Pros: + White board walls and working markers! + Absolutely silent except for the white board area + Conveniently located near the 43 muni line + Jamba Juice and other food right next door + Open to the public! + Open until 10PM on most weeknights! + Views of the sunset are beautiful + 10 minute walk from all the food on Irving Cons: - None so far, but I'm sure there are transients that waltz in here... - Well, the hills can be tiring If you're looking for a quiet space, this is it. If you need white boards, this is it. Food and drinks are ok, but I'd definitely stick to less smelly food out of respect for others!!! Take a 15 minute break and eat smelly foods outside or at that cafeteria next door. read more

I am deeply disappointed in what has happened to this library. I used to come here all the time to study. They closed the library to the public for renovation, which took much longer than expected. When it finally opened, it turns out that only one floor is accessible to the public, with little to no improvement. I also hate that they don't put more comfortable reading chairs in the back, which offers a beautiful, unobscured view of GGP and the GGB. read more

Great coffee shop here, and nice place to study right next to the hospital. Far from downtown but still within the city. I would recommend if you are near by since there are a lot of hills around if you are walking. read more

The Parnassus branch of UCSF's library is a hidden gem....an open space perched atop a hill and sandwiched between SF's Inner Sunset and Cole Valley. It's a perfect place to slip into when you need a quiet place to support focus, concentration, study, meditation or just plain peace of mind. So here's what you get..... Firstly, you don't have to worry about being a med student or UCSF staff to access the library...simply walk in like you own the place - no worries about surly librarians peering at you over eyeglasses with arched eyebrow inquiring what you need or why you're there. Secondly, the views are spectacular - the library is on the side of Parnassus that sits atop a high hill that plunges to Irving Street - and there are floor to ceiling windows that provide spectacular views of Golden Gate Park, the Sunset and Richmond Districts, the Pacific Ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge. On rare sunny days the views are breathtaking and picture perfect. On foggy days they're cozy and romantic. There are also terraces you can access to sit and take in the scenic wonder. Thirdly, free wifi makes plugging in, staying in touch, working, researching, studying and tasking easier - and also helps you avoid putting a dent in your mobile data budget. It's fairly easy to log in - pretty typical sign in to UCSF's interface - type in your email address and check the checks for the typical disclaimers and you're in. No cost, no time limit and pretty darn reliable and fast. On the first floor there are bays of comfortable sofa-like seats that are well lit and have power sockets so no worries about draining your batteries. Fourthly, there's a cafe on the ground floor (Caffe Central) serving a plethora of hot and cold coffee drinks, grab and go breakfast items, salads and sandwiches, baked goods and bottled drinks. Prices aren't exactly hospitable to a grad student's budget but it makes grabbing a nosh or quick pick-me-up convenient if you're feeling peckish or in need of a jolt of java. If you're interested in browsing stacks of fiction, biographies, children's books and the like, then this probably isn't the library for you. There are a few stacks on the first floor offering mass market, cultural and science-themed magazines (People, The New Yorker, The Economist, Discover, etc.), local and national print newspapers (the Chron, WSJ, etc) and a small stack with popular fiction/non-fiction books and best sellers. Otherwise, I'd bring your kindly or pull from your own library if this is what you have in mind. Also, keep in mind you'll need to be student or faculty to exercise borrowing privileges. 3 floors of the 5 floors are suitable for public use (floors 3, 4 and 5). Public bathrooms are on 3 and 5. The first and second floor house classrooms, administrative and various other UCSF offices so probably not the best option unless, of course, you're student or faculty. The building is also ADA compliant and accessible. Tip if you are truly seeking peace, quiet and tranquility....avoid the first floor - particularly near the entrance and cafe (which also includes the most comfortable seating and power outlets) - there's a fair amount of hustle bustle, chitter chatter, conversation and noise pollution emanating from the main entrance and on-site cafe so unless you are really good at tuning out and have noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs, head up to the 4th or 5th floor to find a more zen-like nook or cranny. read more

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Finally, my very own sanctum! ..well, kind of... Grad student's heaven! Yesyesyes. This is both the best and the worst place for me to study. Why? Because it's the ideal location for solitude, but there is always a magnificently distracting view of something. During the day, it might be the exquisite architecture of the building across the street; at night, there will be glowing city lights whispering your name-- and depending on where you sit, you might even see the Golden Gate bridge or park. This was my first experience of a guilty pleasure at a library... A freaking library! SFSU's library is a fifteen minute walk from public transportation. It's hot, super dusty in times of power outages, lacking the appropriate resources, and filled with people who are not appropriate for library-ing. Every few seconds of studying will be interrupted by a loud sneeze, sniffling, coughing, cell phone conversation, or conversation in general. Guess what happens when you make weird sounds at Kalmanovitz? Not that it would be necessary, but the security guards will tell you to STFU. You'd probably feel guilty for disturbing the peace before that would ever need to take place, though. I know I did when I sneezed. The sad part is that they enforce all the rules, including the one about food being prohibited. Sadface. I enjoy eating. I bring a feast with me everywhere I go, it's inevitable. The first time I came, I brought a pastrami sandwich from Yellow Submarine with chocolate tea and my "Philosophy of Law" book. One of the security guards was circling around the place and looked at me. I looked back at him with "fear of prosecution" written on my face. I wasn't sure what happened, but he walked away. A few minutes later, he returned to inform me that my sammich had to go away. Boo. I don't really have any cool tips because I haven't explored thoroughly, but everyone else here does! I like to keep a little mystery, I enjoy feeling like I'm in Harry Potter's world of the unknown. read more

UCSF Library - Libraries Near Me - San Francisco, California

Great place to study because of the great views it has of the city! My friend and I went here Sunday and it was a decent experience. We came at 10:30 not knowing that on Sundays they open at 12pm so we just walked around the are and came back at around 11:40. There were people lined up already but everyone was civil. read more

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It's a very nice place to study with a beautiful view. Parking could be challenging even on weekends so public transportation probably the best choice. Mostly students study here so I'd say pretty safe, and quiet. And the wifi works great. I've never borrowed a book from here so I couldn't tell about that procedure and the book variety. read more

UCSF Library - Opening hours of 2019. You welcome ;) - Libraries Near Me - San Francisco, California

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We got a tip that the UCSF Library was a really nice study area in the city. Most definitely! We, erm, aren't in school at the moment, but I always love a nice and quiet study area. You can get into the UCSF library regardless of if you're a student, and get away with using their couches and tables. It's not just any study area, though. This one has an amazing view over Golden Gate Park, the Presidio, St. Ignatius Church, Golden Gate Bridge, the bay, the Marin Headlands, and the Pacific Ocean. It's a much different view than from the other viewpoints in the city. While places like Bernal Heights offer a breath-taking view of endless houses, the UCSF view is much more earthy, with vegetation and ocean instead. They know they have a great view, and set up a bunch of super comfy chairs. It's very comfy. If you are in the city for a while, or are looking for a study place, check this place out! read more

UCSF Library - Libraries Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This place is neat. Clean and huge and quiet. The scenery outside is serene. A view of the Golden Gate is probably better than any you'll find atop a tour bus. Came here to read and get some work done and it was pleasant and the wifi was working well without issues. The students here are all buried deep in their books and a fart would probably give them a heart attack so it's a great working environment for the non-lactose intolerant. The study rooms are also superb, just say you have a reservation to enough people in the rooms and you're bound to kick somebody out who did the same thing to another person. Come here for the view. And please hold in your fart(s). read more

UCSF Library - Gorgeous million dollar view of the Golden Gate Bridge. - Libraries Near Me - San Francisco, California

This is the favorite place for people to study because this library is opened 24hrs and actually does monitor people making too much noise. It is so quiet that they have sections of people sleeping inside like beds. read more

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

This spot is wonderful. I am not a UCSF student but I had a meeting there with an acquaintance. The coffee place is enjoyable and I ended up working there for couple hours. Very convenient and quiet here. One of the best libraries in my list so far. read more

Came here for a quiet place to work because I could not use my home office for the day and was literally chased by an aggressive mentally ill person. There are a lot of homeless people here - which is to be expected for a public space - but being threatened and then chased is a horrible thing to have happen. Unfortunately, I stopped multiple staff members to help me find security or report that there was someone being aggressive in the building and was met with total apathy. Finally I buzzed into a secure part of the building found someone to help me, though she was not security just a good Samaritan, and unfortunately all she could do was walk me out of the building to put my mind at ease. The only exits to the building are on the 3rd floor, so in instances like what I experienced today, it really is not a place where you will feel safe. If you HAVE to come here, really really really pay attention to who is around you and sit near the stairs. On my way home, I was told by an uber co-rider that there have already been a couple instances of violence in the library this year. read more

Best study space ever! Love the views of Golden Gate Bridge ... nice windows, chairs, and study rooms. I like the coffee area.. they have a cool little space and the computer lab is great! read more

Plenty of space to study, and I like that you have a sweeping view of Golden Gate Park to keep your sane during those long study sessions. Plenty of outlets, decent WiFi, and those couches, man... Finding free parking around here is an art. I absolutely hate paying for that garage. The fee really adds up if you're buckling down for more than a couple hours. I've found some success with residential parking on 6th and Judah, as all the spots on Parnassus seem to be perpetually occupied :( read more

A nice place to study if you need somewhere quiet to get work done. Several floors with tables. It would be nice if a party of 1 didn't take up a whole table, so that larger parties can sit together. There are lots of cubicle looking things that a party of 1 can sit at. Their cafe is open on the weekdays, and it's a good pick me up if you need it. read more

This may sound sad but in these past three years, my time spent at the UCSF library has greatly surpassed my time spent anywhere else in the city of San Francisco. (Which is why I wanted this to be the FIRST place I reviewed after getting my yelp elite badge!) I cannot complain. The library has been good to me. During finals/midterm weeks, I spent day and night in this library, tucked in to a corner cubby or settled into a third floor study room. On non-exam weeks, I neglect the library but it welcomes me back with open arms when I'm in am in need of a nice quiet place to read a book or a computer to use. This library = kick ass. Recently, construction was completed and now there is a fantastic new second floor with curvy hall ways and a brand NEW computer lab. On the second floor is also a new Kanbar Center where students can take observed structural clinical examinations as well as a new technology center. As a regular here, there are my tips for you: **For a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge, settle into one of the couch seats on the ground floor (3rd floor) facing the big window. **If you are looking for a place to nap, beware of the seats because everyone likes to nap at the library, including homeless people. When I see people with their faces buried into the seats, I wonder if they realize that no one cleans those green leather chairs... **Food is not technically allowed but we all eat there anyways. Just don't get caught by the mean cleaning lady that comes around in the evenings. She will point at you and look angry. **Laptops (macs and pcs) are available for check-out with a student ID. **Hours tend to change frequently so always check the website first if you are coming from far away, just in case! http://www.library.ucsf.edu/locations/hours read more

I spend most of my time here so I should know how great it is. It's the best place to get some studying in. It's quiet and has the most extensive collection of medical books and journals. My favorite floor would be either the main lobby or the 5th floor. Big comfortable leather chairs with the most beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park and the whole San Fransisco skyline. It's especially gorgeous on a rainy day. Now the real reason why I LOVE this place... it's allowed me to do some serious napping here. I've taken 2 hour naps here and have woken up to medical journals stuck to my face plenty of times. Btw always bring a jacket, it gets pretty chilly in here. read more

After desperately looking all over the city for a quiet public study area, I finally found the UCSF library. In addition to having several floors with a mixture of cubicles, study rooms (must be UCSF student to reserve), large study tables and couches, I must say that the view is unbeatable. With the library situated on top of parnassus, your studies don't appear as dreary with a view of the golden gate bridge. Only downside is that there are some homeless patrons that sleep in little nooks around the library. That wouldn't be so bad if they didn't snore so loud! So I was very careful to never leave my valuables unattended. I suggest you do the same. Bottom line: Best view of San Francisco from a public library; keep a close eye on your possessions. read more

5th floor, in the back.... the leather chairs for chillaxin'... the picturesque view of GG Park and GG Bridge... unobstructed. Look to your left and enjoy the sunset. Look to your right and see the SF skyline. Drink in all the beauty and life around you. You are blessed. 3rd floor, check out their displays. Center for research on Tobacco Industry. learn why you shouldn't smoke! 2nd floor, everywhere. A huge bank of medical journals. The copy center is also here. Don't re-rack your journals... leave them in the carts in the copy center. By the end of the summer, expect to see an article by yours truly in here. Across the street... you may just find me... say hi! UPDATE: For a wonderful, unobstructed view of three places where the Fourth of July fireworks are being launched--Marin Headlands, Fisherman's Wharf, and Downtown SF--check out the balcony up the stairs, next to the UCSF Library. This place is a great, more intimate alternative than going to the Wharf, which is usually jampacked with people. Bring a blanket or a thick coat; wear long pants. Wear thick socks and close-toed shoes. It was very chilly there tonight, but bring a friend to keep yourselves warm if you forget to prepare beforehand. The wonderment from the little children who were there, with their voices exclaiming "WOWs" and "ahhh it's BEAUTIFUL!" comments pretty much sums up the glee that you could potentially be feeling in your heart, as your brain processes the visual information you capture with your eyes when the fireworks are going on. read more

I've been studying here almost every day for the past week now. There are plenty of cubicles and big tables; it's quiet, and you never have to fight for a seat or stare anyone down for talking too loud. If you like natural light, I recommend the tables in the back of the 5th floor. If you prefer no natural light, I recommend the cubicles against the wall in the back of the 2nd floor. If you prefer both bright sunlight and bright indoor light, then the area of cubicles on the west side of the 4th floor is the place for you. (You can watch the sunset from those windows.) If you like to take naps in the sun, there are single-seat couches at the back of the 5th floor. (They're also right next to the windows, which by the way, gives a pretty awesome view of the trees and buildings below UCSF on a clear day.) (Please be aware that there are a lot of reconstruction/restructuring going on at the moment, so areas of the 5th and 2nd floor are currently closed off. Some areas may also be loud because of the work that is going on.) Unfortunately, if you are not affiliated with the University, you cannot get internet access. But I've heard that itouches can connect to wireless still, so there may be wifi available (if not from UCSF, then somewhere near by). Also, there are bathrooms on every floor and they're super clean! read more

I have spent countless hours studying, lounging, and relaxing in this library since I started living in San Francisco. As a loyal patron to this fantastic library, I have seen it grow and expand over the past couple of years. What makes this library so great? == Beautiful panoramic views overlooking Golden Gate Park and the Golden Gate Bridge == A plethora of study rooms on the second and third floors, fully equipped for media use (i.e. if you want to hook up your laptop to the flat screen TVs for presentation purposes) == Drinks are allowed as long as you have a top on == Food is OK to eat on the 2nd floor, as long as you clean after yourself, throw away your trash, and don't make a mess == The new and improved 2nd floor -- which includes a state of the art computing center with Macs and PCs, beautiful study rooms that have large windows with gorgeous views and plenty of sunlight, and the Kanbar Center -- a new training center for health professional students to practice their clinical skills. I come here when I need to really focus on studying for exams or when I need to send a quick email. It's conveniently located on UCSF's Parnassus campus and is easily accessible by Muni and UCSF Shuttle services. Like fellow yelper, Gloria C., I have some tips for you: == If you need to study, study on the 2nd floor. The doors to the study rooms are unlocked. You have to share a room usually, but people tend to be polite and quiet. == Avoid the 4th floor if you are sensitive to noise. Even though 4th floor is the "QUIET FLOOR" it is actually very noisy since everyone's usually using their cell phones, eating, and chatting loudly. == Computer access for the public is on the 3rd floor in the center of the library (straight ahead when you walk in). Computer lab for UCSF students, staff and faculty is on the 2nd floor. == If you want to nap, there are large comfy seats on the 2nd floor, 3rd floor, and 4th floor. The 2nd floor seats are cleaner since they're newer. The 3rd floor seats are the dirtiest since they get the most foot traffic from UCSF faculty/staff/students and the public. == The library is NOT open on Saturdays, but is open on all other days excluding holidays. The library is usually open until 10 PM on Sunday-Thursdays, except during finals week when it's open until midnight. On Fridays, the library is open until 8PM. == If you want to borrow a laptop, you have to use your UCSF ID to check one out. They may be renewed online, so if you need to use it longer than 4 hours, you can renew it 1 hour before your return-time. They are also due 1 hour before closing time, so make sure to return laptops before that to avoid late fees! Overall, I love this library. Now that they opened up the beautiful 2nd floor of the library, I'm going to be coming here more often. The 2nd floor's curvy walls, marble tiles, and prominently displayed Asian artwork are definitely aesthetically pleasing to the eye. It's really peaceful down there--almost like a health spa club atmosphere. You can truly achieve your library nirvana here. read more

I work here. I have the best office view ever. Best. Ever. I used to have a view from Emeryville looking back over the bay at the city. That's peanuts compared to the view from the 4th floor lounge area (or my 5th floor workroom). The treetops of GG Park. The Museums peeking out. The peaks of the GG Bridge rising to the sky. You get the picture. Oh yeah: also a great staff, a terrific collection, and some great music every now and then. A lovely library. And it's right next door to Panda Express! read more

I love this place! I'm actually here yelping right now. It reminds me of being in college-in my beloved powell library awww. surprisingly, they require no pass to get in (just like ucla libraries) but a lot of stuff is restricted to students and personnel. Its okay I can still browse their books and sit here for a nice read... Being here makes me really consider going back to school. Grad school here I come! read more

I am so impressed by the fact that this library has threadmills hooked up to computers so you could study and walk at the same time. I'm pretty sure every library should have this since everyone knows that you learn better after having physical activity. I went here on a weekend so it was pretty quiet. I was surprised that there were a couple floors underground and above ground. The layout kind of confused me since I am used to libraries that tend to be a big open space but this is SF afterall. It does look new and clean and I definitely wouldnt mind studying here. read more

UCSF Library - You can walk and study at the same time I'm the library! - Libraries Near Me - San Francisco, California

Be aware of your surroundings here as it is a big library and yo shit can be jacked if you walk off to pee for even a moment. Other than that, its quiet, nice, ventilated, comfy and I get my studying shit done here! Internet is fast and it makes the Starbucks nearby look shady. read more

The first several times I came here, I was filled with nostalgic envy. Being around doctors and doctors-to-be made me sad that I was never going to go to medical school and become a doctor. The sight of someone studying for the MCAT or in hospital scrubs reminded me of everything I wanted to be, but (admittedly) don't have the tenacity to be. But now that I've accepted my fate and lack of brilliance to become a doctor, I love this library. I am an aspiring chemist pursuing my chemistry (non-premed) degree at USF. Now you may wonder why I don't just study at USF's library. UCSF's library is huge and there is ample space. Call me greedy, but I like my own huge table and I don't like sharing with a stranger. Obviously you can't use the wifi here if you're not a student, so don't study here when you need internet. There are outlets at every desk and table and it's quiet because the people who come to this library are actually studying. So I might not be a student here like I had dreamt of becoming not too long ago, but it's still a great place to study, putting lost dreams aside. read more

Great place to study. And to have study dates. And find future study dates. Haha... There is ALWAYS plenty of room for ploppage. Tables abound, and study cubbies up the wazoo. 2nd floor in the back is usually teeming with dental students. Even those who don't go to UCSF hehe... including myself. It's probably the only floor where you won't freeze your butt off, and where you can work on your laptop. Some floors are so quiet because of the no-laptop policy... and the library staff really enforce that rule! Sure the wi-fi isn't open to the public, and you can't check your email on their library computers, but if you have a friend who is a UCSF student, s/he can sign your IP address onto their account, so anytime you go, you can get wi-fi internet. Or, if you don't have a UCSF hookup, I've heard you can go into the hospital cafeteria across the street and get free public wi-fi. The food available in the Millberry Center is decent. I always go for Subway, downstairs near the elevators. I wish the food court could stay open longer, but they close at 5 or 6 I think. I wish the group rooms were open to non-UCSF students, but they're not. No food or drinks allowed in the library, but there are ways to sneak in your loot. The rule is definitely more enforced during the weekdays, and not really on weekends. Wanna know my secret? I always carry a large surface area textbook close to my chest... and behind it I can get away carrying in my fountain drink from Subway. The MUNI "N-Judah" line goes straight to the school on Irving, so you just need to take the magical elevator up to Parnassus. There are plenty of MUNI buses that go straight to the school on Parnassus too, so look out for those! If you drive... street parking on Irving, 3rd, 4th, etc. can be a pain in the butt sometimes. If you go before 6pm, you need to repark your car every two hours. If you go after 9pm, chances are you won't find anything. The library closes at midnite most evenings (except for Fri and Sat at 8pm). read more

UCSF now has free wifi for non students! Now I can be distracted on yelp rather than studying for my MCATS!! This pretty much makes UCSF the perfect library. read more

very quiet. YES. lots of large tables with lights. YES. lots of outlets. YES. and free wifi.... YES!!!! went to study here with my friend and i love this place compared to SF state's library. yeah yeah, i actually don't go to any of these schools. *POINTS* SHE DOESN'T EVEN GO HERE!!!!! yeah, but this is a sweet study spot. i'd highly suggest it for weekends because parking here really sucks on the weekdays when it's limited to two hours or meter parking. come at 4pm if you really want to stay here, since the two hour limit ends at 6pm. you can also come at 6pm because meters are donezo as well. there are some study rooms but reserved for UCSF students, you would need an ID to make an appointment. i did hear from a friend that it is possible to book study rooms here if you are an employee of UCSF, so that's awesome! there are some randoms that come here and yes, they don't even go here either. but yeah, awesome quiet space in SF to study and there are some lounge chairs if you want to rest and take a break. nice view too if you get more toward the window side. read more

No joke, this place makes me want to go to med school. (Now if I could only find a way to do it without having to spend $200K and 10 years of study . . . ) Forget the fact that I'm gradumacating law school in two weeks . . . off I go to med school! I kid. Sort of. Anyway, there's an amazing view of the city, ocean, Golden Gate bridge, etc., from inside, so it's nice. And inside, there are med students, nursing students, doctors, etc. etc. Oh, and a couple of us law students floating around, too. There are loads of interesting books on the shelves, there's food and coffee on campus or relatively close by/down the street. Convenience is key when you're studying for finals. (Like I am, erm, right now . . . ) There's free WIFI, by the way. Docked a star bcos: (1) it's not open on Saturdays (wtf, man, I'm a studious student who maybesometimesnever wants to study on a Saturday, and the library is closed... sniff... (2) there are homeless people who tend to wander in and may or may not stink up certain rooms they're in-- just go to another room/table/area then read more

Excellent spot to study, open with great hours. Beware, your laptop may not connect to the FREE WIFI here. Mines did not work initially, and then 3 hours later started working. Internet can be slow sometimes, but speeds up as the night goes on and less people are there. Still very fast for the most part. Clean. Quiet. Sanctuary. read more

1. its at UCSF! 2. Very Quite 3. Always seating 4. Coomfy sofa 5. if you're bored go look at surgery books :) 6. as an undergraduate trying to get into med school one day, being here makes me try harder as you see the lucky bastard med students walk in to do their studying read more

This is a pretty nice public library space. I spent most of my study time here during my first two years of law school. It is calm and quiet without all of the neurotic behavior of the law library. This is a public library, although it not too heavily used by non-students. That being said, there are occasionally some shady characters that make their way in. I had a laptop jacked the end of my 1L year, but I did leave it alone while I went to fill me water bottle. My fault; lesson learned. Good library to squirrel yourself away and be productive. No Internet for non-students. Check the hours, they have been shrinking as Cali becomes increasingly poor. The only thing that made me consider a 4-star rating is the lack of security all together, they could have someone competent at the door or a sign in like Hastings. Then again, cash is an issue. read more

I love this library! It's full of studious, serious people, they just opened caffe central inside (I tried a yummy mocha today), and it is open to the public. You can check in with the front desk person for a 2 hour computer usage code. I also love that they provide free ear plugs and that there are clean restrooms. read more

This library is about the only thing that is getting me to study for the Bar. It's a great resource, the hours are wonderful, and for the most part it's pretty quiet. Oh, and yes... the views are spectacular, . But, I will say, I have finally discovered the cause of California's energy crisis. I swear a large portion of the State's energy is being used to cool this place. It is so cold, that I have to bring extra sweaters just to survive. I'm sure Chicago will seem warm in comparison. Maybe they blast the AC to keep the med students awake.... but some Starbuck's would be much more efficient. Oh, and one tip... it took me a couple visits to determine the food situation. You are permitted to bring coffee, water, and other beverages so long as they are in a secure container. There is pretty blatant picnicking otherwise, but there does not appear to be strict enforcement. I would just suggest no open flames. read more

I cannot believe that I have lived so close to this place for all three years of law school, and it was not until after I graduate that I discover it. Of course I knew it existed but I did not know how it could impact my life in such a positive way. (Note I will change this review if it turns out I didn't pass the bar exam. Just being honest y'all...) This is the best place to study in all of SF. Not that I've tried all places but I'm pretty sure I'm right. Big tables to spread out all 10 of my books and binders, well-lit, big windows to allow in natural light, and only slightly distracting views of the City. My main complaint - no hot med students have hit on me. Although I've only spied 2 (it is summer). Oh well, I should focus on studying anyway. sigh sigh... Update - I passed the bar! All thanks to the UCSF library, I'm sure. ;) read more

1. VERY quiet 2. Rows of large tables and cubicles 3. Comfy chairs 4. Lots of outlets 5. Free Wifi Lacking anything you need to get your study on? Probably not. read more

I love this place because it's close, convenient, comfortable, and has great views. The furniture is nice, the wi-fi works, and there are outlets readily available at most tables. Minus one star for homeless people taking shoes off and putting bare, dirty feet on tables and other furniture (not knocking the homeless in general, just those who are inconsiderate enough to not use the freely available facilities to clean said feet before putting them on top of everything). There is also the occasional loud breather who is stressed out and grunts/sighs every 5-10 seconds. At least you can just get up and try another floor of the building. read more

I almost don't even want to yelp the Kalmanovitz because it's MY secret gem... Hear that, fellas? MINE! Okay, not really... The UCSF Library isn't exactly a well kept secret... but few do know that it's actually open to the public! It's THE place to relax, study, and nap! The views of the city are breathtaking-- simply gorgeous. You get a panoramic view of Golden Gate Bridge, GGP, the skyline, and everything in between. The library is very well kept. Always clean and organized. There are always outlets available for you to plug your laptop into. Free WiFi is awesome too! It's not the fastest internet connection, no doubt, but staying here sure beats squeezing into a small seat by a stranger in an overcrowded cafe. Oh, and about the napping... the Kalmanovitz is seriously single sofa chairs galore! There are a few homeless that occasionally sneak in to escape the cold, but overall, it's a pretty legit hangout spot. read more

This was my library of choice during my college years at SFSU. I used to live right at La Playa and Judah (right across Ocean Beach) and would just hop on to the N-Judah and study late into the night at this library - during Finals weeks, they would stay open 24 hours! I loved that. The whole environment is conducive to studying, focusing and productivity. I'd even bring my personal business and get my stuff organized while at the library! I'd pretend it was actually my personal home library (a girl can dream). I was first attracted to their medical collection of books, journals, having studied Forensic Anthropology in a one-week course in New Orleans, LA. I was obsessed, so it was inevitable I'd look up articles at the nearest medical library around. I remember being so fascinated with the library when I first stepped foot into the building. I just walked around each floor, soaking it all in. Every time I went, I always said a little prayer as I entered -- please please please let one of those big, comfy leather chairs with the sweeping view of Golden Gate Park and the GG Bridge be open.... Well, I never sat there for more than 1 hour - I never got anything done in those chairs - I would just find myself sitting there, awestruck with that great view. Eventually, I'd find myself in one of the desk cubes with the great lights, studying my butt off. This is the only library I've been to where I've actually spent huge chunks of hours just studying and reading (b/w 5 - 8 hours). I would be exhausted from work and/or school, and it would be getting late, but I'd still force myself to head out to the library, if only for 1 - 1.5 hours atleast 2 -3 nights out of the week. Treat yourself to this experience, even if you're not in a formal study program. And, apparently, it's a great place to watch some fireworks! I've yet to try this but am eager to experience it! read more