Potrero Branch Library

Thank you to the two ladies at the front desk who helps me today. One lady gave me pointers to taking the city exam I’m taking the other lady helped me by printing out my email confirmation that’s required for entry to the test along with identification. I was not risking not being admitted to the test. I love San Francisco because despite it being small city you can literally find anything quickly and be there quickly. I had parked up the street from the test site had been there for 30 mins and realized I didn’t have my print out. I high tailed it up to this library branch there is no shortage of libraries in the city! Thanks again ladies for your help.

Hours suck. Closed Mon. Some days not open until 12 or even 1? Really? Really sad. The SF library system need to find ways to make the city’s libraries accessible during at least normal business hours and on weekends. Cut back and fundraise more, but do something different than you doing. Work backwards from the vision that all branches are open 7 days a week, from 8 – 8, or similar open days/​hours. Please.

Super awesome library. Cleaned and well maintenance. The library staffs are super awesome. 5 star indeed! :)

This small library is a good stop for anyone with small kids or who might enjoy a very nice view while reading.
I am from out of town and here only for the summer with my kids. Our morning trip to Potrero Hill was great. We took the bus number ten from SoMa all the way up the hill and first visited a small playground and then came to read and look at some books and play for a while in the library. My kids are 2 and 5 now and found a bunch of great picture books and nice toys in drawers. We even measured their hight: 36 and 45 inches!
Upstairs is lovely place for adults to read in peace enjoying a great view of the city. If I did not have my children and lived close by, I might be a frequent guest of this library. Although we might do the same as today with my kids another day.
You might want to check the opening times, before you go. The library opened on a normal wednesday surprisingly at noon so we had to wait outside for a while. But it was worth it.

I have lived in San Francisco for about a year, moving from apartment to apartment while looking for a permanent residence. I’ve checked out numerous libraries near every location I’ve lived (the one in civic center being the largest and grodiest, of course), and this one is my favorite. It may be small but it always seems to have the books I am looking for, and if not, the staff is very helpful in either telling me what branch to find the book in, or just ordering it to be brought to the Potrero Branch.
This library even has a whole bunch of McSweeney’s publications, which was a sweet surprise.
The bathroom is larger than my college dorm room, and definitely cleaner.
Signing up for a library card was very easy. I remember attempting to do so at the civic center branch, and being berated by the woman at the desk, because I’d forgotten to bring a piece of mail to verify I lived at my current address. Here, the man working there politely said he would record me in the system, but then give me the actual card when I brought proof of residence. I returned a few days later and received my library card without any problems.
This library only has a few tables for studying, but it never seems to be that crowded. I usually am there just to read, as opposed to doing work. The floor to ceiling windows on the second floor offer a reading space with a beautiful view of the city. Their reading space is ultimately what draws me here. I have yet to find a library reading spot so cozy and picturesque.
TLDR: clean, cozy, nice staff, beautiful views.

Love this library! Hate that it’s closed on Mondays.
The only caveat is that it’s small, but I don’t see too many people during the weekdays, so it’s never been a problem finding a seat.
The view is amazing from the floor to ceiling windows facing the skyline, which definitely gives the whole library atmosphere.
The bathroom is very, very nice. It’s a little too big for a single room, but I love how there’s space to put your bag and it doesn’t feel like a public restroom in San Francisco.
Beware if you come in when it’s kiddie time. Their little room is cute, but they can get loud. Not a problem if you have headphones though.
The staff is friendly and there are multiple outlets on each table. I’m a nerd, so I love spending time doing work and reading here.

Amazing views of the SF skyline; only about 4 or so tables to actually get some studying done, though. But — if you’re lucky enough to snag one of those tables, you’re golden.

Nice library, BUT only 3 tables upstairs to use, plus an «activity/​singing room» for children in the same floor, even though children’s area is downstairs. If you are coming with children this library is great, otherwise too noisy! Kids running around, parents/​caregivers talking really loud, people on their phones :(
I f you need to study or work don’t come here! Nice view though, if that’s the only thing you are looking for.

I like libraries in general, so my rating here is based on the comparison between different libraries in this city and elsewhere. The Potrero Hill branch is kinda small, with a small collection of books. There aren’t many spots where you could sit down and do your work. But climb the flight of stairs and look out of the window — it’s gives you a breathtaking view of the city. You can see the skyscrapers, blue waters of the bay, and even the peaks of the Golden Gate bridge!

I’ve lived here for 8 years, and I finally got a library card. Someone get me a medal! If you’re thinking of getting a card too, or need to get some work done, then I definitely recommend my local Potrero Branch because:
Best view in the city
Modern décor
Clean
Free (ample) parking
2 stories

Two stories.
Super cool and modern and quiet.
Free street parking.
A hidden gem.
Only thing I request is more tables. There are only 2 tables sitting 4 people each in the back area.
First floor is catered to kids.
Love the skyline view of San Francisco.
Odd hours… check online before coming.

Small space, but the second-​floord window offers one of the best views of Potrero Hill. It’s worth walking in simply for the view. There are alway chairs facing the window, and when I need a break from the office, I admire the view in between writing.
They are great about special ordering books, and if I had more discipline, I’d stop using Amazon’s One-​click to keep downloading books to my iPad.
You get some kids in here, but they don’t get too noisy. Just throw on some noise-​cancelling head phones.

I go here once a week. You can reserve books online, and the library will send you an email once the books are in! I even borrowed Mad Men DVDs.
This library has the best views of the city and plenty of parking too!

The views of the city are absolutely amazing!
Leah (librarian) is a complete gem. Always so helpful with any book suggestions or reserving anything I inquire about.
I just wish other patrons would have the common courtesy to keep their voices down, as it tends to get a bit noisy.

It might not be the most prolific library, but it’s definitely got the best views.
If you’re looking for a quiet place to sit, use free wifi, and watch the city, this is the place. On the second floor behind the magazine rack, there are several chairs facing the floor-​to-​ceiling windows offering an ideal place to read, work, or generally think.
Do keep in mind that the after school hours tend to be a little less quiet due to the tutoring programs run from the library.

This library encapsulates why I love living in San Francisco: I can come here and work on my laptop all day, but I don’t feel like I’ve missed out on anything because the second floor has an amazing view of the city skyline. From morning till sunset, the view energizes me as I’m working.
Everything here is squeaky clean, including the bathroom, which has a sleek, flat porcelain sink. I really love that sink!
I just applied for a library card here, and I can’t wait to start checking out their great selection of books, movies, and books on CD.

I’m so torn about this review. The library is half a block from my condo, the view from the top floor is spectacular, the librarians are helpful, the collection is quite impressive for such a small branch, and it really is a beautiful, reasonably comfortable space.
«Why the long face, then?», you ask.
Well, it’s the people who use the library. They seem to have forgotten that a library is supposed to be, dare I say, the last refuge for a person seeking quiet? It seems that downstairs, there is a perpetual gaggle of rambunctious kids, with even more rambunctious parents, who do not know the meaning of a whisper – nay, even a low-​talk. It’s a public place, I know, but when I am UPSTAIRS, and all I can hear is «(Screeeeam, screeeam, screeeeam)» punctuated by «Zachary, do you want the Diiiino Tales video or Harry Pooootter?» shouted across the aisles, I become a bit ornery.
Librarians, where is the «Shhhhhhhhhhh!»??
Also, the last time I was there, I had to vacate the table where I was working on my laptop because of the extreme pungency being exuded by the man of questionable housing status sitting next to me. He smelled kind of like a rotten cabbage wrapped in ass.
Overall, though, a nice facility. Next time I will bring some menthol to rub under my nose like Quincy and my noise-​canceling headphones.

What a great library in Potrero. Amazing views, newly done (so everything is clean and tidy!), free wifi.
A bit noisy, but its just people getting used to it. Easy parking nearby. Come on a sunny day to soak in the views and the sun and read your faviorite magazine or just browse the internet.

The library is finally back open! It was totally gutted and built back up, and looks beautiful. It looks very modern from the outside now with sleek steal, but the inside is incredibly cozy. And the view is amazing. The entire side of the building, facing the city, is made of glass, giving you plenty of light and an AMAZING view.
Although this is a small library, it’s a great place to cozy up and find and read a book. They also have desks upstairs that allow you to set up laptops and camp out.
I’m so glad this library is open again.

Anybody can sign up for a library card as long as they show a picture id (drivers/​ca id, school id, passport) and address verification: (must include name and California residential address), like a personal check or mail postmarked within the last 30 days.
It is a painless process. 2 minutes to fill out an application and another couple minutes for your application to be processed. And the library has 5 different new library card designs for you to choose from to spice up your wallet. Hey, if you’re not the paper and pencil type… apply online at
!
Now for the Potrero Branch review. Why not five stars you say. Well, Potrero is in need of remodeling, which will begin very soon this Spring 2008! The building is dated. The branch needs disablility access. An elevator will be added during the renovation. The bathroom is ghetto. They still have the seperate hot and cold water faucets. The toliet has as much flush intensity as a pinto has horsepower. Potrero Library is one of the few branches that does not have wi-​fi access yet. The heating system has a mind of its own. The staff room would make Anne Frank’s pad look luxurious.
Otherwise, the Potrero Branch Library is located in fairly quiet neighborhood with an awesome view towards downtown San Francisco. You can bring your kids to storytime every Thursday morning. The branch has two adult and two children 30 minute computers. And one fifteen minute computer. Parking is plentiful around the area.
Potrero has a small collection of cds, videos and dvds. Also the branch has a moderate size collection of adult, children and teen material. If your can’t find a particular material, you can always ask the librarian to ship an item from another location to the branch.
An excellent staff is ready to help you with your research and other library needs.
** The branch bookmobile will provide service to the area when the Potrero Branch closes for renovation.