to the Tenderloin! Get a library card and reduce your carbon footprint while saving money. :-) read more

opens till 9pm mon-wed, can't complain there.