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Mechanics' Institute

Mechanics' Institute

Library and Bookstore
Downtown San Francisco-Union Square, San Francisco
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8.3/10
44
ratings
  • Tips
    Todd N.
    "Check out the beautiful spiral stairway."(2 Tips)
    Jeremy S.
    "Take the free tour on Wednesday's at noon! Cool old building and looks like..."(2 Tips)
    Ali D.
    "150-year-old boutique library and the longest running chess club."(2 Tips)
    Paul N.
    "Absolutely amazing architecture"(2 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon15 Tips and reviews
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  • Ali D.heart icon on user image
    Ali DagliApril 10, 2017
    How can one go wrong with 150-year-old boutique library and the longest running chess club. Probably my most meaningful membership in the city.
  • Julia S.heart icon on user image
    Julia SunJanuary 24, 2017
    Been here 10+ times
    Great place to read, work and think. A true SF gem. Open 7 days a week, closes at 9 pm Mon - Thurs.
  • Jeremy S.
    Jeremy SnellFebruary 8, 2010
    Been here 50+ times
    Take the free tour on Wednesday's at noon! Cool old building and looks like a real library. Cozy leather chairs and polished brass. Very nice staff too. Read more
  • Jess L.heart icon on user image
    Jess LMarch 15, 2016
    Great public (and free) tour every Wednesday that is an interesting look at SF history.
  • Joanne
    JoanneDecember 20, 2015
    Beautiful spiral staircase.
  • Paul N.heart icon on user image
    Paul NovareseJune 18, 2018
    Absolutely amazing architecture
  • Parker H.
    Parker HApril 29, 2012
    The oldest library on the West Coast and the oldest chess club in the US. Take the free tour on Wednesdays at noon.
  • Jim B.heart icon on user image
    Jim BarcelonaMay 15, 2019
    Been here 50+ times
    The architecture is beautiful but this place is kinda depressing. Old people that are still racist that move away when you sit. Homeless folks who hang out not even to read. It just feels sad.
  • Saliemheart icon on user image
    SaliemJanuary 29, 2017
    Been here 50+ times
    Great selection of cookbooks and food related items 💕💕
  • Todd N.heart icon on user image
    Todd NilsonNovember 16, 2015
    Check out the beautiful spiral stairway.
  • Rodney L.
    Rodney LinebargerSeptember 6, 2012
    Been here 25+ times
    Incredible all you can eat pasta on Tuesdays. Don't miss it.
  • Saliemheart icon on user image
    SaliemJanuary 20, 2017
    Been here 50+ times
    Love their new building and innovation talks 💕💕
  • The Bold Italic
    The Bold ItalicMay 31, 2011
    This library has comfy chairs, movie screenings, lectures with bigwigs, chess and wine tasting events. Read more
  • Suki K.
    Suki KAugust 24, 2009
    Take the noon tour on a Wednesday.
  • Carlos A.
    Carlos AmbrozakAugust 3, 2009
    Read in peace at the Mechanic's Institute Library.
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