The San Francisco History Center collects manuscripts; organizational and personal papers; publications; maps and photographs and other visual materials that document the history of this City. Many important items have come to the San Francisco History Center through donations from the public.
Donation paperwork: Donors typically complete a Deed of Gift when donating material to the Library in which they hold copyright. For materials in which donors do not hold copyright, the Library will issue a Gift Receipt acknowledging the donation of physical items.
Appraisals: The Library staff cannot appraise donated items or collections, but can direct patrons to auction records and appraisers.
Monetary gifts: Monetary gifts are also accepted; please note “History Room / San Francisco History Center” when making a check payable to the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.
Contact: Interested persons should contact the San Francisco History Center staff by email at sfhistory.donations@sfpl.org or by phone at (415) 557-4567.