Dialogue: Ecotopia by Ernest Callenbach

Saturday, 10/25/2025
2:00 - 3:00
Presidio Meeting Room
Presidio

3150 Sacramento Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
United States

415-355-2880
Register

Learn about and discuss an early classic of environmental science fiction, Ecotopia by Ernest Callenbach, with Integrative Health Coach Marcia Degelman.  

Written in 1975, Ecotopia envisions a future where Northern California, Washington and Oregon secede from the United States and form their own independent nation based on principles of sustainability, community and living in a way that is best for the planet.

San Francisco is the capital of this new nation, and Callenbach imagined Market Street as a vibrant green boulevard without cars, only electric trains and buses. He even foresaw people talking on picture phones(!).

The 40th anniversary edition has a new forward and a chilling “Epistle to Ecotopians,” at the end that is prophetic and speaks to the times we are living in, was found on his computer after his death in 2012.

Come and discuss the ways in which we are far from realizing his positive and hopeful vision for the future, and how we can be inspired by his example.

Space limited. Reservations required: (415) 355-2880 or online. 

Environment & Nature

Find out about the latest climate and environmental issues, how to adopt greener practices and how to connect with the outdoors.

Health & Wellness

Build better wellness practices and learn ways to improve your health.

This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

Attending Programs

All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

This program will be conducted in English unless otherwise noted.

Notice: This event may be filmed or photographed. By participating in this event, you consent to have your likeness used for the Library’s archival purposes and promotional materials. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform a staff person or the photographer. A sticker will be provided to help identify you so that we can avoid capturing your image.

Public Notice and Disclaimer

This program uses a third-party website link. By clicking on the third-party website link, you will leave SFPL's website and enter a website not operated by SFPL. This service may collect personally identifying information about you, such as name, username, email address, and password. This service will treat the information it collects about you pursuant to its own privacy policy. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of each third-party website or service that you visit or use, including those third parties with whom you interact through our Library services. For more information about these third-party links, please see the section of SFPL’s Privacy Policy describing Links to Other Sites.

The views and opinions expressed in programs presented by groups unaffiliated with SFPL do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SFPL or the City.