Friends of the San Francisco Public Library

08/05/2026

We're thrilled to see the Chinatown/Him Mark Lai Branch featured by SFGATE! This renovation will preserve this historic landmark while creating an incredible new space for generations to come.

Friends of the San Francisco Public Library is proud to lead the $2 million fundraising campaign to furnish and equip the renovated branch, and thanks to our incredible supporters, we're already more than 40% of the way to our goal. If this library has touched your life, or if you believe in preserving this treasured community space for future generations, we'd love for you to join us. We invite you to make a gift in support of the Chinatown/Him Mark Lai Branch renovation.

Read the story, learn more about the campaign, and make a gift through the link in our bio.https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/sf-chinatown-library-closure-22371927.php

08/05/2026

The August Monthly Book Sale is almost here! 📚

Looking for your next great read? Join us at the Friends Donation Center for thousands of gently used books at incredible prices!

Friday, August 7 & Saturday, August 8
12:00-5:00 PM
Friends Donation Center, 1630 17th Street, San Francisco

Browse every genre, from fiction and nonfiction to children's books, cookbooks, art, history, and so much more. Whether you're searching for a hidden gem or just love a good bargain, there's something for everyone. Have books or media you'd like to donate? Schedule a donation appointment at friendssfpl.org/donatebooks.
See you at the sale! ❤️📚

07/22/2026

APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN! 

Friends of the San Francisco Public Library and McSweeney’s are now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 Lisa Brown & Daniel Handler Residency. This year-long residency supports five San Francisco writers with creative workspace, literary community, and opportunities to collaborate with the San Francisco Public Library. As part of our new partnership with McSweeney’s, work from the incoming cohort will be featured in a special insert in McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern. Writers of all genres are encouraged to apply, including fiction, poetry, nonfiction, journalism, children’s literature, illustration, comics, and more. 

Applications are now open, and close on August 10, 2026. 

Apply through the link in our bio, and tag a writer who should know about this opportunity.

06/10/2026

Happy Summer Stride! ☀️📚

We're proud to have supported this incredible program since its inception. Summer Stride is one of our key funding areas, and every year we're inspired by the thousands of San Franciscans who take part. Here are just a few photos of the incredible Library staff who make it all possible. Thank you for everything you do to inspire readers across San Francisco!

Happy reading, San Francisco!

06/09/2026

06/05/2026

Join us tomorrow for an afternoon of readings at Thee Parkside as part of the Book Sale Block Party!

We're thrilled to welcome current Residents of the Lisa Brown & Daniel Handler Residency, alongside members of San Francisco's literary community, for an afternoon of stories, poetry, and conversation.

Saturday, June 6, 2–4 PM
📍 Thee Parkside, 1600 17th Street

2–3 PM: Lisa Brown & Daniel Handler Residency Reading
Keli Dailey
Kevin Dublin
Ash Huang
Maya Kini
Akiko Neumann

3–4 PM: Community Readers
Brian Ang
Garrett Caples
Emily Chan
Quyen Pham

Come browse thousands of books at the Book Sale Block Party, then head next door to celebrate some of San Francisco's incredible writers.

05/20/2026

Join us for the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library Book Sale Block Party!

Celebrate community, creativity, and your love for the Library at our beloved Book Sale Block Party in Potrero Hill! With over 20,000 books, comics, vinyl, and media on sale, there's something for everyone, from avid readers to casual browsers.

Enjoy a full day of activities:
- The SF Public Library Bookmobile
- Kids Zone with button-making led by a children's book author/illustrators
- Author talks & readings from current and former Lisa Brown and Daniel Handler Residents at Thee Parkside (1600 17th St.)
- Food, drinks, and good vibes!

💛 Friends Members enjoy 10% off purchases and exclusive early access to the sale from 11 AM–12 PM.

Don’t miss this epic celebration of books, music, art, and community in Potrero Hill. Bring your friends, your family, and your library love!

📅 Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026
📍 Location: Friends Donation Center, 1630 17th St, San Francisco, CA

RSVP now!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-sale-block-party-4th-annual-tickets-1988578293206?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true12 PM

05/05/2026

4th Annual Book Sale Block Party
Saturday, June 6 from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm (11 am Member Preview)

Join us for the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library Book Sale Block Party!
📍 Location: Friends Donation Center, 1630 17th St, San Francisco, CA

Celebrate community, creativity, and your love for the Library at our beloved Book Sale Block Party in Potrero Hill! With over 12,000 books, comics, vinyl, and media on sale, there's something for everyone, from avid readers to casual browsers.
Enjoy a full day of activities:
- The SF Public Library Bookmobile
- Kids Zone with bracelet-making led by a children's book author/illustrators
- Author talks & readings from current and former Lisa Brown and Daniel Handler Residents at Thee Parkside (1600 17th St.)

💛 Friends Members enjoy 10% off purchases and exclusive early access to the sale from 11AM–12PM.

Don’t miss this epic celebration of books, music, art, and community in Potrero Hill. Bring your friends, your family, and your library love!

RSVP now!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-sale-block-party-4th-annual-tickets-1988578293206?aff=oddtdtcreator

04/03/2026

Monthly Donation Center sale this weekend. Join us Friday and Saturday, 12-5, for books, vinyl & more!