San Francisco Public Library San Francisco

A quiet history

Nadine from San Francisco

""San Francisco Public Library" is a nice quiet space to relax and learn a little about the city's history. Their events are often ovelooked, as if secret."

The main library in the city is in the heart of Civic Center. It's next to the Asian Art Museum and opposite City Hall. The downtown farmer's market is just around the corner. The events in the library are often overlooked, as if it's a secret.

As a kid, I went to the main library to do research for school assignments. Sometimes the photo exhibits in the hall would catch my attention but most times I'd sprint past them. Photos of old San Francisco always get my attention. The SF Historical Photo collection is open Tue, Thu and Sat only. You can even order a print of a photo of your choice!

There are exhibits, lectures and workshops for adults and children year round. Analog Mondays in the Children's Center of the library is an updates STEM program for teens. The Thursdays @ Noon Film series shows a variety of old and new movies.

You can even learn Tai Chi for free on Wednesdays to practice before joining locals in the parks.

Because it's so close to other must see sites like The Opera House, it's not out of the way but it is a nice quiet space to relax and learn a little about the history of San Francisco or read a good book.

Art & culture

Cinema

Music

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San Francisco Spotter Nadine

About me Some of my most vivid memories are quintessentially San Franciscan. Learning how to roller-skate down the Hayes Street hill, and eventually learning how to brake. My first fight with Mom was because she wouldn't let me see the Sex Pistols at Winterland. Getting to the public library by navigating my way through a sea of Dead Heads in front of what's now the Bill Graham Auditorium. Nearly falling off the Golden Gate Bridge while biking across too fast on a very wet and foggy morning. My city has a both a buzz and a hum. That's me too. A little intensity is great when...

About this spot

100 Larkin Street

US$

free

Website

4155574400

Oct 10, 2025

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