San Francisco Public Library San Francisco
A quiet history
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.
About this spot
100 Larkin Street
- Mon & Sat 10:00 - 18:00, Tue - Thu 09:00 - 20:00, Fri 12:00 - 18:00, Sun 12:00 - 17:00
US$
free
4155574400
Find your way with 156 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in San Francisco
Cornell Hotel de France
Beautiful hotel
"Cornell Hotel de France" in San Francisco is Jean D'Arc-themed and the building's over 100 years old. It's like a taste of France in the city...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Queen Anne Hotel
A haunted beauty
The "Queen Anne Hotel" in San Francisco exhibits the timeless romance and grand style that the Gold Rush brought to the city in the 1800s...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Biscoff Coffee Corner
Best coffee stop
"Biscoff Coffee Corner" in San Francisco offers speculoos biscuits with its coffee, using the original Belgian 'airline cookie' recipe dating back to 1932!
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Eagle Cafe
Best hangover spot for breakfast
Besides being a great place for breakfast or lunch, "Eagle Café" in San Francisco is a historic waterfront café where every single seat has a view!
by
Kathleen
Messmer
The Crab House
So much food!
"The Crab House" in San Francisco makes some of the best seafood around - and presented beautifully. It's like Fantasia, but for food!
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Graffiti Murals
Unbelievable
The Graffiti Murals in San Francisco, close to the Steiner end of Haight street, have been created by artists that are talented beyond imagination...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Ingleside Terraces Sundial
Largest in the US
The "Ingleside Terraces Sundial" in San Francisco is the largest sundial in the US. It's more than 100 years old & still tells the time very accurately...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Church of 8 Wheels
Holy rollers unite!
This San Francisco church has a rich history... today, the "Church of 8 Wheels", created by the Godfather of Skating, is the epicenter of the SF scene...
by
Nadine
Johnson
Talk About Stairs!
Neighborhood steps up
You might notice that each brick on this staircase at San Francisco's Coit Tower has a name written on it. Here's the forgotten story behind those names.
by
Kathleen
Messmer
CA Coastal Trail
Walk along the Pacific
"CA Coastal Trail" in Francisco is a calm, easy and beautiful hike that includes quite a few Bay Area landmarks - and all next to the ocean...
by
Kathleen
Messmer
Critical Mass
Better together
"Critical Mass" San Francisco is lots of fun and serious for some. Everyone is invited! No one is in charge! Body paint, optional.
by
Nadine
Johnson
Cinderella Russian Bakery and Cafe
Hits the spot!
Thanks to "Cinderella Russian Bakery and Cafe" in San Francisco, I can now find some of my favorite comfort food including the piroshki any time I want!
by
Nadine
Johnson
Heading to San Francisco?
156 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to San Francisco?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 156 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves San Francisco
Get to know our other Spotters from San Francisco
As featured on:
