Main Library Tour
Neighborhood: Civic Center
Description
It’s easy to admire the Main Library of San Francisco from afar, its stately rectangular body spanning an entire block. But it’s when you get inside that the real magic appears. A dramatic skylight crowns the soaring atrium, flooding every nook and cranny with natural light. The bridges above span the spacious lightwells, delivering readers to whatever book they’re searching for. After its construction in 1995, the number of library card holders tripled — including a sizable chunk simply enamored by the building holding all the books. Stunning architecture, a vast collection, wide-ranging services – explore it all. Learn of the Library’s beginnings in 1877 and its up and down journey to this building and library system that we can admire today.
Next Tours
IndoorsNotes
Tour Length: Approximately 1-1/2 to 2 hours.
This tour ends at the Main Library.
Location
Meet at the Information Desk, 1st floor Atrium, through Grove St. entrance. Lots of stairs; elevators available.
Please note: Private group tours required for groups of 7 or more.
