Dear Patron,
We are pleased to let you know that the Chinatown/Him Mark Lai Branch Library renovation project is moving forward! Mark your calendars with the following dates as we relocate to our temporary branch library.
Saturday, December 5, 2026
The Chinatown/Him Mark Lai Branch will close for public service at 6 p.m. as it undergoes an extensive renovation to bring it into the 21st century.
Saturday, December 19, 2026
Our temporary Chinatown library branch, located at 950 Grant Ave., opens to the public at 10 a.m. This location will continue to serve the community while the branch is closed for the renovation.
About the temporary location
At approximately 4,200 square feet, the temporary location will have the same open hours as the current Chinatown Branch and will continue to provide library services, including:
- Books, audiobooks, DVDs and magazines for all ages in Chinese and English
- Holds pickup
- Printing, scanning and copying
- Public PC laptops
- High-speed internet
Because the temporary location is smaller, large events and programs will be hosted in partnership with neighborhood organizations while some smaller events may be hosted onsite.
We know this has been a long time coming, and we are both relieved and excited to begin the renovation process.
Please join us on Saturday, December 5, to celebrate the closing of the historic Chinatown/Him Mark Lai Branch.
In the coming weeks, we’ll share more details about the transition, including information about holds and returning items. We thank you for your patience and your support throughout this process.
In community,
SFPL Staff