Truly a gif to our city. This is a beautiful library. I was met by security at the entrance. They were 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. read more

San Francisco Main Library - The announcement of Bruce Lee Day on the main floor of the library. - Libraries Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is a gorgeous, well-kept library. Did you know you can get a library card here even if you're not a resident? Really cool! It's about six stories tall and they offer all sorts of services, including classes like financial planning. They have a solid vinyl room and their children's area was very impressive. You need to stop by whenever you're in the area! I highly recommend it! read more

Having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card! Came here for a Lunar New Year event to support my author friends, and got a library card while I was here. Hooray for checking out audiobooks from SFPL on my Libby account! read more

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Might be the best library I've ever been to, its massive massive Interior aesthetic is beautiful, nice study rooms on the upper floors. All of staff was quite helpful, just an outstanding library. Lots of police officers work the lobby and guards remain in the restrooms all day unfortunately the location does bring in a certain element but in all just a great great library. read more

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". read more

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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. read more

San Francisco Main Library - Inside - Libraries Near Me - San Francisco, California

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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. read more

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RUDE. I returned 3 defective videos to the counter to insure they would NOT be recirculation and the women copped a 'student with me. I mentioned I was being charged. She raised her voice at me. DON'T TREAT ME LIKE I RUINED YOUR DAY! read more

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 read more

San Francisco Main Library - Libraries Near Me - San Francisco, California

I only went here to get my card, so I can access Hoopla on my phone to listen to more audiobooks and to learn more via Great Courses. I did glance at the vast CD and record collections and wished I lived closer, so I could take advantage of those things. The teen space looked neat, but not really occupied. Maybe teens have a hard time getting there? Or maybe the library isn't for the cool teens? Who knows. There is plenty of space, though, and looks like one could spend all the time there. read more

Best library, in terms of everything. Quiet, resourceful, beautiful; I am happy there are refuges like this library, where a socially awkward bookworm like me can escape from the hustle-and-bustle, storms, and madness of the San Francisco downtown/ civic center area it is perfectly planted. read more

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

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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. read more

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I'm an absolute nerd when it comes to reading books, and I think the San Francisco Public Library is one of the best libraries I've ever been to in the States. The books are laid out really well in that they make it very clear what are the most popular non-fiction and fiction books when you walk in and turn on the left. On the first floor, there's a special section for three information desks as well as at least three sections helping you check out books. I had just moved into the city and asked the lady at the front desk if I could get a new library card. That process plus the checkout took about five minutes max. You can literally borrow so many books, like dozens of them, that there are just so many options and many copies for the most popular books. So I feel like they update their books really well. Also, the library has a very strong newsletter that goes out to your email if you choose to give them your address. They often have really strong author events - for instance, in December this year they're hosting an author event with Fei-Fei Li. They also have initiatives like "One City, One Book" where they encourage everyone to be reading the same book at the same time. What I didn't like slightly about the general location of the library was that it was near a civic center and so there were a lot of homeless people outside, and the streets were on the dirtier. Plus, public transportation didn't exactly feel safe for a girl. That being said, I think the main library absolutely holds up to a type, and I think you should just be aware of the types of people that go into the library. But if you're just there mostly to check out books and not really use their desk or laptop, you should be completely fine. There also happened to be a market when I was there outside the library, selling a lot of vegetables and fruits. That varies day to day, and sometimes they'll even do used book sales. You can also shop in the bookstore right as you head into the entrance of the library. read more

Probably one of the best libraries in the United States. The only library in the United States with a full room dedicated to deaf and hard of hearing. Amazing historic research area on the 6th floor. Research librarians willing to spend hours assisting you. Unfortunately, like so many libraries, this is also a home for the homeless. read more

Solid ass library. Nice place to study. Multiple floors with study desks. Highly recommended. read more

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. read more

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There is so much to see and do at this library. It's easily accessible by Muni and Bart. The friends of the library sale is always great. You can request holds for your books and they are easy to find. The meeting rooms are wonderful if you're attending an event. There are many places to sit and read or to choose a book. The exhibits are on almost every floor and they change regularly. read more

I'm an absolute nerd when it comes to reading books, and I think the San Francisco Public Library is one of the best libraries I've ever been to in the States. The books are laid out really well in that they make it very clear what are the most popular non-fiction and fiction books when you walk in and turn on the left. On the first floor, there's a special section for three information desks as well as at least three sections helping you check out books. I had just moved into the city and asked the lady at the front desk if I could get a new library card. That process plus the checkout took about five minutes max. You can literally borrow so many books, like dozens of them, that there are just so many options and many copies for the most popular books. So I feel like they update their books really well. Also, the library has a very strong newsletter that goes out to your email if you choose to give them your address. They often have really strong author events - for instance, in December this year they're hosting an author event with Fei-Fei Li. They also have initiatives like "One City, One Book" where they encourage everyone to be reading the same book at the same time. What I didn't like slightly about the general location of the library was that it was near a civic center and so there were a lot of homeless people outside, and the streets were on the dirtier. Plus, public transportation didn't exactly feel safe for a girl. That being said, I think the main library absolutely holds up to a type, and I think you should just be aware of the types of people that go into the library. But if you're just there mostly to check out books and not really use their desk or laptop, you should be completely fine. There also happened to be a market when I was there outside the library, selling a lot of vegetables and fruits. That varies day to day, and sometimes they'll even do used book sales. You can also shop in the bookstore right as you head into the entrance of the library. -Anne W I aint reading allat bruh come on an rate ts 1/10000 million stars atp read more

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. read more

San Francisco Main Library - Libraries Near Me - San Francisco, California

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. :] read more

San Francisco Main Library - Don't get it twisted! The Main Library is a work of art. (Specifically by architects James Ingo Freed and Cathy Simon.) - Libraries Near Me - San Francisco, California

I was visiting San Francisco for a few days and decided to briefly check out the library, so I do not own a library card here or regularly go to any of the events. This library has nice architecture from the inside, was well lit throughout, and clean. I noticed that most floors had plenty of public study spaces/tables and computers available to use, although I didn't ask about private study rooms. There also happened to be a calligraphy art exhibit on the 6th floor which was neat. My favorite part though was the bookstore which you'll see on the left if you enter through the south entrance on Grove St. The store is small, but they actually had a great selection of relatively new books (from the past few years), classics, local books, arts/music books, and many more genres. All the books were in excellent condition, and the shelves were labeled and well organized. The most expensive are the hardcovers at only $5 each, and paperbacks are usually $4. I am now a book richer and couldn't be happier. read more

San Francisco Main Library - Libraries Near Me - San Francisco, California

Been to many Libraries coast to coast, and cant seem to miss a day. Ive been going for years and finally decided to give my review and opinion. Everyday its something whether its a guy deciding to defecate in the urinal or a wild animal attacking staff! None the less, I stay focused and can only say thank you! read more

The Library is my jam!!! I am thrifty and love to read, as well as just it is another way to save the planet than buying books. There is a branch in my hood, but i have always been curious about the main branch and what it looked like. I had heard is was FULL of the many houseless in SF, but on a Saturday I did see (and smell) a few - but it wasn't too bad. It was very pretty inside, and nice and sunny, except that they have this suicide prevention netting secured by zip ties everywhere since the multiple floors have open areas to other floors, which is just a shame..I mean - once you notice this netting - it is EVERYWHERE, such a shame. Whenever I go to the library I think of the "Bizarro Jerry" episode of Seinfeld: Elaine: These are good people, Jerry. They read! Jerry: I read, I read! Elaine: Books, Jerry. Jerry: Oh. read more

This is our neighborhood library and we are so lucky yo have it. We regularly come here on Saturdays for story time. The library is always clean and organized. It has a great children's collection. The New Picture Books are always filled with wonderful brand new books. In December they have a holiday event filled with kids activities, face painting and photo op with Santa!! Please keep our libraries well funded. read more

Shoutout to the wonderful librarians for the great work they do. The SF libraries provide essential services for folks who really need it - even more so with the main library being next to Civic Center. Still, the experience is clean and pleasant enough. Very efficient if you do stuff online and just pick it up - from new publications to movies and music. I've used this branch when I needed to print stuff. Being right across from City Hall, this was so useful! Slightly cheaper than Fedex but I've much rather support the local library system anyway. Simply load your document to the cloud and pay when you retrieve it from the printers. Note: $2 of free prints per day if you have a small job. Thanks SF libraries. read more

If you really must be familiar with all of San Francisco's secrets; then, you must know the Main library. They have a children's floor and the difference between the library system here is primarily our storytelling for our city. There are local artists and the 4th floor is incredible. Gay culture and heritage. read more

This is an awesome library! I was worried it would be filled with sketchy people because it is in the heart of civic center....but they do a good job policing the library AND bathrooms. And its very clean inside. We easily spent a few hours in here browsing books and other cool nooks and crannies in here. There are 6 floors of all kinds of books, audiovisuals, historic documents, and art displays. Highly recommend! read more

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This place has so many resources. I was at a school that didn't have a lot of support and I thought the people here were helpful. The only problem was the bad neighborhood. Can't really go after dark and it's a little shifty during the day too. read more

Gorgeous building. Helpful and friendly staff. Clean, calm and lovely. There is an entire room full of just board books for babies that my 1 yr old son loves. The children's section is huge, wonderfully stocked with quality books and well thought out displays and tactile toys. Sf residents may avoid this branch because of the location and because lots of people experiencing homelessness use this library for basic needs, but that does not change my experience of taking my one year old son there every week. It's an important and amazing public service that I am so thankful my son and I get to use! We love this library! read more

Can't live without libraries! To hang out, to print, to scan, to borrow laptops or use their computers, to explore. Librarians are always helpful. I know where the travel section by heart. To look at artwork. read more

I love libraries and this is one the best location library, located right across the city hall, the Asian museum, symphony orchestra etc. It is unfortunate that the homeless scares kids and people who are coming to the library. The bathrooms are filthy as the homeless use it as their wash/bathroom/shower. They have tried to mitigate it by making the faucet automated etc, but the smell etc is bad. The quiet rooms are very nice, great place to read and study. read more

Visited the Main SF Library today and it was an awesome experience. It's easily accessible via BART (Civic Center stop) and is centrally located near City Hall. I specifically went to visit the Childrens Section which is located on the 2nd Floor. This is a must visit place if you love libraries, reading, and engaging things to do with your children. It's truly awesome that the entire second floor is dedicated to toddler and children literature. There is also a story-time section that has library staff reading to the kids. Also, the library and the San Francisco unified school district have partnered and kids can take home one free book. read more

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This is about Online Services, my suggestion make sure you are getting email updates from the S.F. Public Library. There is so much great content from the S.F. Library available online , this a great thing since it could get expensive for those of us that burn through a lot of media. But if you have a S.F. Library Card you also have access to the media service Hoopla that has an extensive collection of Movies, Audio Books, Comics , and Music. If you want to Delve into Comics from the 70's , maybe the sequel to 2001 the film 2010, the soundtrack to nearly all musicals then Hoopla is a great resource available to SF residents. read more

My friend told me that the San Francisco Library has online resources that other large libraries don't offer. So we swung by here to apply for a library card. The process was easy and the librarian processed it quickly. I haven't really looked up any online resources yet but I will soon as I want to learn more about a specific topic I'm interested in. I did login just to see if it's easy to do a search and from what I can see they have a vast amount of resources you can choose from. read more

San Francisco Main Library - My cute card - Libraries Near Me - San Francisco, California

To: All of the great citizens of San Francisco and beyond From Michael Bess Re: Accomadation for the ADA community Date: 4/29/24 Hello good folks of SF; At this particular moment, it gives me great pleasure to write about the accomadation that is given by San Francisco residents. One venue that comes to mind is the SAn Francisco Public Library. Within the past several months, the "talking book and braille" as well as the security staff have been very helpful in helpingpeople with visual issues and those with mobility challenges. The effort that has been put forward meshes well with other venues.The other venues that come to mind mainly embrace non-profits are department stores andcoffee shop personnel. It is my wish tha those who have the time to read this review are heighted in spirit are exposed the "work in progress" level that is growing by leaps and bounds for this wonderful "City by the Bay" read more

It's difficult to study because of homeless people sleeping and wondering when the library Security is going to come wake them up. Feeling bad for some of the homeless in real time makes it difficult for me to concentrate on what I actually went there to do. Study to pass the A+ certification. I can't study in my room because it's too relaxed and too many distractions. It's difficult to study at the Library because I'm distracted by feeling bad for the young and female homeless who I can tell by looking at that they have no chance of getting off of the street. The Library staff and facilities are good. Great job San Francisco. God bless San Francisco voters. read more

Note: Ratings relative to other public libraries and spaces in SF. Overall: 5/5 "SF Clean" (aka clean for a SF public library) with ample power plugs and seats makes this the best public library in SF. Seating: 5/5 Ample seating, was never full. Power plugs were available in many seating places. Wifi: 4/5 Functional. Hours: 5/5 Hours aren't as late as I prefer, but they're the best of any SF branch so hence the 5/5. Bathrooms: 4/5 Cleaned very frequently. They have a 3rd party contractor inside watching, presumably for safety. It's still a public library bathroom tho, so while I'd sit down for a dump if needed I wouldn't enjoy it. read more

The main library is an amazing space. The architecture is such that there is an atrium of light. Each floor is accessible from the elevators. The different sections of the library focus on particular subjects. Whether it is films you're interested in; there are DVDs or Blue-Ray discs you can borrow for free if you have a library card. The childrens' area not only have books, they usually offer activities (such as reading aloud). Each branch control of the activities they plan. I know after having read about it, there is a Chinese reading room about Chinese culture, art, books and even a display of objects designed by Chinese book binders or industrial designers. Upcoming I learned there is going to be "Night of Ideas" on February 1,2020. It's the first time ever that the main library will be open from 7pm - 2am. This is a collaboration of various organizations (the French Consulate General, SF MOMA and so many other groups that are mostly nonprofits). What's great is there will be open forums where conversations will be had about social issues such as housing, the environment; topics that we should talk about and work to resolve. The tickets are free on Eventbrite. Sign up and get your ticket . This is an awesome idea. It reminds me of the Fete de Musique which they hold in Paris, France. Many hours dedicated one thing. In this case it's community. We should all be talking about helping each other and ourselves in shaping the society we live in. Here's your chance to put in your two cents. Except this is free ;) read more

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Who doesn't take the public library system for granted, really? SFPL to go. San Francisco public library to go during the pandemic allows you to put books on hold and pick them up at the door. My books were literally ready to pick up the day that the shelter in place was enacted in San Francisco. Got an email the second weekend of August that my books were ready to pick up. It's a great service. The best part is I'm never going to see that main floor bathroom/ washroom. No offense to the local flavor but.....I can only hope that after the pandemic is over and we resume a normal life that the San Francisco public library to go service will remain. It's the best thing that's ever happened to the library. Of course with the option to browse. Thank you San Francisco public library. read more