Libraries in San Francisco
THE 5 BEST San Francisco Libraries
Libraries in San Francisco
Category types
Traveller Resources
Traveller rating
Neighbourhoods
Good for
8 places sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Downtown San Francisco
Art Galleries • Universities & Schools
Potrero Hill
Libraries • Civic Centres
Libraries
Pacific Heights
Libraries • Lessons & Workshops
What travellers are saying
- Thomas VOakland, CA17,770 contributionsI love this institution and how it was a commitment to learning at a time when no other city was building a new library. There are areas and displays devoted to the city's unique history. Lots of resources for learners. But it can be a big grungy because at times it feels like a homeless shelter.Written 3 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- KultureKatJohns Creek, GA113 contributionsMechanics Institute is a WAY under rated, hidden gem of San Francisco. I found out about it while searching online for "Good places to read." While looking into it further, I found they offer a variety of events.
So I first visited to attend a guest lecture on world famous Grandmaster Shankland on Tues Jan 16. I know nothing about Chess but thought it was interesting, and even confirmed my desire to learn to plan.
I went back Jan 17 for the scheduled 1 hour tour of the library, and I am so glad. The painting in the lobby examples what they stand for - creativity, nature, spirituality, and humanity. I felt all of it and, truly, while there, I felt whole.
Shout-out to Alyssa, our tour guide who's soft spoken yet passionate tone made it joyful and easy to learn!
Everyone should check this special place out!Written 29 January 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Robert SLawrence, KS2,660 contributionsCHS 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.Written 23 July 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - An0nyMsTucson, AZ1,573 contributionsI'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.Written 7 March 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - permiaIreland64,806 contributionsThis 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.Written 12 November 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - AJ DSan Francisco, CA45 contributionsThis 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 MainWritten 27 July 2011This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
