Main Library - San Francisco Public Library — Attraction in San Francisco

While staffers and the city that manages it may not bend over backwards for you, they are helpful and give their all to help anyone who needs help. But will not be anyone's doormat, armed city police on library security duty - are the library's security. The library itself is clean, despite the traffic demands of users. Also the median temperature is a tad too warm, that it encourages napping than studying most of the time. Compared to other libraries I have been in. Perhaps the environmental controls are set up for a warm dry environment to mediate the high outside humidity, so the tomes of knowledge won't be colonies of mold on the shelves. I am surprised that the pure water coming out of the dehumidifiers aren't being used for drinking. Despite the PR about the city's water, there are still a lot of old pipes that need to be replaced or relined. It is common to taste heavy chlorine in some areas of the city, and if you put tap water into a clear glass - then hold it up to the light. If you see all manner of rubbish floating in the water, there is still a problem with your water. Maybe it is the volume of users using the library as a resource so heavily, that the filters for the water needs to be changed out more often.

The desk/table power outlets for plugging in appliances and devices, are pretty worn - contact is sketchy for many of these outlets. An electrician could easily adjust them, rather than replace them, so that when the plug contacts eventually disintegrate from heavy use, the next service will be to replace them with new outlets.

On the occasional, arbitrary change of opening times, I suspect is due to the operating budget going into the red, than hovering in the grey. Perhaps it would not be outrageous to start installing coin meters on all the free electricity outlets, and bolt down all public access PC's power cords to discourage tampering. Because recharging of users devices must be a heavy burden on the library's budget. I could easily build a kinetic sculpture for the city, that doubles as a wind energy turbine to generate electricity to off-set some of the power demands on the city. Since it is often windy in the Civic Center. It would be running, even though the offices are closed. My alternative wind technology, would be more favorable than conventional turbines, because it is not visually intrusive, and safe for our feathered residents as well. But the city probably already has to much on its plate as it is, to be exploring new ways to save money or generate revenue for services...

What makes this library so awesome, besides the beautiful building itself, is the incredible staff. They are friendly, helpful, and generous with their time and resources.

Other posters have noted that a large proportion of the clientele are homeless, which is somewhat understandable in a city with so few other resources for them to go to during the day and a constant cold 15-mile-an-hour wind on the street. This is where the staff really shines. They treat even these unfortunates with professionalism and dignity, and have even arranged with other city departments to bring social workers into the library to help the marginalized connect with vital services like shelter beds, food, health care, and personal hygiene.

The library has nice little study desks with comfy solid wooden chairs, but the real winner is that, if you get there early or at slow times, you can score one that is UPHOLSTERED! Each floor has special subject study rooms on different subjects, which provide a little more table space if you are working on a project that requires that you be able to spread out your stuff a little bit.

The atrium was controversial when the library first opened-- all that wasted space!-- but I like that the library has that airy feel and natural light.

There's a cafe on the basement level that serves quality coffee, so you don't even need to leave the building when you need a study break.

Negatives:

The bathrooms are a no-go zone. The stench is unbelievable, leave it at that. It's not the staff's fault; I see them in there cleaning all the time. It just gets too much traffic.

WiFi access is spotty, which is unacceptable in the nominal tech capital, and access to the internet such a must have for research.

To those who whine about the homeless: The city has proposed to convert a building at 440 Turk, about 3 blocks away, into a 24-hour service center for the homeless. Contact your representatives in city government and support this proposal. Put your money where your mouth is, or, better yet, put a couple of dollars in a homeless...

Despite the potentially daunting surroundings of the Civic Center/Market Street area, I highly recommend a visit to the San Francisco Public Library. The library's stringent security measures ensure a safe and secure environment, allowing visitors to enjoy a truly tranquil experience inside. Stepping through its doors, you are immediately enveloped in a sense of serenity, as if entering an oasis amidst the bustling city.

The library's architecture is simply breathtaking, adding to the overall ambiance of calmness and tranquility. From the moment you interact with the knowledgeable and accommodating staff, it becomes evident that their commitment to providing exceptional service is unwavering. They are always ready to assist visitors, going above and beyond to ensure a positive experience.

One area of the library that stands out is the San Francisco History Room, which boasts an astonishing array of offerings. It is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts, with a wealth of resources and materials that will undoubtedly captivate visitors. The dedicated staff members of the San Francisco History Room are passionate about their work, readily sharing their expertise and making every effort to accommodate the needs and interests of visitors.

In summary, don't let any reservations about the surrounding neighborhood dissuade you from exploring the San Francisco Public Library. This haven of tranquility is filled with stunning architecture, a helpful staff, and an abundance of books that will keep you engrossed for hours. The San Francisco History Room is an absolute gem that should not be missed, and the library as a whole offers an enriching experience that will leave you with a deep appreciation for...