San Francisco Library Hours 2026
Complete guide to SFPL Main Library, all 28 branches, and university libraries in the Bay Area
📅 Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Hours & Schedule
San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) operates the stunning Main Library at Civic Center plus 28 neighborhood branches serving all San Francisco neighborhoods. Whether you're a tech worker in SoMa, a student in the Sunset, or a tourist visiting the city, you'll find a library nearby.
This guide covers all SFPL locations, university libraries (UC Berkeley, Stanford, SFSU), getting there by MUNI/BART, parking options, and how to get a library card as a visitor or non-resident.
Main Library Section Libraries
Location & Contact
📍 Address: 100 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
📞 Phone: (415) 557-4400
🌐 Website: sfpl.org
Weekly Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM |
SFPL is closed on:
SFPL is closed on:
- New Year's Day (January 1)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (3rd Monday in January)
- Presidents' Day (3rd Monday in February)
- Memorial Day (Last Monday in May)
- Juneteenth (June 19)
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Labor Day (1st Monday in September)
- Thanksgiving Day + Day After
- Christmas Day (December 25)
About San Francisco Libraries
Quick Fact
- Civic Center BART/MUNI Station: 2-minute walk (Market & 8th St exit)
- MUNI Metro Lines: J, K, L, M, N, T (Civic Center Station)
- MUNI Bus Lines: 5, 7, 9, 19, 21, 47, 49
Note: Main Library has NO on-site parking
Note: Main Library has NO on-site parking.
- Civic Center Garage: 355 McAllister St ($3-6/hour, $25/day max)
- Performing Arts Garage: 360 Grove St ($2-5/hour)
- Street Parking: Metered spots on Fulton, Larkin, Hyde (Mon-Sat 9am-6pm, $3-4/hour)
- Sunday: Free street parking in most areas
Bike racks available on Larkin Street side and Hyde Street entrance
Bike racks available on Larkin Street side and Hyde Street entrance. Civic Center BART has indoor bike parking.
San Francisco Library Branches
SFPL operates 28 neighborhood branches. Here are the busiest and most popular:
960 4th Street
📍 960 4th Street
📞 (415) 355-2838
⏰ Hours:
Mon-Thu: 10am-9pm
Fri-Sat: 10am-6pm
Sun: 12pm-6pm
✅ Open Late (9pm Mon-Thu)
Newest branch, opened 2020. Modern design, large study areas, tech-focused collections.
1135 Powell Street
📍 1135 Powell Street
📞 (415) 355-2888
⏰ Hours:
Mon, Wed, Fri-Sat: 10am-6pm
Tue, Thu: 12pm-8pm
Sun: Closed
Large Chinese language collection. Near cable car lines.
351 9th Avenue
📍 351 9th Avenue
📞 (415) 355-5600
⏰ Hours:
Mon-Tue: 10am-9pm
Wed-Thu: 10am-7pm
Fri-Sat: 10am-6pm
Sun: 1pm-5pm
Near Golden Gate Park. Great for families.
451 Jersey Street
📍 451 Jersey Street
📞 (415) 355-5707
⏰ Hours:
Mon-Wed: 10am-9pm
Thu-Sat: 10am-6pm
Sun: 1pm-5pm
Popular neighborhood branch. Strong children's section.
1890 Chestnut Street
📍 1890 Chestnut Street
📞 (415) 355-2823
⏰ Hours:
Mon-Thu: 10am-7pm
Fri-Sat: 10am-6pm
Sun: 1pm-5pm
Beautiful historic building. Near Palace of Fine Arts.
300 Bartlett Street
📍 300 Bartlett Street
📞 (415) 355-2800
⏰ Hours:
Mon, Wed, Fri-Sat: 10am-6pm
Tue, Thu: 12pm-8pm
Sun: Closed
Large Spanish language collection. Community hub.
Full list with hours: sfpl
Full list with hours: sfpl.org/locations
Branches in every neighborhood: Bayview, Bernal Heights, Castro, Excelsior, Glen Park, Ingleside, Merced, North Beach, Ocean View, Ortega, Parkside, Portola, Potrero, Presidio, Sunset, Visitacion Valley, West Portal, Western Addition.
University Libraries Section Libraries
Main Library (Doe): Berkeley, CA 94720
📍 Main Library (Doe): Berkeley, CA 94720
⏰ Regular Hours:
- Doe Memorial Library: Mon-Thu 8am-10pm, Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12pm-10pm
- Moffitt Library: Mon-Thu 7am-2am, Fri 7am-8pm, Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 10am-2am
- 24-Hour Access: Moffitt during finals week (open 24/7)
✅ Public Access: UC Berkeley libraries welcome visitors. Borrowing requires Cal 1 Card ($100/year for non-UC affiliates).
Green Library (Main): 557 Escondido Mall, Stanford, CA 94305
📍 Green Library (Main): 557 Escondido Mall, Stanford, CA 94305
⏰ Regular Hours:
- Green Library: Mon-Thu 8am-12am, Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12pm-12am
- 24-Hour Access: Green Library during finals (24/5 - closes Fri 6pm, reopens Sun 12pm)
⚠️ Public Access: Limited. Visitors can enter during public hours but cannot check out materials. Research access available with special permission.
Hours & Schedule
📍 J. Paul Leonard Library, 1630 Holloway Ave, San Francisco, CA 94132
⏰ Hours: Mon-Thu 7:30am-11pm, Fri 7:30am-5pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12pm-9pm
🚌 Getting There: MUNI M-Line (Ocean View), Bus 28, 29
Getting a San Francisco Library Card
Special Services
Quick Fact
- Valid photo ID: Driver's license, passport, or state ID
- Proof of California address: Utility bill, lease, bank statement (dated within 30 days)
Quick Fact
- In Person (Instant): Visit any SFPL location, bring documents, get card same-day
- Online (Digital eCard):
- Go to sfpl.org → "Get a Library Card"
- Fill out online form
- Upload photo of ID and proof of address
- Receive digital eCard within 24-48 hours
- Pick up physical card at any branch
Quick Fact
- Borrow books, DVDs, audiobooks (50 items at once!)
- Access 300,000+ ebooks via Libby/OverDrive
- Stream movies on Kanopy and hoopla
- Free museum passes (de Young, SFMOMA, California Academy of Sciences)
- LinkedIn Learning, Ancestry.com, Consumer Reports
- 3D printing, recording studio, maker spaces
Annual Fee: $120/year
Annual Fee: $120/year
Quick Fact
- Visit any SFPL location in person
- Bring photo ID with out-of-state address
- Pay $120 fee (cash, card, or check)
- Valid for 12 months from purchase date
Quick Fact
- You visit SF regularly (tourists, business travelers)
- You want access to SFPL's large digital collection remotely
- Your home library has limited ebooks/audiobooks
- You're studying/researching Bay Area topics
Quick Fact
- College students: Use dorm/apartment address (CA residents = free)
- Temporary SF residents: Hotel bill or short-term lease works as proof of address
- Homeless individuals: SFPL has special procedures - ask at any branch reference desk
- Day pass for tourists: Ask for guest computer access (1 hour/day free)
History & Key Facts
Founded in 1878, the San Francisco Public Library serves the community with 28 branches and welcomes approximately 6 million annually. The system has grown into one of the most important library networks in the region.
Notable Fact
The Main Library's skylit atrium rises six stories and houses the James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center, the first of its kind in any public library worldwide.
Good to Know
Local Tip: Check out a State Parks pass from any SFPL branch for free day-use vehicle entry to all California State Parks - available for one-week loans.
Best time to visit: The Main Library is least crowded right at opening on weekday mornings. Neighborhood branches like Sunset and Richmond are consistently quieter than downtown.
Getting there: Main Library faces Civic Center Plaza, directly above Civic Center BART/Muni station (all BART lines, Muni Metro J/K/L/M/N/T).
The Bridge at Main offers free
The Bridge at Main offers free coworking space with reservable desks, high-speed internet, and a small-business resource center on the 4th floor.
Did you know? After the 1906 earthquake destroyed the original library, temporary branches were set up in tents and private homes. The replacement Carnegie building served for 79 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
San Francisco Main Library at 100 Larkin Street is open Monday-Tuesday 9am-8p...
San Francisco Main Library at 100 Larkin Street is open Monday-Tuesday 9am-8pm, Wednesday-Thursday 9am-6pm, Friday 11am-6pm, Saturday 9am-6pm, and Sunday 11am-6pm. The library is closed on major holidays.
Yes! The Main Library is open Saturday 9am-6pm and Sunday 11am-6pm. Most bran...
Yes! The Main Library is open Saturday 9am-6pm and Sunday 11am-6pm. Most branch libraries are open Saturday 10am-6pm, but many are closed Sundays. Check individual branch hours on the SFPL website.
FREE for California residents. Bring photo ID and proof of CA address (utilit...
FREE for California residents. Bring photo ID and proof of CA address (utility bill, lease). Non-CA residents pay $120/year. Digital eCards available online for instant access to ebooks and databases. Visit any SFPL branch or apply at sfpl.org.
Finals Period Hours
No, SFPL does not have 24-hour locations. Latest closing is 8pm (Main Library on Mon-Tue). For 24-hour study, try UC Berkeley Moffitt Library (during finals week) or Stanford Green Library (24/5 during finals).
Main Library has NO on-site parking. Use Civic Center Garage (355 McAllister ...
Main Library has NO on-site parking. Use Civic Center Garage (355 McAllister St, $3-6/hour) or street parking with meters ($3-4/hour Mon-Sat, FREE Sundays). MUNI Metro Civic Center Station is 2 minutes away. Bus lines: 5, 7, 9, 19, 21, 47, 49.
Main Library stays open until 8pm Monday-Tuesday. Mission Bay Branch is open ...
Main Library stays open until 8pm Monday-Tuesday. Mission Bay Branch is open until 9pm Monday-Thursday. Most other branches close at 6pm. Check the SFPL website for current evening hours.
Tips & Comparisons
Access & Membership
SFPL cards unlock FREE museum passes to de Young, SFMOMA, California Academy of Sciences, Asian Art Museum, and more! Reserve online at sfpl.org/discover-learn/museum-passes - they go FAST. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for popular museums.
SFPL's Mission Bay Branch stays open until 9PM Monda...
SFPL's Mission Bay Branch stays open until 9PM Monday-Thursday - the latest public library hours in San Francisco! Modern building (opened 2020), tech-focused collections, and large study areas. Perfect for after-work studying.
Main Library's "The Mix" on the
Main Library's "The Mix" on the 5th floor has 3D printers, laser cutters, recording studios, and digital media equipment - ALL FREE with your library card! Staff teach you how to use everything. Reserve online.
Finals Period Hours
During finals weeks, UC Berkeley's Moffitt Library goes 24/7! Even if you're not a student, daytime public access is available. BART to Downtown Berkeley station. The $100/year Cal 1 Card for non-UC visitors is worth it for serious researchers.
Main Library is 2 minutes from
Main Library is 2 minutes from Civic Center BART/MUNI station - just walk up Larkin Street! FREE street parking on Sundays. During weekdays, Civic Center Garage ($3-6/hour) is your best bet.
SFPL lets you check out 50
SFPL lets you check out 50 items at once! Plus free access to Kanopy (streaming films), hoopla (music/ebooks), LinkedIn Learning, Ancestry.com, and Consumer Reports. Best free streaming deal in the Bay Area.