Chinatown / Him Mark Lai Renovation

Library Improvements for Tomorrow – Chinatown Branch

Imagine a neighborhood library that welcomes and connects our community, that is a joy to work in, and that celebrates knowledge and learning!

In collaboration with the community and with architects from San Francisco Public Works, the Library aims to transform the Chinatown / Him Mark Lai Branch Library into an energy efficient, safe and resilient neighborhood library while maintaining the building’s inherent charm. We plan to incorporate 21st Century library practices, building systems and technology into this landmarked 1921 Carnegie library.

Specific goals of this project include the restoration of the grand reading room on the upper level, developing improved paths of travel throughout the library, improving the facilities for children and teens, and improving the overall design and layout of the building.

These are lofty goals, but with the community’s participation and our team’s creativity, the Chinatown Branch will continue as a neighborhood treasure for many generations to come.

2018 Branch Capital Projects Feasibility Study (PDF)

Community Engagement

• August 2023 Presentation (PDF) | August 19, 2023 Meeting (PDF)
  Meeting 1: Saturday, August 19, 10:30 a.m. 
  Meeting 2: Tuesday, August 22, 4 p.m. 
  Meeting 3: Thursday, August 24, 6 p.m. I Virtual Meeting - Zoom Link: on.sfpl.org/chizoomaug23

  Consolidated Minutes of August 19, 22 & 24, 2023 (PDF)

• May 2022 I Presentation (PDF)  
  Meeting 1: Tuesday, May 10, 4 p.m.  ​​  
  Meeting 2: Thursday, May 12, 6 p.m.  
  Meeting 3: Saturday, May 14, 11 a.m.   
  Read combined meeting minutes: ENGLISH | CHINESE
• Spring 2021  
  Chinese February 2021 eNewsletter (PDF) | English February 2021 eNewsletter (PDF)  
  Chinese Renovation Survey (PDF) | English Renovation Survey (PDF)  
  Chinese Renovation Survey Results (PDF) | English Renovation Survey Results (PDF)
• June 15, 18, & 24, 2019  
  Chinese flyer (PDF) | English flyer (PDF)  
  Chinese Presentation (PDF) | English Presentation (PDF)  
  Chinese Minutes (PDF) | English Minutes (PDF)

Library Commission Meetings