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San Francisco Public Library - Potrero Hill Branch
Rating Details »
Neighborhood: Potrero Hill
1616 20th Street
(between Arkansas St & Connecticut St)
San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 355-2822
1616 20th Street
(between Arkansas St & Connecticut St)
San Francisco, CA 94107
(415) 355-2822
6 reviews for San Francisco Public Library - Potrero Hill Branch
I grew up in this library. Okay, well technically I grew up half a block away, but I sure did get a lot of millage out of this place. I would look forward to the summer's when they would hold the reading contest all year long, and then read up even more of a storm so I could win tickets to go see the A's! (yes, an A's fan in SF).
Sure this never was the cleanest, most spacious library I ever visited... but it always had what I wanted, or would get it very quickly. I worked here one summer as a library intern, I was probably 11 or 12 and have absolutely no recollection of what I did other than sitting at a desk looking at those little cards. I am so excited to see them rebuilding the library because this lot has great potential to harbor a really wonderful calming library. I
Library Tip of the Day #1
Anybody can sign up for a library card as long as they show a picture id (drivers/ca id, school id, passport) and address verification: (must include name and California residential address), like a personal check or mail postmarked within the last 30 days.
It is a painless process. 2 minutes to fill out an application and another couple minutes for your application to be processed. And the library has 5 different new library card designs for you to choose from to spice up your wallet. Hey, if you're not the paper and pencil type... apply online at http://www.sfpl.org!
Now for the Potrero Branch review. Why not five stars you say. Well, Potrero is in need of remodeling, which will begin very soon this Spring 2008! The building is dated. The branch needs disablility access. An elevator will be added during the renovation. The bathroom is ghetto. They still have the seperate hot and cold water faucets. The toliet has as much flush intensity as a pinto has horsepower. Potrero Library is one of the few branches that does not have wi-fi access yet. The heating system has a mind of its own. The staff room would make Anne Frank's pad look luxurious.
Otherwise, the Potrero Branch Library is located in fairly quiet neighborhood with an awesome view towards downtown San Francisco. You can bring your kids to storytime every Thursday morning. The branch has two adult and two children 30 minute computers. And one fifteen minute computer. Parking is plentiful around the area.
Potrero has a small collection of cds, videos and dvds. Also the branch has a moderate size collection of adult, children and teen material. If your can't find a particular material, you can always ask the librarian to ship an item from another location to the branch.
An excellent staff is ready to help you with your research and other library needs.
Closed Sunday and Mondays
Tuesdays (10-8)
Wednesdays (12-8)
Thursdays (10-6)
Fridays (1-6)
Saturdays (1-6)
** The branch bookmobile will provide service to the area when the Potrero Branch closes for renovation.
Coming from a country where public services are not at its best, I've to admit that I'm easy to impress. But the public programs for children and toddlers at the SFPL are outstanding! and the Potrero Hill Branch just rocks. My daughter has been attending the weekly music and games program since she was 8 months old (she's now 2.4 years old) and she loves it ! Every Thursday we wake her up saying "its library day" and that makes her day. She has learned lots of songs, which now she sings along, has made tons of friends there and loves to dance to the tunes. The lady that runs the program is now like part of our family.
Of course there's always room for improvement, but we thank our gods (and the taxes we pay) for this type of programs.
Any CA resident can get a SF public library card. What are you waiting for?
Free books, music and movies! Plus, you can use the reserve system, and the books are delivered to your local branch. They e-mail you when the books are in and right before they are due.
Yes, if we can all have an assistant as talented as the library system.
Also check out free e-books through the library website...
The Main Branch is best, but this branch has great programs and is on my commute route.
Great neighborhood library offering infant lapsit, evening storytime, and community events like the annual artist exhibition.
The upstairs rooms has hosted book signings, author appearances, and neighborhood events.
They've got a great magazine selection including Juxtapoz, and also have a selection of cds and dvds.
There is a great view of the city from the magazine reading area. Parking is easy, and you can pick up milk at the Good Life while you are there. The selection onsite is iffy but you can place a hold on anything SFPL owns and they will bring it to the branch, email you that it has arrived, and hold it until you pick it up. My favorite City program, hands down.
