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

This week 25% off

with the code fall25

*on our yearly membership

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

Our San Francisco City Guide

Find your way with 158 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our San Francisco guide.

Loved it? Join us!

Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in San Francisco

The Palace of Fine Arts

Afternoon with the Gods

The "Palace of Fine Arts" in San Francisco comprises the only surviving structure from the Pan Pacific Exhibition in 1915. Such beauty, available for free!

Art & culture

Relaxing

Kathleen

Messmer

Nov 21, 2025

Home Coffee Roasters

Friendly vibes all around

"Home Coffee Roasters" in San Francisco isn't like other coffee shops. Where else are you sure to get an inviting "welcome in" when you go inside?

Coffee & tea

Brooke

Ekdahl

Nov 20, 2025

Stanyan Tree

Unexpected and wonderful

This beautiful strong tree between two apartment buildings in San Francisco just stopped me in my tracks when I saw it. It's beauty in the little things...

Relaxing

Brooke

Ekdahl

Nov 20, 2025

Portrero Hill Community Garden

Green thumbs

The "Portrero Hill Community Garden" in San Francisco is an unexpected surprise when you walk around the neighborhood. It reminds me of my grandpa...

Relaxing

Brooke

Ekdahl

Nov 20, 2025

Balloon Alley

Interactive murals

"Balloon Alley" (or Umbrella Alley) in San Francisco is easy to miss - come see the interactive Instagrammable murals from up close. Fun place to visit!

Art & culture

Shopping

Kathleen

Messmer

Nov 19, 2025

The Crepevine

Best Spot Ever

The Crepevine is a family-owned crêpery in the Inner Sunset that is just what the doctor ordered. Grab a great breakfast at a reasonable price & hang out.

Coffee & tea

Restaurants

Snacks

Kathleen

Messmer

Nov 16, 2025

Foggy Notion

Find your vibe here

"Foggy Notion" in San Francisco is a small woman-owned shop that's a calming oasis. Find your favorite ceramics, eco-friendly home goods, candles & more!

Shopping

Brooke

Ekdahl

Nov 16, 2025

Damnfine Pizza

Best Pizza West of Divis

The name of the business, for once, is no lie, it is pretty dang fine. A personal favorite is the Pig in the Woods: pancetta, enoki, garlic, fresh mozzarella, and truffle.

Restaurants

Byron

Beach

Nov 15, 2025

Maison Nico

Pâté en croûte en SF

Right in the shadow of the TransAmerica Pyramid, Maison Nico is a must stop for me when I am downtown and need either a perfect pastry or want to bring something home that is special.

Snacks