Hours
The Marjorie G. and Carl W. Stern Book Arts & Special Collections Center houses important research collections on printing history, calligraphy and lettering, wit and humor, little magazines and zines, early children’s books and several smaller collections. Some materials have not been fully catalogued: patrons are encouraged to consult with librarians about their research needs.The Center also sponsors a variety of exhibitions and programs on a regular basis.
If you are planning to visit please refer to our Guidelines for Using the Collection. You are invited to sign up for our newsletter. For further information about collections and services please contact us at (415) 557-4560 or bookarts@sfpl.org.
View Book Arts & Special Collections Gallery
Collections
- GRABHORN Printing Collection
- HARRISON Calligraphy Collection
- SCOWAH: Schmulowitz Collection of Wit and Humor
- FOX: Early Children's Books Collection
- LITTLE MAGA/ZINE Collection
- CA AUTHORS Collection
- PANAMA CANAL Collection
- Robert FROST Collection
- Sherlock HOLMES Collection
More About the Collections & Programs
- SFPL BookArts on Instagram
- BLOG: What's On the 6th Floor?
- VIDEO: Book Arts On Stage
- Subscribe to our monthly newsletter
- Browse this month's newsletter
Class Visits and Tours
We welcome class visits and tours of Special Collections. If you are interested in bringing your group to visit, please contact us at least two weeks in advance at (415) 557-4560 or bookarts@sfpl.org. Let us know the name of your organization or school, what aspect of the collection would be of interest to your students, how many people in the group and which days and times you are available to come to the library.
Information For Donors
Gifts and donations are important elements in the development of the collections. Interested donors should contact Book Arts & Special Collections staff for more information: (415) 557-4560 or bookarts@sfpl.org
Further Information
- A Brief History of the Department
- The Albion Press at the San Francisco Public Library
- Bay Area Book Arts Community CALENDAR
