News Release

The Mission Bay Branch Library, located at 960 Fourth St., will become the 27th branch of the San Francisco Public Library when it opens its doors on July 8. The first new branch in San Francisco in 40 years, this 7,500-square-foot library will cater to the burgeoning new Mission Bay neighborhood. Conveniently located at the corner of Fourth and Berry streets, the library is easily accessible by MUNI and CalTrain.

The library is the first public community gathering place in Mission Bay. It is located on the ground floor of a multi-use facility, which also houses an adult day health center, affordable senior housing, retail space and a large community meeting room. “This is an exciting moment in the history of the Library and for the City,” said City Librarian Luis Herrera. “We are pleased and proud to bring library services to this emerging neighborhood.”

The Mission Bay Branch’s collections and services will be tailored to the interests and needs of the community. The library’s collection of approximately 34,000 books, CDs, DVDs and other materials will highlight local interests such as baseball, maritime history and boating. A children’s area, along with books, storytimes and special programs, will be available for the growing number of families moving into the neighborhood. Materials in large print and a state-of-the art large print reader to assist visually impaired patrons also will be available.

Designed by San Francisco-based Santos Prescott and Associates, the library’s look takes inspiration from current design trends, as well as from more traditional ideas about libraries. A large, circular circulation/information desk is located in the center of the entry area, making library staff more accessible and creating a centerpiece for the entry lobby. Big, bold lettering resembles that found at retail bookstores. Displays for new books, music and movies draw attention from outside, making the library’s offerings highly visible.

The double-high reading area gives the library a monumental space that recalls the role of the library as an important public institution in the neighborhood. However, unlike libraries of old, seating areas are light, airy and casual, creating a relaxed atmosphere. In the main reading area, a large potted tree and artwork based on a theme of important quotations about books fosters a comfortable environment from which patrons can read, study or simply gaze out at peaceful Mission Creek.

To help engage Mission Bay residents, Friends of the San Francisco Public Library developed the Mission Bay Branch Library Campaign Committee, comprised of neighborhood residents, small business owners, and community leaders who spent the past two years working tirelessly to raise funds, awareness, and interest for the new branch. Friends raised $500,000 in private funds to pay for furniture, fixtures and equipment at the branch not covered by the bond.

“Friends is thrilled to be part of the historic opening of the Mission Bay branch, which will serve as an anchor in this wonderful new community. Neighborhood residents have been hard at work for the past two years raising funds and awareness for their new branch and it is with great joy that we all anticipate its opening,” said Donna Bero, executive director of Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

The library broke ground on Dec. 10, 2003 and cost close to $4 million to complete. Construction of the branch was funded by a $105.9 million bond measure passed by voters in November 2000. The Branch Library Improvement Program (BLIP) is the largest capital improvement campaign in the history of the San Francisco Public Library.

The Mission Creek Senior Community development, which houses the new library, is a collaboration between the San Francisco Public Library, Mercy Housing California, North and South of Market Adult Day Health Center, the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency and the San Francisco Department of Public Health. Mercy Services Corporation will operate the senior housing and programs, and manage the completed facility.

For more information about the new Mission Bay Branch Library,
please call (415) 557-4277, or visit www.sfpl.org.