Member-only story
All but Two Public Libraries in San Francisco Have Reopened
Most of the San Francisco Public Library’s 27 branches are now offering in-person services again
The San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) was effectively shuttered during the pandemic. Even though its online resources and SFPL To Go program — an initiative that allowed bookworms and film buffs alike to check out literature and various media, sans human contact — SF’s indoor public library spaces remained off-limits to the public for months.
In May, the SFPL began slowly bring back its in-person services to much fanfare. Fast forward some three months, and now all but two of the public branches have reopened for regular services. (The pair of libraries that have yet to reopen are the Golden Gate Valley and Merced branches; these two are expected to reopen on the 16th and 17th, respectively.)
So what does this all mean for the SFPL frequent? Well, as much of a return to normal book sifting as presently possible.
Library patrons can now complete in-person activities like opening a library account and get a physical library card; use library materials in designated areas; take advantage of a branch’s computers; check off mundane office work (i.e. print pages and scanning things and making copies of your vaccine card); ask library staff questions — IRL.
The Main Library branch, which reopened its doors on May 3, will continue offering additional in-person services that are unique to the Civic Center location. (Such niceties include services for the hearing- and sight-impaired; the use of meeting rooms, which can be reserved in advance; having the option to use expanded computer workstations; utilizing more reference material that’s easily accusation to SFPL’s Main Branch.)
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Remember that you’ll need your face mask to enjoy these in-person, in-door perks. Show our local public libraries all the love.
