News Release

In an effort to expand library hours and services throughout the city, the San Francisco Public Library will add new hours—and new open days—at nine branch libraries in the Bayview, Ingleside, Merced, Mission Bay, Ocean View, Park, Portola, Visitacion Valley and Western Addition neighborhoods.

Starting Oct. 21, the Portola, Ingleside and Mission Bay branches will be open Sundays, 1–5 p.m. On Oct. 22, the Visitacion Valley, Ocean View, Merced and Park branches will begin offering service 10 a.m.–6 p.m. on Mondays. Beginning Oct. 25, the Bayview/Anna E. Waden Branch will add morning and evening hours on Thursdays and be open 10 a.m.–8 p.m. The Western Addition Branch will be open on Sundays, 1–5 p.m., providing service seven days a week when it reopens in early 2008.

The addition of these hours reflects the Library’s commitment to ensuring that every San Francisco community has optimal access to library services and resources. The nine locations were selected based on a study identifying which geographic areas would most benefit from additional library service. Of the nine libraries, seven are currently open only five days a week. The Bayview/Anna E. Waden Branch is open six days a week, but lacks morning and evening hours on Thursdays which would directly benefit children and teens.

The library developed the extension plan with the input of community groups such as the Library Citizens Advisory Committee and the Council of Neighborhood Libraries; with support from Mayor Gavin Newsom, the Board of Supervisors and the Library Commission. These increases will give people who work during the week more opportunities to utilize library services on Sunday, while additional hours on Monday are ideal for childcare groups, students after school and library users of all ages who benefit from additional morning or evening access.

“This is a testament to the remarkable support San Franciscans give to their libraries,” said City Librarian Luis Herrera. “Our libraries remain a safe haven of learning for residents of all ages and backgrounds, and they continue to serve as true anchors in their respective neighborhoods.”

“I am so pleased that the staff who led this effort engaged community members and responded to neighborhood needs,” Herrera said.