West Portal Branch Library

It’s nice and loud. Still it’s as peaceful as can be at West Portal library. I also took some pictures that were near the elevator.

Libraries are just COOL!
This place has a really awesome non fiction section! It can be somewhat difficult to find books here because of how the library is divided and setup.
I have used the computer to find book here before and it is always hassle to find books with the computer. However, if you want to just explore the shelves like I do then you can be successful in finding a decent book to read.
I have actually started reading again because of this library. I tend to find myself in the sci fi and fantasy sections most of the time. I have just recently become a fan of the old classics. I have on my list the following to read: Othello, Mcbeth, A Tale of Two Cities, and To Kill A Mockingbird to name just a few. Rereading this classics will be refreshing I think.
The size of the library makes for an intimate reading session here. There is a classic feel to this place.
Check it out, take a seat, and get lost in novel!

great place, to just relax, use the internet, read, and have free wifi

Very small library, but gorgeous building!

Been reading here since I was a child. There is something extra super cool about your own local library. Lots of great books for the kids, helpful staff and more times than not dang fine reading material. I am an old schooler, like my words on smelly paper and I love browsing the stacks. Happy with my tax dollars at work.

Hey look there’s books!!! Hey, look over there… more books!
READ some books

We went here today to visit Santa with the kids. It is a really nice branch with separate children’s section, unlike our local Park branch. We enjoyed the visit and left with a nice selection of kids’ books and media.

I like this library a lot. I like the general ambiance and décor of the place and they have a nice collection of dvds. I wish they had a bit more outlets and were open earlier.

This is probably the most undervalued tax-​supported system we have. It is also one of the only ones I would continue to pay into if there was a choice.
Access to knowledge, books, magazines and dvd’s for residents!!!
Folks, you know what it’s like when you find a great read.
FTS (f*** the system) Who needs college when you have access to all of this awesome literature in every neighborhood? Did I mention it is free (Or already paid for by us tax paying citizens)?

I love this library. Its in a convenient location near a bunch of bus and muni stops. Parking can be somewhat challenging but usually if you drive around a bit you can find a spot on one of the side streets. If you park on a hill, always curb your wheels! My friend got a ticket for forgetting to do that. They do check in this area. Also its just a good idea for safety reasons. This library has all the normal library things like books, movies, and music. I feel that the people who work here are nice. I used to come here more when I lived in this area but I still visit this library on trips now.

I go to several SF libraries, and West Portal is my favorite. Good video and CD collections, they usually have the book I want or one very much like it. They also have a good selection of books I wouldn’t think of — I just cruise down an aisle and always find something interesting. Staff is tremendously helpful; everything seems well organized. In the West Portal neighborhood, so near lots of good places to eat, buy food, and shop. Their children’s section always seems well-​filled with young well-​behaved readers.

If I could give just one six star review for anything in SF, this would be it. I stop by here at least twice a week. Its such a cool, cozy, clean building. They don’t build them like this anymore. Librarians are great. Lots of cool activities for kids on the weekend. One day I stopped by and they had a magician! Why buy kids books, heck any book, when you can check them out. Libraries are the greatest invention — the one communist-​like institution that rocks! Clean bathrooms, fresh water, free wifi, tons of books, music and DVDs, all free. It is humanity at its finest!
West Portal Library FTW!

I don’t know why but when i was younger there was LOTS of parking. Now, you gotta work to get this parking. Maybe waiting right in front for the person who is in the library to come out will get you a parking space. Otherwise, go up the hill and park… then walk down… then walk back up. LOL.
ITS FREE! What more do you need to know?
If you want a book… go online. Pick your book. Tell them which branch you want to get it at… and they’ll notify you by email that you’re book is ready to pick up. Or DVD.
I’m in the middle of 4… i said 3, but totally forgot Noe Valley.
So, Ingleside/​Ocean
Glen Park
West Portal
Noe Valley
How could I go wrong? I’m surrounded by 4 Branches.

I really like it in this library branch. It is on the smaller side, but it’s just really cozy. I feel like people forget that public libraries exist! (seeing as technology allows you to read anything anywhere these days)
But there’s something about a library that is special you know?
It’s quiet. there usually aren’t a lot of people here. They have free wifi and you can just sit down at a table and do some work. Very clean and organized. Super good place to sit down finish some work or study for a big exa,.
Library selection is actually really good too! Helpful and friendly staff. It’s organized and it’s definitely one of the if not the best branch I’ve found in San Francisco. It’s right next to the muni station in west portal so it’s super easy to get to… plus there are five million restaurants and stores nearby. Take a break, grab coffee, do lunch, and go back go the awesome land of books

This is a cute branch! The staff is super helpful too. Kind of small, but you can’t have it all..

One of the best branches I’ve been to. Second best to the main branch. This branch is clean and spacious. Tons of street parking.
I just went back recently and they’ve stepped up their DVD game! Tons of TV shows for borrowing. Definitely something I’ll be enjoying. The staff is VERY helpful and nice. I feel that all the tables are always filled up, so this branch wouldn’t be my number one choice of study spots.
Free wifi is ALWAYS a bonus for me!

I really like this library. I’m in sf temporarily but I was still able to get a library card. The staff are very kind and helpful. The selections also pretty good though be warned: a lot if the CDs and DVDs have scratches and don’t play well, sometimes not at all.

I’m giving five stars because the staff is so knowledgeable and helpful. What’s interesting is the way kids and adult can both get their needs met here at the same time. Large selection of nonfiction and video. Doesn’t have much of some of the forms I like, such as short stories and science fiction. Good computer access.
Yesterday a homeless man asked me for a copy of Maya Angelou’s poem «And Still I Rise.» I was able to go to this library, and the librarian had a printed copy in my hand in about three minutes. They’re just helpful.

This is a great library and is so convenient with it’s location right next to the subway portal.
They have a really nice, and fairly large children’s section which is completely seperated from the adult/​teen area which is nice so the kids won’t be bothered with all the noise that adults make.
I like the architecture of this building. Kind of an old mission /​school house with it’s terra cotta tile roof and pane glass windows letting in all that warm sunlight.
I just wish there were mote areas to lounge around in, but as with anything in SF, space is at a premium.
They have self check-​out machines here or you can get one of the friendly librarians to help you.

The West Portal Library is one of those neighborhood treasures that you are missing out on. Since, it’s reopen back in Feburary, the building boasts new shelves, lighting, handicap access and circulation/​reference area, while retaining almost all of its original art and architecture. The branch also offers new services like self checkout machines and free wi-​fi access.
The library provides a large selection of dvd, cd and magazine titles. New books arrive weekly and the librarians have a helpful book recommendation section.
The newly refurbished tables are brightly lit allowing you to sit down to study or browse over the large amount of adult, teen, and children material. Outlets on the tables give you a spot to bring a laptop and use the free wi-​fi.
One library service that is particularly useful is its Interlibrary Loan & Link + programs. These services allow you to use the SF Library’s online website to reserve an item from ANY participating library system and be sent to any San Francisco branch of your choosing. Shop at home and pick up your items when they come in!
The parking around the area is not bad. 15 min parking is available at the front and 2 hour parking is located all around the neighborhood. Beware, the meter maids and make sure you’re not parking in front on Ulloa from 3−7pm. The library is located next to the West Portal Muni station.