San Francisco Center for the Book

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San Francisco Center for the Book Workshops in Letterpress Printing, Bookbinding, Book Arts & Crafts :: Art Exhibitions :: Open Studios & Studio Rentals :: Corporate Team Building :: Events
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THE FIRST OF ITS KIND ON THE WEST COAST

The San Francisco Center for the Book was co-founded by Mary Austin and Kathleen Burch, who recognized a growing need in San Francisco, the Bay Area and on the West Coast for a facility specifically designed and equipped to support the appreciation, teaching and creation of book arts. The first center of its kind on the West Coast, San Francisco Center for the Arts was incorporated in March of 1996 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. THE GRAND OPENING

The grand opening celebration on July 30, 1996, of the first location of San Francisco Center for the Book, on DeHaro Street between 16th and 17th Streets, along an old railroad line in the Potrero Hill District, attracted an overflow crowd of more than 400 people. That first season, consisted of 64 students and a dozen classes. NORTHWARD BOUND

By 2002, with the renaissance of book arts picking up steam, San Francisco Center for the Book moved to the north end of the same building, to larger accomodations that included a view of an old railcar nextdoor, to house an ever growing collection of bookbinding and letterpress equipment, tools and type. To meet public demand, this move also provided space for more and larger workshops. ACROSS THE TRACKS

In early 2013, the San Francisco Center for the Book moved to a 7,000 square foot space just around the corner and across what used to be railroad tracks, to the Rhode Island Street side of the same block, in what is now known as the Do.Re.Mi (DOgpatch-PotREro-Hill-MIssion) Design and Arts District, surrounded on all sides by galleries, art studios and other arts organizationsin a hub of art and design studios, galleries and technology firms. The move to the larger space space allowed San Francisco Center for the Book to expand to include an exhibition gallery sitting aside the print studio, a platemaking lab, a separate bindery, arts and crafts room, and administrative offices. THE PRESENT

Currently, San Francisco Center for the Book offers over 400 workshops and and serves thousands of students of all ages each year. In addition to our workshops, San Francisco Center for the Book also presents exhibitions and events, hosts special visits and hands-on demonstrations, and much more. Explore this website to learn about all the things San Francisco Center for the Book has to offer and come for a visit. We are looking forward to seeing you here.

The Joyful Body of the Word: Betsy Davids and the Book presents the works of influential Bay Area artist Betsy Davids, s...
09/26/2026

The Joyful Body of the Word: Betsy Davids and the Book presents the works of influential Bay Area artist Betsy Davids, spanning her career across letterpress, writing, and artists books. With a focus on rereading and reperforming Davids’ contributions to the ever-evolving art of the Book, the exhibition includes works from the 1970s to today and a series of reading performances. Davids established letterpress education at CCA(C) and her creative pedagogies shaped the work of many artists and publishers. Her Rebis Press editions, in partnership with James Petrillo, are widely recognized as innovative in the early history of the artist book; Davids’ aspiration to make books ‘in real time’ alongside the experiences they document, and her radical commitment to the everyday continues across her one-of-a-kind works. Her deep engagement with dreaming, journey, and pilgrimage – in both personal and literary senses – endures through six decades of artistic production.

On Friday, October 2nd, we hope you'll join us for an evening of community, conversation, and celebration as we welcome Betsy and her remarkable body of work to SFCB’s gallery.

Catalogs are available for purchase. Please RSVP for the reception at sfcb.org/events.

We're overwhelmed with gratitude to everyone who shared an unforgettable night with us last Friday 9/18! We're truly ble...
09/26/2026

We're overwhelmed with gratitude to everyone who shared an unforgettable night with us last Friday 9/18! We're truly blessed to be surrounded by a community that ignites passion for letterpress and book arts and we'll only continue to grow! 💫

Stay tuned for all our upcoming events celebrating 30 years in the books!

  is a Detroit born artist, designer and letterpress printer best known for work that explores ideas of race, identity a...
09/22/2026

is a Detroit born artist, designer and letterpress printer best known for work that explores ideas of race, identity and the stories we tell ourselves about living in America. He uses typography and language to create work that moves through the realms of graphic design, print culture and activism. Ben is a believer in the power of the printed word and shares his passion for print and design by speaking and conducting workshops around the country.

His work is included in the collections of the Newberry Library, the Chicago Field Museum, Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Ben earned a MFA in Interdisciplinary Book and Paper Arts from Columbia College Chicago.

RSVP for this 30 minute Zoom presentation at https://www.sfcb.org/calendar/fromthebenchofbenblount?blm_aid=591873

Thursday, October 1st | 12:30-1pm Pacific

What's all this fuss about Type High Day?Is it just an excuse to throw a fantastic party? Or a secret printer holiday yo...
09/16/2026

What's all this fuss about Type High Day?
Is it just an excuse to throw a fantastic party? Or a secret printer holiday you've only just heard about?
Come find out by RSVP-ing for our Type High Party on 9/18!

sfcb.org/events

The term “Hussif” is short for “huswif” or “housewife”, and is a word used to describe these historical travel sewing ki...
09/14/2026

The term “Hussif” is short for “huswif” or “housewife”, and is a word used to describe these historical travel sewing kits. In the 18th and 19th centuries, sewists, sailors, and soldiers alike carried a hussif—and now you can, too.

This is a perfect project to use up fabric scraps since the pocket sizes are relatively small and the backing can be pieced together. Finished product is 4 ½ x 15" unrolled.

Just a few more spots left for this workshop! Sign up now at sfcb.org/workshops

Sunday, October 4, 2026
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Your hands just might be the best tool you have . . .
09/03/2026

Your hands just might be the best tool you have . . .

09/01/2026
08/26/2026

Hey babe, pick up, the 90's are calling!

Wrap up your summer with our epic kick off party to celebrate 30 years of SFCB! Vibes will be immaculate, the company eclectic, and the night will be one to remember.

Don't miss out! RSVP today at sfcb.org/events

Friday, September 18, 2026 | 5-9PM | Free and Open to the Public

08/20/2026

You asked, we answered! This fall we’ve opened up some new EVENING studio rentals to make our space more accessible to YOU! There is also one WEEKEND session for both print and bindery use.
Secure your spot as usual on sfcb.org/rentals

If you read this far, comment THX KATIE!

08/18/2026

We’re turning 30 with a birthday party to remember! Join us for our Type High Party as we kick off a year-long celebration of our 30th anniversary. Get ready to mingle, dance, and share stories from 1996 as we celebrate 30 years together and kick off a milestone year!

Address

375 Rhode Island Street (Between 16th And 17th Streets)
San Francisco, CA
94103

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 5:30pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5:30pm
Saturday 10am - 5:30pm
Sunday 10am - 5:30pm

Telephone

+14155650545

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