San Francisco Public Library (Main Library)

library

Large public library serving as the Main Library of the San Francisco Public Library system, offering extensive book and digital collections, public study and meeting rooms, research services, and community programs. Notable for its prominent downtown location and distinctive interior architecture (including a spiral skylight).

Upcoming Events (50)

Free

Tutorial: Computer Basics

Wed, 18 Mar 2026at12:00

Join a beginner-friendly workshop at SF Public Library Main to learn computer basics—from turning on a computer to navigating the web and emailing. This instructor-led, hands-on session builds essential tech confidence in a welcoming library setting.

Free

Yoga Workshop with Manisha

Wed, 18 Mar 2026at13:00

Canceled: Yoga Workshop with Manisha at SF Public Library – North Beach. This indoor wellness session was scheduled for March 18, 2026 at 1:00 PM; the library venue offers a calm, community-focused setting for mindfulness and gentle movement.

Free

LEGO WeDo 2.0 Workshop

Wed, 18 Mar 2026at14:00

Hands-on LEGO WeDo 2.0 workshop at SF Public Library – Excelsior for kids and families. Build simple robots, explore basic coding, and spark creativity in a friendly library setting.

Free

Tutorial: Book A Librarian

Wed, 18 Mar 2026at15:00

A hands-on tutorial at SF Public Library Ingleside teaching patrons how to book a librarian for one-on-one help, including tips on research, finding resources, and using library services.

Free

Pom Pom Leprechauns Craft

Wed, 18 Mar 2026at15:00

Join a kid-friendly craft session at SF Public Library North Beach to make pom-pom Leprechauns. This cozy, hands-on activity invites young makers to explore colors and textures in a welcoming library setting, with a dash of whimsy and creativity.

Free

Film: Wild Robot

Wed, 18 Mar 2026at15:00

Join a family-friendly screening of Wild Robot at SF Public Library – North Beach. This indoor film screening brings the robot adventure to life for kids and adults alike in a welcoming library setting. A cozy cultural outing in San Francisco’s North Beach.

Free

Norwegian Finger Weaving Cords

Wed, 18 Mar 2026at15:30

Join a hands-on workshop at SF Public Library - Ingleside on March 18, 2026 at 3:30 PM to learn Norwegian finger weaving cords. In this beginner-friendly session, you'll pick up traditional cord-making techniques, weave decorative cords, and take home your finished strand. Nordic-inspired fiber craft for curious makers.

Free

Workshop: Toilet Paper Roll Cat

Wed, 18 Mar 2026at15:45

Hands-on workshop at SF Public Library – Chinatown where participants transform toilet paper rolls into a playful cat sculpture. Family-friendly and suitable for kids and adults, the session covers simple, creative craft techniques using everyday materials in a welcoming library setting.

Free

Performance: Arabic Belly Dance with Nicole Maria

Wed, 18 Mar 2026at16:00

Join Nicole Maria for a live Arabic belly-dance performance at SF Public Library – Excelsior. The intimate library stage blends traditional rhythms with contemporary storytelling, offering a vibrant cultural experience in a welcoming community venue.

Free

Social: Dungeons & Dragons

Wed, 18 Mar 2026at16:00

Join fellow Dungeons & Dragons players for an afternoon of social tabletop gaming at the SF Public Library Main. This casual meetup invites players of all levels to roll dice, share stories, and form new gaming connections in a welcoming library setting.

Free

Workshop: Biblio Bistro

Wed, 18 Mar 2026at16:00

Join SF Public Library's Main branch for a hands-on educational workshop, Biblio Bistro, blending books with bite-sized activities. This indoor, free program invites curious readers to explore culinary-themed literacy through collaborative exercises in a welcoming library setting.

Free

Film: Zootopia 2

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Screening of Zootopia 2 at the SF Public Library – North Beach. A family-friendly animated sequel shown in a cozy library setting, ideal for kids and caregivers. The film starts at 5:00 PM as a casual, free community screening.

Free

Workshop: Understanding Leases and Contracts

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Join a library-led workshop at SF Public Library - Excelsior: Understanding Leases and Contracts. Learn essential terms, how to read clauses, and avoid common pitfalls in rental agreements. A practical session for renters and landlords alike.

Free

Activity: Comic Drawing with Ajuan Mance

Wed, 18 Mar 2026

Join comic artist Ajuan Mance for an interactive comic-drawing session at SF Public Library in Bernal Heights. This hands-on workshop invites doodlers of all levels to explore character design, storytelling, and panel composition in a friendly library setting.

Free

Electrify Your Home Without a Panel Upgrade

Wed, 18 Mar 2026at18:00

Join this public library workshop to learn practical, safety-conscious ways to improve your home's electrical efficiency without a full panel upgrade. The session covers basic circuit considerations, affordable DIY tweaks, and when to seek licensed help, all explained in clear language at SF Public Library – Glen Park.

Free

Tutorial: Scam Prevention 101 for Seniors /長者網絡電信防詐簡介

Thu, 19 Mar 2026at14:00

Join a bilingual scam-prevention workshop for seniors at SF Public Library - Chinatown. Learn to recognize robocalls, phishing attempts, and online fraud, and pick up practical tips to protect personal information in a friendly library setting.

Free

Veterans Health Administration Services Info Session (Canceled)

Thu, 19 Mar 2026at14:00

Canceled: Veterans Health Administration Services Info Session at SF Public Library – Main. This informational program was to cover veterans' health benefits and VA services, presented by VHA representatives. A free, indoor library event in San Francisco.

Free

Macrame Keychains Workshop

Thu, 19 Mar 2026at16:00

Learn the basics of macrame and craft your own decorative keychain in this beginner-friendly workshop at SF Public Library - Excelsior. All materials are provided and the session is designed for newcomers to enjoy a hands-on, social crafting experience in a cozy library setting.

Free

Activity: Beginning Readers’ Bingo

Thu, 19 Mar 2026at16:00

Join SF Public Library – Eureka Valley for a playful bingo session designed for beginning readers. This family-friendly activity blends literacy practice with game fun in a cozy library setting, perfect for curious kids and their caregivers.

Free

Library Commission Meeting

Thu, 19 Mar 2026at16:30

On 2026-03-19 at 16:30 UTC, San Francisco's Library Commission meets at the Main Branch to review library policies, budget items, and service plans. The public is welcome to observe and provide input during the formal proceedings in a city-library setting.

Free

Environmental Justice Movement: Past and Present

Thu, 19 Mar 2026at18:00

This public lecture at SF Public Library, Main, traces California's environmental justice movement from its origins to the present. It explores communities impacted by pollution, grassroots organizing, and policy shifts shaping equitable protections, and highlights ongoing challenges and opportunities for reform.

Free

Low Income Taxpayer Clinic

Fri, 20 Mar 2026at12:00

Free tax help and education for low-income filers at the San Francisco Public Library. Volunteers guide you through deductions, credits, and filing basics in a welcoming, library setting.

Free

Workshop: Book Cover Tote Bags

Fri, 20 Mar 2026at14:00

Hands-on workshop at SF Public Library - Eureka Valley showing how to transform book covers into stylish, reusable tote bags. Learn simple craft techniques and upcycling ideas in a friendly library setting.

Free

Short Stack Book Club

Fri, 20 Mar 2026at15:00

Join the Short Stack Book Club at SF Public Library – Noe Valley for a lively discussion of this month’s pick in a welcoming library setting. Librarians guide the conversation as neighbors share insights and ideas in an informal, intellectual atmosphere.

Free

Mancala Play

Fri, 20 Mar 2026at15:30

Join a friendly Mancala session at SF Public Library - Chinatown. Learn or play this classic strategy game in a casual, welcoming space. All ages welcome; no experience required. A fun, family-friendly library activity in the heart of Chinatown.

Free

Excelsior Walking Club

Fri, 20 Mar 2026at16:00

Kick off an easy, social stroll with the Excelsior Walking Club from the SF Public Library – Excelsior. This casual, neighborhood walk invites adults to explore the surrounding streets, meet neighbors, and enjoy fresh air together in a relaxed library-led activity.

Free

Book Club: Junior Readers

Fri, 20 Mar 2026at16:15

Join SF Public Library, Glen Park, for Book Club: Junior Readers. A kid-friendly reading discussion of a selected children's book, hosted by librarians in a cozy, welcoming space. Perfect for young readers and families seeking a lively, literary afternoon.

Free

Social: Chess Club

Fri, 20 Mar 2026at16:30

Join the Social Chess Club at SF Public Library Visitacion Valley for casual, friendly games. Bring a board or borrow one, meet fellow players, and sharpen tactics in a welcoming, community space.

Free

Early Learning: Big San Francisco Play Date

Sat, 21 Mar 2026at10:00

Saturday morning, March 21, 2026, at 10:00, join the SF Public Library’s Western Addition branch for Early Learning: Big San Francisco Play Date. A family-friendly, kids-focused program with stories, hands-on activities, and social play that sparks early learning in a welcoming library setting.

Free

Author: Natasha Tripplett

Sat, 21 Mar 2026at10:30

SF Public Library - Excelsior hosts author Natasha Tripplett on March 21 at 10:30 for a reading and conversation. Attendees can expect an engaging literary event with Q&A, exploring her work and storytelling craft in a welcoming library setting.

Free

Workshop: Basic Budgeting for Teens

Sat, 21 Mar 2026at12:30

Join a hands-on budgeting workshop designed for teens at SF Public Library, Visitacion Valley. Learn money basics, set savings goals, and practice simple budgeting tools in a friendly, librarian-led session.

Free

Cut & Paste: Drop-in Collage Workshop

Sat, 21 Mar 2026at13:00

Join a casual, drop-in collage workshop at SF Public Library – Main. Cut and paste your own imagery, learn simple collage techniques, and create unique art in a welcoming library setting. No registration required.

Free

Rashomon: Screening and Discussion

Sat, 21 Mar 2026at13:00

Screening of Kurosawa's Rashomon at SF Public Library, North Beach, followed by a moderated discussion. Explore conflicting perspectives and storytelling craft in this landmark Japanese classic in a welcoming library setting.

Free

Performance: Bay Beats Punk Rock Concert

Sat, 21 Mar 2026at13:00

Experience a high-energy punk rock concert at SF Public Library – Main as Bay Area bands unleash fast riffs and roaring vocals in an intimate library setting. A free daytime show that blends community space with raw underground energy and the library's shelves buzzing with sound.

Free

Design Bookbinding Gallery Walk-Through with Patricia Owen

Sat, 21 Mar 2026atAll day

Patricia Owen guides a gallery walk-through on design bookbinding at the San Francisco Public Library. The talk highlights binding aesthetics, materials, and techniques, tying craft to design history in a public library setting. An accessible, image-rich event for designers, students, and book lovers.

Free

Social: Puzzle Swap

Sat, 21 Mar 2026at14:00

Join fellow puzzle lovers at SF Public Library's Bernal Heights branch for an afternoon of swapping jigsaws, brain-teasers, and games. Bring puzzles to trade, swap tips, and meet others in a welcoming community space—great for adults and families alike.

Free

Workshop: Create with Cricut

Sat, 21 Mar 2026at14:00

Join a beginner-friendly, hands-on Cricut workshop at SF Public Library – Main. Learn design transfer, material choices and project assembly as you create vinyl decals, paper crafts, and more with the library's Cricut machines.

Free

Creative Saturday Afternoons

Sat, 21 Mar 2026at14:30

Spend a creative Saturday afternoon at SF Public Library – Chinatown. This casual workshop invites families and kids to explore arts-and-crafts, simple maker projects, and hands-on activities using library resources. A welcoming, free-form session focused on imagination and learning.

Free

Four-Corner Basket Workshop with Esther Kwan

Sat, 21 Mar 2026at15:00

Join Esther Kwan for a hands-on Four-Corner Basket workshop at SF Public Library, Visitacion Valley. Learn the four-corner weaving technique in a friendly, library setting as materials are shared and basics are covered.

Free

Decoden Keychains Workshop

Sat, 21 Mar 2026at16:00

Hands-on workshop at SF Public Library (Bernal Heights) teaching how to decorate and assemble decoden-style keychains. Materials are provided; a beginner-friendly DIY craft suitable for families and new makers exploring decorative embellishments.

Free

Performance: Storytime for Grown-ups

Sat, 21 Mar 2026at16:00

An evening of live storytelling for grown-ups at the SF Public Library's Western Addition branch. This intimate performance blends literature and spoken-word tales, offering witty, reflective storytelling tailored for adult audiences.

Free

Mae Coyiuto: Goodbye and Everything After

Sun, 22 Mar 2026at13:00

Join author Mae Coyiuto for a reading and discussion of Goodbye And Everything After at the SF Public Library Main. The event offers insights into the novel and a Q&A session with the author in a welcoming library setting in San Francisco.

Free

Workshop: Slime

Sun, 22 Mar 2026at14:00

Join the San Francisco Public Library in Golden Gate Valley for a hands-on slime workshop. Kids and families mix safe ingredients to create stretchy, colorful slime, exploring simple science while crafting in a friendly library setting.

Free

Celebration: Local Color Book Party

Sun, 22 Mar 2026at14:00

Join the San Francisco Public Library for an afternoon celebrating Local Color with local authors and readers. Enjoy accessible readings, conversations on representation in contemporary literature, and a welcoming community atmosphere inside the Main Library.

Free

Book Club: Genre Smoosh

Sun, 22 Mar 2026at15:30

Join fellow readers at SF Public Library – Eureka Valley for a lively book-club discussion of Genre Smoosh. Share insights, meet library staff, and discover new favorites in a welcoming, community-focused afternoon.

Free

OWLS Older Writers Laboratory

Mon, 23 Mar 2026at10:00

Join the OWLS Older Writers Laboratory at SF Public Library—Bernal Heights for a creative-writing workshop. Older writers collaborate on craft, share prompts, and workshop new pieces in a supportive library setting.

Free

Early Learning: Play with Purpose Playgroup

Mon, 23 Mar 2026at11:30

Join the SF Public Library at Glen Park for an Early Learning Playgroup. This caregiver-and-child session uses purposeful play to build early literacy, social skills, and confidence in a warm, indoor library setting.

Free

Taller: Prepárate para Vender en un Pop-Up

Mon, 23 Mar 2026at11:30

This practical workshop at SF Public Library – Excelsior helps aspiring pop-up vendors prepare, price, and present products for successful street-market sales. Learn booth setup, product presentation, pricing basics, and local compliance tips tailored to San Francisco pop-up culture.

Free

Unfaithfully Yours

Mon, 23 Mar 2026at15:00

Join a screening of the classic Preston Sturges comedy Unfaithfully Yours at SF Public Library in Golden Gate Valley. A witty, midcentury film experience in a welcoming library setting, perfect for cinephiles and community members seeking stylish humor from the 1940s.

Free

ESL Conversation Club

Mon, 23 Mar 2026at16:00

Practice everyday English in a friendly, informal setting at SF Public Library - Excelsior. This ESL Conversation Club offers a welcoming space to chat, build confidence, and connect with fellow adults in a community library program.