The Best Libraries In San Francisco

If you’re looking for a new study spot or a place to pick up the next book on your reading list, look no further. From gorgeous reading rooms to galleries hosting cultural artifacts, these six libraries are some of our favorite spots in San Francisco.

1. Prelinger Library

Library

If you find yourself in SoMa, be sure to check out Prelinger Library, open to anyone looking for ‘research, reading, inspiration, and reuse.’ An independent research center founded in 2004 by Rick and Megan Prelinger, the library prides itself on being home to a community of artists, writers, activists, and other creatives. Prelinger hosts a collection of print memorabilia from the the 1800s and 1900s, primarily consisting of works published in the United States, giving visitors a taste of the less-mainstream American culture of that time. The library is open every Wednesday from 1pm to 8pm, with additional days scheduled periodically.

2. SFPL Main Branch

Library

The San Francisco Public Library Main Branch is the most widely known library in San Francisco. Open to the public daily, the library is consistently filled with tourists and locals looking for shelter from the cold. The Main Library serves as the primary resource center for the entirety of the SFPL system, hosting a variety of collections like the San Francisco History Center, the African American Center, the Chinese Center, the James C. Hormel Gay & Lesbian Center, the Steve Silver Beach Blanket Babylon Music Center, the Wallace E. Stegner Environmental Center, and the Marjorie G. & Carl W. Stern Book Arts & Special Collections Center.

3. Mechanics’ Institute Library

Building, Library

Founded in 1854 as a place for mechanics to satisfy their educational needs, the Mechanics’ Institute is home to both a stunning library and an elite chess community. Today, the nine-story building has become a haven for readers and workers of a variety of occupations. The library hosts over 160,000 volumes, including print resources on subjects such as literature, fine arts, history, philosophy, performing arts, business, and finance, in addition to a growing audiobook, e-book, and music collection. Visitors are encouraged to take part in one of the institute’s book discussion or writing groups.

5. SFPL Bernal Heights Branch

Library

The Bernal Heights Branch of the San Francisco Public Library system has been around for over 75 years, developing a unique and active library community. The library features a laptop program, allowing the public to borrow laptops for in-house use. What really makes this place shine, though, are its community programs. The Bernal Book Club has been thriving for 22 years, and it is accompanied by programs such as the Bernal History Project and the Bernal Jazz Quintet. Look out for monthly LEGO nights, Origami Club meetings, poetry workshops, Phonographic Memory nights, watercolor studios, and Teen Fridays. Plus, you can come check out one of the library’s weekly story times for families with children.

6. UCSF Library

Library

The main UCSF Library is located on the Parnassus campus, open daily. The space is sectioned off into a variety of gorgeous reading rooms, study rooms, and computer rooms. Printing, scanning, and copying services are available, in addition to a variety of computer resources. Books and articles are available to borrow with a library account, in addition to a variety of online resources. Some of the library’s highlights include a maker room, a Quiet Study Room, a music room practice space, a simulation lab, and a reading room open 24 hours a day.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.