San Francisco Main Library

The collection is nothing short of amazing and there are definitely ample spots to study and do individual work throughout the 6 floors of the building. However, the Main Library’s inability to control who enters makes it less than appealing from time to time.
Generally, the weirdness is relegated to the first floor, where (as many have specified) you’ll find the occasional vagabond trying to shower in the sink or catch some zzz’s. However, on my most recent visit, I had the great displeasure of having a homeless man, clearly allergic to showers, come and sleep on the 5^th floor.
Needless to say, I moved almost immediately… but there still ought to be some control. Why else would you have a security guard and metal detectors at the entrance?

Everybody loves the library why? Because of the bad ass Library Tech LF at the SFPL that’s why!

Let’s face it: the local libraries in my redwood-​shaded, Peninsular neighborhood are nowhere near as public as this one is. SFML truly puts the «public» in public library, and while Benjamin Franklin, despite his reputation for inventiveness, may not have ever imagined the many innovative uses that such open information spaces can offer to city citizens in 2016 — above and beyond reading books printed on tree pulp I mean — there is nothing, it seems, that the SFML staff are not willing to do to fulfill their mission.
A second-​floor learning and hangout space for teens only, with 3D printers and touch screen Internet? Sure.
An environmental reading resource center that also displays family photos and first edition books from Pulitzer-​prize winning author and conservationist, Wallace Stegner, including his essay written to a mountain lion whom he never even saw? Check.
Vinyl records from popular cultural icons from all musical genres of the planet? Yes, we can do that.
Trilingual signs in English, Spanish, and Mandarin? Pourquoi non?
Public restrooms that provide clean facilities for wandering tourists, dedicated library users, and homeless city residents alike? What part of «public library» don’t you understand?
Newspapers and media resources aplenty, dedicated to crusading local journalist, Herb Caen? It is the City by the Bay, after all.
Digital archives dedicated to the Black Panthers, gay rights crusaders, and other political activist movements in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s? Fight the power, baby.
Six different styles of library cards to choose from, showcasing local student artwork? Benjamin F. would have approved.
An architectural work of creative genius that somehow brings light and air into the library while still preserving the feeling of intimacy and security that libraries are famous for? Lots of access options to reach all 6 levels of library resources, including an adult literacy learning center and section for assisting veterans with their medical, financial, and educational needs? Naturally.
A bookstore and conference venue and graphic novels and foreign language titles and guest lectures and movie nights and children’s play spaces and areas where you can read in peace for hours on end? Yes, we can do those things, too.
The best of today’s libraries are dynamic hubs that offer easy access to rapidly changing information networks, not preservation-​oriented places for aging books to collect dust. Here, the creative minds behind the SFML come as close to a creating a truly welcoming citizens’ makers’ space than virtually any other location in California: an authentic model of inclusivity in a city known for its gaping class and income differences as well as its rich cultural and demographic diversity. The SFML, in its current stylish location (1996 – 2016) truly lives up to its many missions. Here’s to another 20 years of testing the limits of the library in the 21^st century!

Clean, quiet library. I love the location and the atmosphere inside and outside of this library. The only cons are the parking could be hard and there seems to always be a small amount of homeless people that hang out inside.

If libraries could get Academy Awards, this would get best library in the city! I work very close to this library and always walked past it in wonder. What could be inside this giant building? Of course books DVDs CDs and librarians. But what did it house that my Marin County Library did not house? The answer is many many many more titles of new books and many many more copies of those books! I no longer have to wait a year to get a book from the Marin County Library that’s hot and popular. I might have to wait a few weeks but that’s a heck of a lot shorter than a year! I walk around the City Hall courtyard every day to get my fit bit steps! Now I find myself taking a detour so I can walk down these fabulous rows of the most awesome books. Titles both old and new are available for you to peruse. There are many copies, as stated earlier, of new books and you don’t have the rush of having to bring them back so quick. The people at the information counter are so nice. Even when I signed up to get my library card, I was treated like a queen! The bathrooms, which I’m sure would be havens for the homeless, are manned with employees cleaning them and there are signs everywhere stating that you are not allowed to use these premises for laundering bathing etc. I feel very safe inside these walls. I love this library and return again and again and again. Kudos to the best library in the city!

This place is beautiful with tons and tons of material to keep you entertained but be prepared to encounter plenty of homeless people.
Pros:
— beautiful building. Make sure you look up when you when you’re inside
— 4 floors of things filled with words n shit; books, kids center, audiovisual (CDs!), computers, etc
— huge spacious library so you can find a nice quiet spot to hide from people
— easy to get to in public transport
Cons
— bathrooms are filled with homeless people doing their business which includes bathing in the sinks
— smells like shit because of all the homeless people
— a lot of odd people roaming around
— pretty loud for a library (there’s a kid crying bloody murdered at the time of this review)
— it’s in the hood

Knowledge is happiness — one of the best libraries in the Bay Area. Treasure of wealth can be found here if you read books. Of course this library is much more than books. Difficult place to find parking if your not from around this area. Just take BART to Civic Center and your a block away; or Muni. Try going on Wednesday and enjoy Farmers Market. Also around is the Asian Art Museum — it will blow your mind away. Don’t forget to tour City Hall… one of the best looking CIty Hall in California –my opinion.

Although I frequent the UCSF library, I realized the latest bestsellers are not immediately accessible (due to small copies) and decided to visit the San Francisco Main library. and fell in love immediately.
The Main Library located at the Civic Center was established in 1879 (first opened on Bush street then gradually to Civic Center). The library has 27 other branch libraries located throughout San Francisco, each library with its unique monthly programs and exhibitions. Therefore, whenever we request a hold and need to pick up the book, we can arrange so that the book would be ready for pick-​up at the nearest public library branch!
The highlights of the main library:
— Monthly events, exhibitions, and classes held at the library: These range from knitting circles, 3D printing classes, Spanish-​English baby rhyme and playtime, Great Books discussion group, open recording studio hour (teaching how to record vocal or instrumental and the basics of audio recording), chess club, and video gaming. The list really goes on and on and there will be at least one intriguing activity for you.
— Multiple copies of new books on every genre. Plus, the hold limit for ebooks for each person is awesome (20 books, JUST for ebooks!)
— Free and hip library card designs (included picture below)
— Free Wi-​Fi and easy room reservation for study group or conference.

The library itself is absolutely gorgeous! Plenty of seating, a great selection of books, and a wonderful view. What more could you ask for? Ok you can ask for a few things…
To start, the library itself is quite nice. The tables are relatively clean (for a library, I wouldn’t exactly eat off of them), the set up is spacious, the lighting is good, plenty of outlets, fast wifi, basically everything you need to study. The main issues mainly come about when you are studying here for a long period of time. As of now there is only one usable restroom on the first floor. I prefer studying on the upper levels which means if I come here alone, I have to pack up my stuff every time I want to use the restroom. Normally I would leave my stuff out but unfortunately there are a lot of homeless people who come in and theft is a possibility. The restrooms themselves are also a bit iffy. They’ve done an ok job keeping it clean but there are also days when there’s just water and who knows what else, flowing everywhere. The library itself may also have some heavy body odor depending on who’s there. Also the lack of vending machines means you should probably bring some water and food if you plan on staying here for a while.
I also occasionally come here to kill time before shows at the Orpheum. I like to wander the top floor where they have some displays of old cameras and various documents. The architecture of the building is also very fun to look at from that height.
Overall, it’s a wonderful library but you’ll probably have the experience if you pack food/​drinks (discreetly of course) and have a friend with you.

#25/​2016
There are times I get wistful and miss things from my relative youth, like the worn steps of the old Main library which is now the Asian.
These old marble steps were visibly worn down in the middle from millions of footsteps ascending and descending that staircase.
So with a sigh, I enter the «new Main» library sans marble steps and into an elevated walkway that looks down to an open atrium and a semi-​circle of staffed checkout stations.
You have to skip downstairs and through the magnometer to either climb the stairs or ascend in one of four elevators.
I’m impressed at whatever hour, the library always seems busy and the staff is amazingly pleasant no matter what department I’m in.
The children’s department has reading times and offers free lunches to little ones starting around noon.
I think offering free children’s lunches is especially valuable in this city of plenty that has yet so many people in need.
I like the relative solitude of the «new Main» and spending time getting lost in the stacks looking for my next book.

This library has a gorgeous atrium reaching up to six floors. It has security at all times to make sure they are no major disturbances, by patrons and non-​patrons (people on the street) alike, in the library.
The bathrooms are frequently occupied by people on the street and sometimes you’ll see an unwanted shower show from the sink water with a towel.
The library does its best to provide equal opportunity for all patrons but can bring in some bad crowds along with outside street smells.
3 star rating because there is only one bathroom located on the first floor to service all six floors of patrons and there are potential safety concerns of you and your belongings at this location.

Here is where I found the issue of the Better Homes & Gardens issue that I’d been looking for. Even better, a super nice librarian showed me how I could peruse other back issues online for free. For free! Not just Better Homes & Gardens either but a whole catalog of magazines. Man, I love libraries.
I had about 20 minutes to kill, so I put in a request for the back issue I wanted and picked up reading where I left off at a nearby table.
Afterwards, I looked up and checked out a book that I had been reading about online. The checkout terminals were the same as the other library branches.
The multiple floors threw me off at first but it’s nice to know that there are tons of books to choose from. Meeting spaces, conference rooms, and all sorts of other stuff.
Something about the ground level floors makes me particularly happy. Maybe it’s hearing the sound of my steps? Maybe. All I know is that it makes me happy and glad to know that the books are housed in this beautiful space.

I love libraries. As a transplant from Boston (having one of the most beautiful library systems I’ve ever seen) I was very disappointed in the Main Library. Although it is nice inside, the smell of stale beer, marijuana, and body odor is hard to deal with. I have a pretty high tolerance for messy conditions, but this library is at times unbearable. I’ve seen people shooting up in the corner, dying hair in the bathroom, and just recently a man was violently vomiting into a small trash can in the middle of the fourth floor. The staff all just seem to look away or ignore the fact that these odd things are happening while some people are just trying to browse for a new book.
One little bit of hope this library has is the ability to print, fax, and scan documents. It is much cheaper here than Fed Ex/​Staples. Pages are 10 cents for B&W (pending you can actually find an open computer to use/​print from). Faxing is $ 2.00 for the first page (cover sheets not included) and $ 1.00 for additional pages. Also, scanning is free (scan to e-​mail).
All in all, with a large selection of books, the atmosphere is off putting and disappointing.

Books books more book.
But wow does this place smell bad. Not sure if it’s the homeless population of the books that smell but it’s amazing in here. Just take a ha kerchief with you. There is a super cute male librarian here named Adam. Yes I’m talking to you. Call me Adam. I can read. And I can write. ;)

I came to the San Francisco Public Library to see their exhibit Company’s Coming: San Francisco Hosts the Panama-​Pacific International Exposition. It’s located in the Skylight Gallery Exhibit Area on the top floor.
When I walked through the front doors, I saw a little bookstore run by Friends of the Library. That was pretty cool. You can buy books outside, and borrow them inside. The prices seemed to be much lower than you would find in a traditional used bookstore. I managed to avoid temptation and headed inside.
We rode the elevator to the top and entered the exhibition room. It was empty, we had the entire space to ourselves! The room is packed with numerous PPIE-​related objects: photos, ticket books, badges, banners, journals, cookbooks, novagems. I found the ticket books particularly interesting, since each one contained a photograph of its original owner.
My only complaint about the exhibition is the captions are not very good. It took a long time to figure out which caption went with which object because I had to scan all the items and make a match. I could not discern any pattern to how the captions were arranged. I know some objects from the captions were just plain missing. I wish they had both the objects and their captions numbered for easier reference. We’re at the library. Aren’t they supposed to make information easy to find???

I actually grew up in this library because I use to think that it has great resources and good children’s books until I saw the part in one of the children’s book where it left a remark about «MJ’s nose being re-​done and that he comes back every year to fix it.» So I simply put the book back in the shelf because I didn’t want to read anymore of that crap.
Anyway, I been coming and going there a lot since it was re-​opened back in ’96. My experiences going there were great and nowadays not so much. That’s why you don’t see me talking much to the staff because I’m sure they are having a hard time too when they’re on shift so, they figure their only way to solve their problems is to take it out on innocent patrons like myself and I and part of the reasons for not coming back so much now are these…
CONS:
— Too many homeless running around the library and I think that’s what started this whole thing of infested bugs.
— Too many Crack heads using the toilets in the bathrooms and possibly taking baths using sinks.
— Rats!!! Watch out for them!!!
— Too many poorly trained staff and security.
— Noisy library that I just do not want to be a part of due to loud-​mouthed patrons and Crack heads.
(EDITED REVIEW) Okay, I forgot to mention that sometime ago in 2012, I took a lil nap for an hour & a half. Next thing I woke up and noticed a bed bug on my black sleeve. I got creeped out and smacked on it with something (not with a book) but something lighter. It splattered blood. Ick!!!
It seemed like it was sitting on my sleeve for a while, while I was sleeping.
PROS: Library hours and free Wi-​Fi
— Mondays 10am-​6pm Saturdays 10am-​6pm
— Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
9am-​8pm
— Fridays 12pm-​6pm
— Sundays 12pm-​5pm
— Very few nice staff and I can’t promise you that all are nice.

This review encompasses the entire SF library system. I’m really impressed with the library from their self checkout system to their in house computers. Some branches have ipads and laptops that can be checked out for use in the library.
During the summer break the library system has a great program called Summer Stride. It’s a fun educational program for all ages. Pickup the program at your local library.
The main library recently opened The Mix. It’s a library space where teens ages 13 to 18 can explore other passions. There they can learn about inventing problem solving, music development, and much more. They even have a 3d printer! My kid printed a phone case which took 13 hours. lol.
Thanks to the SF public library and to the friends of the public library for making this a great learning environment.

I called to check on a book the lady working on Friday afternoon had no interest in helping me out. Literally told me you can pick up the book here or wait for it, but I am getting off the phone because I have other people besides you to help!” I get that but it’s called customer service. I would rather buy the book than have to feel like I am inconveniencing the Public library that is suppose to help the public! Jeez!
I do have to say though north beach location is awesome always great customer service!

Here is the updated and concise review.
I was already blown by the Main Library (evident in my first review). In addition, the following aspects need specific shout outs:
— The wide array of books
— The technology for finding your read
— Ease of operation in checking books in/​out
— The attitude of the library & security staff
And when I came home and logged on to the site I was even more impressed. The website gives you access to the entire plethora of books across the city! You can place your books on hold for easy access (although I prefer to browse the aisles and hunt for my reads)
Congrats on facilitating the love and joy of reading books in such a great and consumer friendly way. Kudos to the entire team! You have a fan for life :)

The San Francisco Public Library is Liberalism fully realized.
There can be no criticism regarding the aesthetics of the library, but this beautiful building is now a homeless shelter and heroin shooting alley. The homeless have taken over and the city does nothing to curtail their loitering all over the building with no apparent objective other than to attempt to sleep without going to a shelter. Those who aren’t currently high are either quickly smoking pot or crack on the upper floors.
They are loud, obnoxious, say lewd things to the females and absolutely nothing is done about it by library staff or security. It would be asking a lot to require Librarians to deal with people shooting up heroin and thuggery, it’s not what they signed up for, but the security could at least try to make minimal efforts. But again, with security guards, you can’t really expect too much. Who in their right mind is going to risk getting stabbed with a needle for $ 12/​hour?
This place needs to be cleaned out and staffed with at least 4 – 5 police officers to able to cure this problem, but the city doesn’t want to offend anyone by asking them to not attempt to take showers by undressing in the stalls and using the toilet water to ‘bathe’.
My advice is to enjoy it from the outside and then find another library.

The main library is a great place to look for some more obscure titles, or for items your ilbrary might just be out of. Sure you can request it to be sent to your local library, but if you’re impatient the main library might solve your problems. Plus they’re open on Saturdays and Sundays, making it one of the most convenient libraries in the city.
The only downside is that it’s sometimes a bit of a gauntlet walking by the people who loiter outside the entrances. And then there’s the unavoidable unpleasant smells as you initially walk in. Yet, somehow, they’re able to keep the restrooms on the ground floor astonishingly clean. They really must have someone in there every half hour.

My new nomination for Mike Rowe’s «Somebody’s Gotta Do It» — the restroom cleaners at the SFPL Main branch, who are in there most of the day trying to clean while they are still being used
You ever start feeling sorry for yourself about your gig, think of these men and women & what they see hear & smell for 40 hours each week.

This is a very large and beautiful centrally located library that is worth a visit for its architecture and exhibits. Of course, books are cool too. but these days most of mine are read on my phone or iPad.
This is also a good escape from poor weather or aggressive panhandlers. though I’d avoid the bathroom if I were you.
If I still lived in the city, I would totally hang out at this library with my book-​loving tot.

It used to be pretty bad in the surrounding area of this library, but over the years; it has improved tremendously. The transients in and around the library might intimidate some of the visitors and they might avoid the area altogether. It’s not as bad as it is portrayed in the media by those who hardly come here on a regular basis.
The Civic Center BART station is literally across the street from this library, depending on what exit you use to come out of the station. The library has some awesome art displayed on the higher floors. There is also a rooftop terrace that can be seen from the top most floor.
Abundance of resources at this library with many volunteers working at various times of the day at the information desk make this library even more inviting. If you need directions or have any question pertaining to San Francisco in general, they’ll answer it for you or do their best to get you the right information. That is indeed commendable.
One thing to keep in mind: The local businesses don’t let the tourists use the bathroom so there is always an influx of tourists using bathrooms at this library. It’s not the best of facilities, but it’s not the worst.

HUGE library. 4+ years and I finally made my way in when it was on the way to an errand I had. Needed to renew my library card and there was no wait for the info desk, and she was done in 10 seconds.
I bet they have tons of books for college/​grad students writing research papers.

I can’t believe I haven’t written a review of the main SFPL.
Actually we’ve only been there 5 or 6 times since they opened.
Yesterday we got library cards. I used to have one but it expired long ago.
You register for your cards on the handy dandy commuters to the right of the
check out desk. The directions are easy and when you’re done you print out the
confirmation number which you take to the check out desk. You get your choice of 5 different cards — you get your regular size card plus a key chain card – woo hop!
Our original mission was to see the Christmas train layout. It was on the 2^nd floor just in front of the Children’s Room. The display isn’t very big but it is very sweet. You can gently push the buttons to activate the trains (including a Thomas train and a Polar Express train); the Ferris wheel; the sledders and other activities.
We noticed that there was a flyer for a Quilt exhibit on the 5^th floor.
The quilts had an environmental theme – very colorful and amazing.
We also noticed that on the lowest floor they ad a photo exhibit of Miwok and Ohlone peoples. We recognizing many of the faces (including Linda Yamane and Julia Parker) from attending many East Bay Regional Parks programs.
Then we noticed there was going to be a Kwanza program that afternoon
It started out in the auditorium with a Kwanza ceremony with audience participation. Lance, the host for the event was humorous and welcoming. There was also music and stories.
And if that wasn’t enough there was a Kwanza feast in another room.
They served green salad, corn and green beans, a choice of Spicy chicken or chicken in a milder sauce (I forgot what), and juice. The servers were so sweet and friendly. The atmosphere seemed so family like. Thanks to all.
We ended our visit b going to the Friends of the Library bookstore. It was marred by a snobby woman who thought I was cutting in line. I tried no to let that incident fester for too long. Anyway Mr Rinky and I both found a couple of books (mine of course was a Charlie Brown book (+)
I would give SFPL 5 stars but the layout is really confusing. Certain elevators only go to certain places. The guards and staff are very helpful but why did the architects make such a confusing layout. There are signs but it still is frustrating trying to get to certain floors.

Cor, I thought I left a review for the San Francisco Main Library two years ago. Goodness knows I have been here a few times sine then. I have procured many Unilocal!check-​ins in the past. I have stopped by after various excursions at its former location, now the Asian Art Museum to cool my heels before heading home. I attended a book awards ceremony in the lower level some years ago. While The Nephew #2 was exploring San Francisco, I decided to catch up on some reading and reactivate my SF Public Library Card.
Never mind about reactivating my old library card, I decided to get a new one instead when I saw the new designs drawn by the SF Elementary School students. I selected one with a bookshelf motif filled and full of books.
I decided to pass the rest of the time away catching up on some readings for my film classes until it was time to meet up with The Nephew #2. I browsed around the DVD section for a little bit, particularly the French and German ones.
There are floors and floors of books and other forms of media here at the main branch of the SF Public Library. All accessible for browsing by taking the stairs and the banks of elevators. There is the prerequisite children’s section. And one is able to use the computers here. The tables and chairs are comfortable for one’s reading and perusing pleasure. I am a fan of the main branch of the SF Public Library.
SYOY! Ciao!

In an era where we function purely on Nooks, Tablets, Androids, iPads, and Smart Phones… Sadly, hard bound books are slowly becoming a part of the dinosaur age. Nearly a thing of the past.
Growing up with minimal means and very little money, I found myself consistently at the library in order to explore more. I still find myself in favor of picking up a book and cozying up under a tree for a new adventure.
Thank goodness for fully functioning libraries. More specifically, San Francisco’s Main Public Library.
This particular library has been open since 1917 and houses more than 4 floors of books and reading material to satisfy children and scholars alike.
I find myself overwhelmed by the plethora of books, but the librarians help keep everything organized and in perspective.
The second floor is dedicated to children and holds different events and book readings for them to enjoy!
If it should so happen that a very particular book is not available at this library, they will order it from a library in San Francisco that does have it, and will bring it to this location for you to be able to check out for your convenience. You can do this by going to the main floor where books are placed on hold.
The architecture of this library is amazing and truly a marvel for those who enjoy to read.
Library cards are free and all that is needed is a driver’s license and an email address.
If reading a book in hand is a thing of the past, then rest assured, I will always remain old school.
Babysitters Club FTW!

Even this library is extraordinary in San Francisco. Their main library is a complex dome, complete with a café, tablets, books of all kinds, periodicals, places to plugin and far beyond those things. It is close to public transportation, nicely providing the future intellectuals with this treasure. If that is not enough, a permanent museum and temporary exhibits are abound.
San Francisco Main Library has always left me in awe. So much is available to learn. There’s something for everyone in this library. If you don’t like one thing it, try the endless other square feet, often featuring markedly different things.
San Francisco Main Library is a center of learning.