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San Francisco Public Library

Library

Civic Center, San Francisco

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7.7^/10

355

ratings

The folks at SFGate and SF Weekly like this place. Would you agree?
"If you want to be quiet and focus, get a study room!"(5 Tips)
"The 6th floor history center is where to go."(2 Tips)
"6th floor history room is a true city treasure."(2 Tips)
"... don't check out any books, just getting a view of the atrium and..."(10 Tips)

79 Tips and reviews

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Josh FerraraMay 9, 2018
Great place to study, make sure you find a desk in the 3 floor or higher to avoid the typical commotion on the bottom floor from street traffic.
Tom MaxwellOctober 24, 2015
The 6th floor history center is where to go. That's where the earliest maps of SF are. You have to turn over your ID and any bags before you can enter this room.
NanaMay 8, 2016
Loved this place! I didn't know the membership was free. It's so clean and well maintained. Window views are the best unfortunately they're all take by homeless people for a quick nap 👀
Tariq AhmadSeptember 29, 2014
Even if you don't check out any books, just getting a view of the atrium and looking up at the multiple floors is worth it.
Fodor's TravelJanuary 28, 2016
San Francisco City Guides is a volunteer organization run by local residents and sponsored by the San Francisco Public Library. They lead terrific walking tours of various neighborhoods and focuses. Read more
Spoon CarvalhoMay 17, 2018
While I think their computers and websites could use someone who’s knows why they are doing, this is a huge library with many floors of books.
Michel Alexandre SalimOctober 8, 2017
The main floors can be noisy, but there are quiet nooks (for example on the fourth floor) where one can read undisturbed
TimmmiiMay 26, 2021
Been here 10+ times
The first floor is now open again, along with the children’s center. Hoping the rest will open soon
FunCheap SFJuly 23, 2014
Do something different today and bring your lunch to the San Francisco Main Library today to watch a screening of "The House on Telegraph Hill." Thur, 7/24, 12p-2pm, free. Read more
Kendal CockrelAugust 14, 2018
Been here 10+ times
Huge selection but can be a bit sketchy at times. If you like to read on the go, download the Libby app and use you SF library card to save e-books to your phone.
_August 19, 2016
Really nice library, but not in the greatest location. Be aware of your surrounding if you are visiting.
Jim RayMarch 12, 2016
There's a kids-only bathroom in the kids area that's a little hidden. Perfect for families.
SFPL LibraryJanuary 11, 2012
On the 6th Floor, check out the San Francisco History Center, containing a research collection of books, newspapers, magazines, photographs, maps, and more documenting San Francisco life and history.
Tyson QuickJanuary 30, 2013
Been here 25+ times
There are really nice glass study rooms on each floor that significantly reduce sound in and out. Highly recommended to get shit done that requires focus!
Alex DobyanJanuary 22, 2019
Excellent e-book selection and all CA residents are eligible to join for free.
Independent Lens | PBSAugust 22, 2011
Did you know that ITVS Community Cinema offers free films every month in the Koret Auditorium, downstairs in the SF Public Library. Check out the listings online & join us at the next screening. Read more
SF WeeklyMay 24, 2011
SF Weekly’s Best Of 2011 Winner – Editorial Pick – BEST CHANCE TO GET DRUNK AT THE LIBRARYThe Friends of SF Public Library's IMBIBE series offer literary thrill-seekers a chance to drink... Read more
Chloe CondonSeptember 16, 2016
Been here 5+ times
Great library, a lot of homeless going in/out using the restroom and sleeping in the study areas.
FunCheap SFJuly 16, 2014
Grab lunch and see the 1950's sci-fi thriller "It Came from Beneath the Sea" playing at the San Francisco Public Library today. Thur, 7/17, 12pm, free. Read more
Leah GMarch 7, 2020
So much to see and discover. Love that they have vinyl records for rent!
VFebruary 27, 2013
Been here 10+ times
This is why u should bring your own Lysol wipes... I can focus more on work and less on catching something. :)
Jacquinn ScalesNovember 10, 2011
Been here 5+ times
Great books on 3rd floor in African-American section. Can't check them out though they're only used as reference books. :(
KeithJune 8, 2017
Been here 100+ times
Don't sit in quiet, out of the way corners with your electronics out: apparently, people exist who will quietly threaten you with death if you don't give them up. Just heard a report, not me.
SFPL LibraryApril 9, 2012
On the 6th Fl through 5/31/12 - Innocents Abroad: the Main Library’s annual humor exhibit explores the book hunting activities of a fervent bibliophile in the first half of the 20th century.
Tim PursellJuly 15, 2015
Been here 5+ times
Most disgusting bathrooms in the city. Understandable considering the volume. People we need public restrooms. A building devoted to clean restrooms. Oh yeah -- there are books here too.
Serena PerfettoAugust 21, 2014
Been here 5+ times
If you want to be quiet and focus, get a study room! Too crowded with weird people sometimes!
Renée VargasJanuary 24, 2016
Visit the 6th floor for a history of San Francisco
The Bold ItalicMay 31, 2011
The top floor has an outdoor patio, complete with benches and potted flowers. Read more
MatMarch 30, 2012
6th floor history room is a true city treasure.
Eric CastroSeptember 30, 2010
Been here 25+ times
The best spots for a long read are in the northwest and southwest rotundas; the higher the floor, the quieter.
eh?August 23, 2012
By far the city's busiest public toilet! It rivals any gas station's hands down.
Pamela RouseAugust 3, 2018
Been here 25+ times
They got all the books! (not a fan of their bathroom)
Thijs NiksFebruary 11, 2020
Fast, free wifi
Mister DrewMay 1, 2012
Despite half of the citys homeless living here during open hours.... I love it
LisaMarch 2, 2015
Large library but hate that the restrooms are only on first floor. Doesn't make sense!
Travis WFebruary 24, 2017
Huge selection of audiobooks and ebooks.
DoraJune 30, 2010
The Asian Art Museum is just a block away, at 200 Larkin. Admission is always free for kids ages 12 and under. Bop on over after your library visit. Powered by ParentsConnect.com Read more
Elara BreckenridgeMarch 30, 2013
Good Turkey Supreme Sandwiches in the Mint.
Travis WFebruary 24, 2017
Any California resident can get a library card.
Andre BeaumontMarch 6, 2016
The Lego workshops are great fun for the kids.
Katie I.March 24, 2012
The higher up in the library you go, the cleaner the bathrooms are likely to be.
Patrick M. LozeauApril 9, 2012
Really good wifi. Accessible to people that are not from SF. Better than what I had at my hotel.
Library VixenMarch 24, 2011
Been here 100+ times
There are bathrooms on the lower level, the main floor, the 3rd floor , and for children in the children's center (key required). Avoid 1 st floor bath rooms.
Jonathan ChanDecember 31, 2010
Good place to hangout for those who need to save money, eat , and look at exhibits at one place
Doug AHAugust 18, 2013
Incredible architecture!
BommySeptember 4, 2015
Nice space but lots of weirdos hanging around.
Ray QuirolgicoNovember 17, 2010
Been here 5+ times
Free public WiFi throughout building best on east sides of upper floors.
SFGateJanuary 29, 2010
Don't miss the 3rd floor Gay & Lesbian Center, a treasure chest of historic LGBT photos, pulp paperbacks, local artifacts and more. Read more
Thee ChaparralianSeptember 20, 2012
The library is offering some pretty good jobs classes: http://sfpl.org/index.php?pg=1011424001
Yosun ChangApril 28, 2014
Original Copy of Dante's Divine Comedy (1507 edition) in rare books. Watch Wordlens fail! XD

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