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Mission Branch Library was the first branch established in
the San Francisco Public Library system. It was opened in
1888 in a storefront two blocks from its present location.
The fire following the 1906 earthquake destroyed the Main
Library and eight branch libraries but stopped four blocks
north of Mission Branch, one of only four branch buildings
to survive the earthquake. After the disaster, however, a
change of location was forced upon the branch when the
scarcity of commercial property resulted in high rent
increases for the existing Branch quarters. A new site for
the Branch was found nearby one year later.
A lot was purchased for $12,000 at the corner of 24th and
Bartlett Streets. In 1914, construction began under the
supervision of architect G. Albert Lansburgh and funded by a
grant from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. Cost for the
building and furnishings was $50,877. Mission Branch Library
was reopened in December 1915.
A major renovation of Mission Branch Library was begun in 1997.
To meet modern code standards the building, built of
un-reinforced masonry, required structural reinforcement as well
as disabled access. Electrical, heating and roofing systems were
also upgraded at that time. The building’s façade and second
floor were preserved, but the first floor was completely
redesigned, and the main entrance was relocated from 24th Street
to Bartlett Street. New furnishings and computers were installed
for the reopening on May 5, 1999.
The renovation was funded by the Library Improvement Bond, which
was passed in 1988 to build a new Main Library and renovate
branches. Nearly $700,000 of additional funding came from a
federal Library Services and Construction Act grant administered
by the California State Library. Additional city bond funds from
the Earthquake Safety Program were also utilized to complete the
project.
Mission Branch Library, in construction c.1915
Mission Branch Library Interior c.1916
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