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Libraries in San Francisco

THE 5 BEST San Francisco Libraries

Libraries in San Francisco

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  • Thomas V
    Oakland, CA15,915 contributions
    Community Commitment
    The new library building, well it's not so new now, shows a commitment to public libraries during an era when they were dying. Lots of resources here, lots of people use it, but it can also appear as a homeless shelter, so come prepared.
    Review of: San Francisco Public Library
    Written 13 June 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Robert S
    Lawrence, KS2,775 contributions
    Great historical collection that needs more space
    CHS is a great organization with wonderful programing, but not enough space to exhibit all its interesting historical items. You should definitely drop by - they always have one good exhibit up.
    Check their website calendar for author and artist presentations.
    Their library is a great source if you want to do some in-depth research.
    Review of: California Historical Society
    Written 23 July 2016
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ThinkerDoer
    Washington DC, DC572 contributions
    amazing place
    This hidden gem warrants a visit. It's like stepping inside 'old San Francisco,' but also relishing how it remains such a vibrant and relevant gathering place.
    Review of: Mechanics' Institute Library and Chess Room
    Written 23 October 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • An0nyMs
    Tucson, Arizona1,417 contributions
    Very small but lots of insights
    I'd usually avoid an exhibition this small unless I'm really interested in what it covers. But this one, on the 100th anniversary of Bauhaus type design, was packed with examples, most from the early decades. It was fascinating. (It also helped that I could get in free through my membership with NARM, North American Reciprocal Museums.)

    The entrance isn't marked. I've included a photo of it. The sign listing building tenants shows two different street addresses in (it seems) the same building. We were lucky that we met someone coming out of the building to tell us what to do. You might call ahead for directions.
    Review of: Letterform Archive
    Written 7 March 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • permia
    Ireland40,479 contributions
    Serving well the local community
    This lovely construct dates from 1921 and was a Carnegie library. Ornate decorative features enhance the facade. The entrance comprises an impressive sweep of double steps.

    In the late 1950s it underwent a name change to reflect more accurately the inhabitants it served.

    It is quite large within, having underwent expansion and a re-dedication in the mid 1990s. As expected, it contains many volumes in Chinese.
    Review of: Chinatown Branch Library
    Written 12 November 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AJ D
    San Francisco, CA52 contributions
    Think if it as the "The City's Attic"
    This is real hidden gem. Tucked away on the 6th floor of the Main Public Library is a treasure trove of random items, books and art of the City. Some random items included in the collection:
    Mayor [now senator] Diane Fienstein's Wedding dress
    A collection of menus from various restaurants that were on display earlier this year
    A greeting card collection
    An amazing collection of photos dating back to the Gold Rush. Many are available online in a searchable database.
    A stained glass window showing the ferry building removed from a hotel that was torn down to make way for Moscone Center.

    Always worth a visit when you are at the Main
    Review of: San Francisco History Room and Archives
    Written 27 July 2011
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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