FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Yes, the Library has typewriters and word processors.

The Bayview Branch has a typewriter for public use. Telephone the branch for details and to confirm availability. The Main Library has a typewriter for public use on the 5th floor in the Typewriter Room.

Word processing is available on all of the Library's Internet computers, along with USB ports for using flash (also known as jump, thumb, external or removable) drives. A library user with a floppy disk should try to reserve a PC with a floppy drive. If none are available, reserve a PC with a USB port only and ask library staff for a floppy drive.

Those with library cards can sign up via the computerized reservation system. On the Library's home page, click Reserve a Computer. (In the Library, you may sign up at Library Catalog PCs, which are marked with orange tags.)

Computer use is free (see below); printing costs 15 cents a page. The Chinatown Branch has computers that can produce Chinese characters.

Read the How do I reserve a computer? FAQ.

Yes. Internet PCs are available at the Main and all Branches. Please read How do I reserve a computer? for procedures and rules.

Those with library cards can sign up via the computerized reservation system. On the Library's home page, click Reserve a Computer. (In the Library, you may sign up at Library Catalog PCs, which are marked with orange tags.)

Those without a library card may use the 15 minute Internet Express terminals located at the Main Library and every branch.

Computer use is free; printing costs 15 cents a page. The Chinatown Branch has computers that can produce Chinese characters.

The Friends and Foundation of the San Francisco Public Library accept donations of materials which they sell to raise money for the Library. They will accept most hardcover and paperback books in good condition on all subjects. Donations may be taken to Book Bay at the Main Library or to the Book Donation Center at Ft. Mason Center or to the branches.

Books to be considered for addition to the Library's collection may be dropped off at the Information Desk on the first floor of the Main Library. Books may also be dropped off at a branch but please talk to the branch staff before bringing in your materials. For more information call 415-557-4400.

Our site works best with Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 or higher. You can download the latest version of IE from Microsoft.
Our site also works with Netscape 6.2 or higher. You can download the latest versions of Netscape at Download.com.

Some Macintosh computers running OS9 have trouble executing the Java applets running on our site. You can try downloading an updated version of Macintosh Runtime for Java at http://developer.apple.com/java/download.html

It also appears that Microsoft Internet Explorer has its own
unique way of interpreting Java, with software called Microsoft Virtual
Machine. MVM, which is integrated with IE, sometimes fails to launch,
resulting in errors. You can find the latest version of MVM on Microsoft's Web site at http://www.microsoft.com.

The latest versions should launch when instructed.

If your computer or computer network is behind a firewall (security software), then it may be blocking access to the Community Services Directory, the Dorothy Starr Sheet Music Collection, and the San Francisco Historical Photograph Collection.

Please ask your network administrator to allow access to ports 83 (Community Services Directory), 84 (Dorothy Starr Sheet Music Collection), and 82 (San Francisco Historical Photograph Collection).