Library Improvements for Tomorrow – Chinatown Branch
With support from the community and San Francisco Public Works, San Francisco Public Library is renovating the Chinatown/Him Mark Lai Branch—enhancing safety, energy efficiency and resilience while preserving its historic character. The 1921 Carnegie building will feature modern library services, updated systems and new technology, creating a welcoming space for all.
The renovation will:
- Restore the grand reading room
- Increase the size of the community meeting room
- Open a public terrace on the roof
- Add more public restrooms
- Create a new space dedicated to teens
- Install a new stairway and elevator
- Showcase new public artwork
- Update heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system
- Include seismic upgrades for earthquake safety
- Fully comply with ADA standards
Children's Center 5photos
Community Meeting Room 5photos
Historic Reading Room 5photos
Info Desk 5photos
Roof Terrace 5photos
Children's Center 
Community Meeting Room 
Historic Reading Room 
Info Desk 
Roof Terrace
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)
This section includes presentations by Library staff to the Library Commission that provide updates on the progress of capital projects. It highlights key milestones and developments throughout the planning and construction process.
Status
Bid closed
Construction NTP: Summer 2026
Schedule
Construction duration: planned 30 months
Budget
$47.8 million