Get Started

1. Go to Articles & Databases , or click the above icon to go directly into the My China Roots database then skip to Step 4.

2. Filter by Letter "M".

3. Scroll down to My China Roots then click the access link.

4. Log in with your 14-digit card number without spaces or dashes and PIN/password. (Reset PIN/password .)

5. Selecting English or Chinese, type the First Name, Last Name and Place to find ancestry records then click the Search button. You can also by Full Text, Sources or Advanced Search.

If you are experiencing a technical problem (non-Library card issue) with Peterson's Test Prep, please contact Gale Technical Support .

Get Started

1. Go to Peterson's Test Prep , or simply click the link. This link also appears on the eLearning  page under Test Preparation.

2. If you're accessing this resource from outside the Library, log in with your 14-digit card number without spaces or dashes and PIN/password. (Reset PIN/password .)

3. Click the Log In or Sign Up button. (This is located in two areas of the website.)

Some materials are not immediately accessible and must be requested in advance, in order to give us time to retrieve them. Please allow up to 24 hours, though it is usually sooner. If contact information is provided, we will notify you when your materials are available.

The San Francisco Main Library provides a free obituary search service for up to 10 names per month.

We perform searches only for persons whose obituary appeared in San Francisco newspapers.

Please see additional details and fill out the form here to submit your request: SFPL Obituary Search Request Form .

What's happening?

In April 2023, the OverDrive app will be discontinued. OverDrive encourages you to make the switch to Libby, its newer reading app. Libby is made by the same people, with the same goal of connecting you to your favorite books and audiobooks.

Download Libby for free from your mobile device's app store or visit online at libbyapp.com to get started.

Why is this happening now?

Career Pathways (CAPathways) is a workforce development program of the California State Library.

All Are Welcome

[Image: All are Welcome]Residents of California may receive a free library card. A San Francisco Public Library card opens the door to a world of information and entertainment. In addition to borrowing books , LPs , and museum passes , your card allows you to download digital media , use electronic databases , take online classes , use library computers and printers to copy, scan, and fax  and more. 
Online Application