Presidio Branch Library

A stately building with lovely staff and reading spaces. The collection is smaller than some but well-​stocked.

5 stars for the fabulous employee who keeps helping me with the computers and printing/​scanning. Each time, he jumps up from his desk without a single eye roll to assist me, and he’s right there before I even have to ask for help. He’s on it, and he’s so patient, too! I also give this library 5 stars because the computer prints are only 10 cents, and the internet’s free. I can’t believe I was paying big money at print stores! Lesson learned! They also seem to have an extensive DVD collection, but I’ll have to update you on that section of the library, as well as the actual books section, at a later date. As for now, if you need to use a computer and print and receive good customer service at the same time, take a trip to the Presidio library. And that, folks, is a golden nugget of information.

A quaint library with neatly organized books, clearly marked sections, a separate children’s area, computer section and lots of tables to have a quiet read.

The staff was very helpful and I had a library card in less than 10 minutes. Selection is impressive given its relatively small size. The staff selection is also very impressive.

Beautifully restored community resource. It’s quite popular especially on weekends, mostly for studying… it may be hard to find a seat at peak times. It’s not huge, but there is a generous kids area for those with little ones (not me!) and it’s not bad for a neighborhood branch. The lawn in front and behind is quite popular with the local doggies including Darwin, though I do wish everyone picked up their poop… come on people! There was a little mailbox with baggies for those who came without, but it was quickly vandalized and only the post remains.

The is one of the best libraries in San Francisco. Love the inside and neighborhood. I also love the outside of the library. This is a cool library.

The building itself is absolutely beautiful; I love just looking at it (inside and out!). While there are a few things I really like about this library there are a few more things that make me want to never come back.
First, can people learn to pick up after their dogs? Seriously, if you’re going to let them poop everywhere on the grass at least have the common decency to pick up after them.
Second, I guarente if you’re planning on doing ANY reading (or functioning) in this library your ears are going to be accosted by the screams of children whose parents are letting them have fun at the self check out machine. Do parents know how to tame their children anymore?
Third (and finally), the hours. My God. What time is this branch is open? These are some of the weirdest and most inconvenient hours I have ever seen. There is no possible way to memorize this messed up schedule. I would love to know whose idea that was.
There are just so many things that don’t work properly with this library that it’s silly. Don’t even get me started on the printing machine; it’s honestly one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do and staff were pretty reluctant to help.

Friendly staff, found book online, picked it up easily. It was as simple and easy as writing this review.

The building itself is beautiful. The lawn is maintained wonderfully, cute little trees and flowers are planted along the exterior, and puppies and babies are always around. So even when the library is closed (which somehow it usually seems to be), at least the outside is still enjoyable.
Inside it has that quaint, old-​fashioned, time-​is-​stopped feel. The delightful smell of molding books is all around and the «shhhh» atmosphere is wonderfully palpable. It definitely lets you forget about all about being in a rushy, windy city.
If only it were ever open!

When I stepped in here after the remod it still had the original smell, the original structuring but just the upgrades allowed more natural light and more open space! I’ve been to this library when I was in grade school, so it was quite nostalgic to come back to it.
I don’t like having to go to cafes just to study, I feel obligated to buy something and it can get noisy in there which is why the library is the go-​to place. The fans are remotely controlled but watch out for days when it’s really stuffy in there. It’ll be nice to step outside once in a while but also smart to keep the door open to get that nice breeze in every now and then. The other issue is that because of the open space even the smallest of sounds can be magnified 50x. And kids yelling/​whining is another story…
This library serves as a somber retreat from the the hustle and bustle of Sacramento and California streets so that I can get some work or even some reading done. I’m happy that this place is a 5 minute walk from my house and a pleasant walk at that.

What a gorgeous library! Looks pretty standard from the outside, but you’re blown away by the avant garde architecture as soon as you walk in the lobby. The library has more than ample study and work space. Each carrel or table is complete with outlets and lights, so doing work on your computer is hassle-​free. The library has also integrated technology quite impressively. Books can be reserved and renewed online, you can get email alerts, and even pay overdue fines. I’m excited by how easy it is!

SO GLAD THIS LIBRARY IS OPEN!!! Love their online ordering system! The yard in the back is nice. The left side facing the library is *supposed* to be dog free, but sadly, I see dog walkers ignoring that.
Noise does travel in this library & can be an issue. I’ve seen many kids and Moms/​adults talking in full voice without even trying to speak softly. I’ve yet to see a librarian or anyone for that matter, ask people to keep their voice down. Maybe I will start that! Where is the bell that would remind people to keep their voice down? That would be wonderful if the library would use a bell when noise escalates.
Library: Please post additional signs showing where dogs are NOT welcome. That way there will be some grass not covered in dog poop that people could use.

What a beautiful newly renovated library. The only thing this library lacks is peace and quiet. I have been here several times. I can tell you for a fact, that every time I come here, its very loud. Children are screaming, yelling, turning off the lights. Yes. I just said they turn off the lights here.
This branch is apparently «the spot» for Au-​pairs, who take care of the kids who live in the neighborhood, to frequent. Give me a break.
I’ve tried focusing really hard, but the only way I could drown out the noise, coming from the playground downstairs and the childrens section, was with more noise (my headphones). This is definitely not a good idea and I do not understand why I have to do this. Is this supposed to be a library? A library is a sanctuary. It is a place to read. Not a playground.
Say what you wish, the noise disturbs everyone who comes in here to work, read, or focus on whatever they need to do.
What a waste of tax payer money. They forgot to soundproof this place.

I LOVE the smell of library. The smell of old books remind me of my childhood days where I would spend HOURS at the library. At the end of the day, I would check out the max amount of books I could get.
Walked in on a Saturday afternoon, realizing it’s been months since I’ve been at the library. When the library smell kicked in, memories rushed in, and I smiled.
My initial plan was to quickly check out a Lily Allen CD, then run out. A couple CD’s down from the Lily Allen CD I found a 70’s hits CD. HAAAAAAY!
Hmm. I wonder what other CD’s they have? I spent about 15 – 20 minutes quickly going through their CD collection. It wasn’t too big, but its kinda tiny.
Quickly went through the self-​check out, and walked out with 9 CD’s.
We shall meet again.

So clean and quiet (except for the kids). Grand reopening better than ever. Spacious front yard

I love thie library. I really love this particular library. Outside of the obvious plus that I live 2 blocks away, this is the type of old, stately library that you can curl up in for hours and escape in a great book. The librarians are really helpful and have lots of great book suggestions. With the awesome online ordering system, you have access to just about every book in print at this library… even if the book doesn’t live on its shelves. Just go online, find the book, order it and oila! within a few days its at the Presidio Branch on the «hold» shelf. So great! Like Amazon… but for free. You can even rate and review book after you read them!

Never would I have thought it’d be possible to just walk to my local public library. This branch is a couple blocks from our new place. Amazingly close. It’s open late on Sundays and most weekdays until 9pm!
While I’ve used the San Francisco Public Library for research, I had never checked out any materials. The library’s quite small. With the online ordering system it seems huge. You order; they notify when it arrives; you pick up. Great system.
Tonight I picked up my first item: Bill Buford’s Heat.
Support your public library, especially the good ones!

Is it a qualification for all older women who work here to look at you like they don’t actually work there and therefore aren’t responsible for anything directly related to their duties?
And why is it that every time I come to this place when they are supposed to be opening, they are at least 10 minutes late? Is the «open» time posted on the door actually when the employees are supposed to arrive, and not when doors are open to the public? Maybe I’m just confused. I mean, all the other libraries are open when they say they will be.

I come to library look for Russian books. I need help find they send Russian woman help me. Russian woman no speak russian. She say 3 words in russian and rest all english. When I speak her she shake head like she understand she no understand. I no like staff lie

This library is awesome! It has the old San Franciscan feel to it meaning it doesn’t have the modern design and aesthetics like the main or marina library.
This is also a nice place to read etc. because there are few people here.
Additional plus: Dog park outside.