Spending spare time in a library becomes some people’s last choice. Do you feel the same? Library has an image as a boring place that you think you waste your time visiting this place. As the time goes by, library has turned into a full-of-inspiration cozy place. When you visit San Francisco, its public library should be in your bucket list. You will find more than amazing features and facilities here. Now, we are going to drag you to 7 facts why you should spend some of your time at San Francisco Public Library.
1. A disabled-friendly library
People with disabilities often experience difficulties in public places. San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) takes into account this problem. As a place designed for people from all layers, it makes detailed regulations and features. One of them is the accessibility policy. There are some services provided for people with disabilities. For example, there are Sign Language interpreters who can help SFPL visitors by request 72 hours before the meetup. The main part of the library, such as the Commission meeting room, is designed to be friendly for those using wheelchairs. Besides, there is an elevator in library entrances, including Grove Street, Larkin Street, and Fulton Street.
2. Scheduled events, classes, and exhibits
You will never get bored at SFPL. When you are done with the books, you can join the free classes and exhibits provided the staff. The schedules are all written both in the library and its official website. So, whenever you are lost what you can do there, you can see the current schedule. You can plan your weekend by finding out upcoming exhibits and classes. If you are interested to attend the nearest exhibits, you can circle March 3, 2016 on your calendar because there are two exhibits a day: Tibetan Portraits 2007-2010 at the Chinese Center of Main Library and Selected Works from the Collection of TALL at General Collections of Main Library.
3. Integrated catalog
As it is a library, the first thing people look for is its books collections. SFPL provides wide ranges of books, ebooks, audiobooks, and videos. As it has more than 9 million collections of books, you might get confused which part you need to go. Don’t worry because there is a catalog you can use to track what you need to read. There are two catalog features: Library Catalog for easier tracking and Classic Catalog for more detail searching. Not enough? You are able to pick the Link+ feature to dig up a combined catalog from all libraries in California.
4. In-library computers and laptops
Do you need to type something but you forgot to bring your laptop? You don’t need to worry. SFPL has computers and laptops resources for its visitors. The staff aims to help boost the use of these devices by the visitors. The requirement is very easy. You just need to show your SFPL library member card and use the laptops or computers for two hours. But you need to remember that you are allowed to use them inside the library only. If you need to print the documents from laptops or computers, you can do it directly from the device to the public print station.
5. Child-friendly features
SFPL is not friendly only to people with disabilities but also to children. You can bring along your children, sisters, or brothers to this library. There are many features and services available that they would love. Homework after school? You can bring your children to SFPL and there is homework free help and support. Children’s Center, special space for children, is located on the second floor. There are schedules of classes they can follow, including Math Help, Reading Help, Homework Help and Tutoring. Make sure you write down the schedules or you can visit SFPL official website.
6. Attractive programs for teens
A library should not attract the bookworms only but also the grownup teens. As their curiosity is increasing, supportive classes and events are needed. SFPL is the right place for them to learn many things in new fun classes. The best thing is: it’s all free! They can show their works and share with friends from different schools. The upcoming classes are including 3D Printing, Game On, Broadcasting Your Story, Making Beats with Blue Bear School of Music, Career Coaching, etc. These are definitely classes every teen won’t miss.
7. Friendly helpful staff
You should never hesitate to visit SFPL whenever you have time. All the staffs there are really supportive to every visitor. They will help you with faces full of smile and give you detail information about anything you need. When complete features, clean and neat environment, meet the friendliness of SFPL staffs, you will never feel enough to visit this library only once. If something unpleasant happens to you, never feel doubt to give your voices or suggestions for future betterment.
Information
- Name: San Francisco Public Library
- Address: San Francisco Public Library 100 Larkin Street, San Francisco CA 94102-4733
- Phone: (415) 557-4400, (415) 557-4433 (TTY)
- Website: www.sfpl.org
- Days closed: New Year’s Day (Jan 1), M.L. King Birthday (Jan 18), Presidents’ Day (Feb 15), Memorial Day (May 30), Pride Day-Main Library closed (June 26), Independence Day (July 4), Labor Day (Sep 5), Columbus Day (Oct 10), Veterans Day (Nov 11), Thanksgiving (Nov 24), Day After Thanksgiving (Nov 25), and Christmas Day (Dec 25).
Are you still in doubt to visit a library? Let’s visit San Francisco Public Library! It’s the best place to spend the spare time with the smartest way.
Have a good trip and travel!
