SAN FRANCISCO – Get outside with your local library during Climate Action Month. Over the pandemic, San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) found a public hungry to learn about the natural world. The interest has only grown bigger since SFPL returned to in-person events. In February, 150 attendees showed up in hopes of learning about how to adopt and care for carnivorous plants at the Mission Bay Branch.

To feed the fervor, SFPL is offering free events all April at its locations and on Zoom. Topics include conservation, gardening, plant swaps and poetry. The Library also has book clubs and special walking tours of our beautiful city. 

A special highlight is a “poetry-and-pollen program” at the Potrero Branch. Attendees are invited to write their own poem every Wednesday in April. This workshop, led by local poet E.K. Keith, will engage participants in writing focused on the environment, followed by an open mic in the garden.

Come visit SFPL during Climate Action Month and rediscover the importance and beauty of nature.

Plant and Seed Exchange

Saturday, April 1, 2023

11:00 – 12:00 p.m.

Bring a plant, take a plant, share cuttings, starts, bulbs, full-sized plants or seeds with your fellow gardeners. All types of plants are welcome: succulents, house plants, flowers, herbs, etc.

Audience: Adult

Location: Golden Gate Valley Branch, 1801 Green St.

 

Activity: Gardening

Saturday, April 1, 2023

11:00 – 12:00 p.m.

De-stress and garden with us on Saturdays, April 1, 8, 22 and 29. For ages 13–17.

Audience: Teen

Location: Merced Branch, 155 Winston Dr.

 

Presentation: The Great Blue Heron Colony

Saturday, April 1, 2023

2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Nesting at Stow Lake for 30 Years

Nancy DeStefanis presents slides of 30 years of Blue Herons at Stow Lake from 1995 to the present and screens the movie Great Blues of the Golden Gate. A question-and-answer session will follow.

Audience: Adult

Location: Merced Branch, 155 Winston Dr.

 

Workshop: Spiller, Thriller, Filler: How to Create Stunning Container Gardens

The Mission Bay Library Garden Club presents: Master Gardeners series

Sunday, April 2, 2023

2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Learn how to use the filler, spiller, thriller method of container planting. Create a gorgeous container garden that will carry you through summer, fall and early winter. This workshop, presented by Master Gardener Arete Nicholas, is geared towards all levels of gardener.

Audience: Adult

Location: Mission Bay Branch, 960 Fourth St.

 

Presentation: The Natural Presidio

A partnership with the National Park Service

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

2:00 – 2:45 p.m.

Learn about the flora and fauna of Ramaytush Ohlone land as well as modern and traditional uses of indigenous plants. For children and their families. 

Audience: Family, Elementary School Age

Location: Portola Branch, 380 Bacon St.

 

Workshop: Pollen - Poems for Planet Earth With Local Author E.K. Keith

Wednesdays in April, April 5, 12, 19, 26

6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Celebrate Poetry Month by writing your own poem every Wednesday in April. This workshop + open mic led by E.K. Keith will engage participants in a garden variety writing workshop focused on our environment, followed by an open mic in the garden.

Audience: Adult

Location: Portola Branch, 380 Bacon St.

 

Plant Swap

Saturday, April 8, 2023

10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Bring a plant, take a plant, bring your seedlings, divisions or cuttings to swap with other gardeners. All types of plants are welcome: succulents, house plants, flowers, ground covers or wild grasses. Bring cuttings, starts, bulbs or full-sized plants.

Audience: Adult

Location: Sunset Branch, 1305 18th Ave.

 

Activity: Gardening

Saturday, April 8, 2023

11:00 – 12:00 p.m.

De-stress and garden with us on Saturdays, April 8, 22 and 29. For ages 13–17.

Audience: Teen

Location: Merced Branch, 155 Winston Dr.

 

Plant Swap

Saturday, April 8, 2023

12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Bring your cuttings, seedlings or surplus harvest to swap with other gardeners. All types of plants welcome—please label if possible.

Audience: Family

Location: Ocean View Branch, 345 Randolph St.

 

Workshop: Vegetable Gardening in Containers

Saturday, April 8, 2023

1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Learn how to grow a variety of vegetables, herbs and even fruits on a patio, balcony or any small space using containers. We will learn about the types of containers, which plants to grow for your microclimate, as well as discussing soil needs and watering options.  

Audience: Adult, Family

Location: Richmond/Senator Milton Marks Branch, 351 9th Ave.

 

Presentation: "How I Built My Refillery Business" with Karen Chaw

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

From why and how it was started, learn what it means for The Daisy Refillery to be a Green business. In honor of Climate Action Month, we'll share Green business tips as well as demonstrate how we sell refills to promote reuse.

Audience: Adult

Location: Virtual Library

 

Become a Library Ranger

A partnership with the Candlestick Point State Recreation Area

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

3:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Join California State Parks Staff at the Visitacion Valley Branch Public Library and become a Library Ranger! Staff from Candlestick Point State Recreation Area will be hosting a storytime followed by crafts and an educational activity. For ages 5 and older.

Audience: Elementary School Age

Location: Visitacion Valley Branch, 201 Leland Ave.

 

Tour Presidio Nursery

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

10:00 – 12:00 p.m.

Visit the Presidio Nursery for a hands-on nature experience during Climate Action Month. Bring your plant questions for a tour of the nursery's greenhouses, and then as desired, stay and participate in some hands-on skill building.

Audience: Adult, Family

Location: Presidio Branch, 3150 Sacramento St.

 

Presentation: Eco-Friendly Pest Management and Gardening Practices

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Learn about Integrated Pest Management including how to build healthy soil, support beneficial insects, efficient watering and handling common pests without the use of toxic chemicals.

Audience: Adult

Location: Glen Park Branch, 2825 Diamond St.

 

Presentation: Forest Health and Resilience in Marin

A partnership with Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy

Friday, April 14, 2023

12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Learn about forest types in San Francisco Bay Area, the Marin Regional Forest Health Strategy and why resilient forests are important for a healthy ecosystem and community. Watch on SFPL’s YouTube channel.

Audience: Adult

Location: Virtual Library

 

Seed Planting

Friday, April 14, 2023

2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Select seeds and plant them in compact containers. Take home to nurture them and enjoy them as plants. For ages five and older.

Audience: Family, Elementary School Age

Location: Noe Valley/Sally Brunn Branch, 451 Jersey St.

 

Presentation: Muir Woods

A partnership with the National Park Service

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

4:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Listen to stories and a short history of Muir Woods as a National Monument. Learn about Coast Redwoods and fire practices of the Coast Miwok. For ages 5 and older.

Location: Visitacion Valley Branch, 201 Leland Ave.

 

Benji Jones, Vox reporter

A talk on climate change and biodiversity

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Benji Jones will speak about climate change and the ongoing loss of biodiversity. These planetary changes harm wildlife and humans, and he’ll describe scientific and policy responses to these challenges. It won't be all doom and gloom! His comments will be followed, time allowing, by Q&A.

Audience: Adult

Location: Virtual Library

 

Workshop: Upcycled T-Shirt Tote Bags

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Bring new life to a well-loved t-shirt by learning how to turn that t-shirt into a tote bag in a few simple steps. No sewing required. We will have short sleeved t-shirts available, but you are also welcome to bring your own to this program. Supplies limited. For ages 10 and older. 

Location: Excelsior Branch, 4400 Mission St.

 

Workshop: Library Rangers

Thursday, April 20, 2023

2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Become nature detectives with State Parks Staff for an hour of fun by reading a story, playing a game and making crafts. Contact (415) 822-8033 or email Candlestick@ports-ca.us for questions. 

Audience: Family, Elementary School Age

Location: Portola Branch, 380 Bacon St.

 

Presentation: Tree Frog Treks

Friday, April 21, 2023

2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Meet live animals and learn about the natural world around us with Mr. Science from Tree Frog Treks! Started by Chris “Mr. Science” Giorni out of the back of his pick-up truck in 1999, Tree Frog Treks has grown to be one of the leading science and outdoor education companies in the Bay Area.

Audience: Elementary School Age, Family

Location: Excelsior Branch, 4400 Mission St.

 

Activity: Youth Earth Day Art Show

Saturday, April 22, 2023

10:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Pick up an 11x17 sheet from the Library, create Earth Day-themed art and return it before 4/21 to join the Earth Day art show. Ages 18 and younger.

Audience: Family, Teen

Location: Marina Branch, 1890 Chestnut St.

 

Activity: Gardening

Saturday, April 22, 2023

11:00 – 12:00 p.m.

De-stress and garden with us on Saturdays, April 22 and 29. For ages 13–17.

Audience: Teen

Location: Merced Branch, 155 Winston Dr.

 

Activity: Seed Planting

Saturday, April 22, 2023

1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Select seeds and plant them in compact containers. Take home to nurture them and enjoy them as plants. For ages five and older.

Location: Ingleside Branch, 1298 Ocean Ave.

 

Ecosex Walking Tour

Saturday, April 22, 2023

2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Get off your computer and follow along with a gang of colorful, fun tour guides in this site-specific exploration, embodied experience and performative walk around Holly Park.

Audience: Adult

Location: Bernal Heights Branch, 500 Cortland Ave.

 

Workshop: Upcycled T-Shirt Tote Bags

Saturday, April 22, 2023

2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Bring new life to a well-loved t-shirt by learning how to turn that t-shirt into a tote bag in 5 simple steps. No sewing required. We will have a wide variety of short sleeved t-shirts available, but you're also welcome to bring your own to this drop-in program.

Audience: Adult, Family

Location: Marina Branch, 1890 Chestnut St.

 

Farm Animals Petting Zoo

Saturday, April 22, 2023

2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Get close up and hands on with friendly farm animals from Little Explorers Farm.

Audience: Family

Location: Ingleside Branch, 1298 Ocean Ave.

 

Professor Jorge E. Cuéllar on Water Issues in Central America

Monday, April 24, 2023

1:00 – 2:15 p.m.

Join us for a conversation with Jorge Cuéllar, Assistant Professor of Latin American, Latino & Caribbean Studies at Dartmouth College, who will offer a virtual talk on water issues in contemporary Central America.

Audience: Adult

Location: Virtual Program

 

Presentation: Sogorea Te' Land Trust, Indigenous and Woman-led

Indigenous Culture and Land

Thursday, April 27, 2023

4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Learn about the culture, history and current practices of the Lisjan (Ohlone) people with the Sogorea Te' Land Trust. This is a hybrid event. Registration is required for Zoom attendance. In-person attendance does not require registration; seats available first come, first served.

Audience: Family, Adult

Location: Excelsior Branch, 4400 Mission St.

 

Activity: Gardening

Saturday, April 29, 2023

11:00 – 12:00 p.m.

De-stress and garden with us on Saturday, April 29. For ages 13–17.

Audience: Teen

Location: Merced Branch, 155 Winston Dr.

 

Presentation: 350 San Francisco—SF's Climate Action Plan

Sunday, April 30, 2023

3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Join Elena Engel of 350 San Francisco for a discussion of local climate issues—what do we need to do and how do we fund it? Q&A follows presentation.

Audience: Adult

Location: Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Memorial Branch, 1 Jose Sarria Ct.

 

About San Francisco Public Library:

San Francisco Public Library is dedicated to free and equal access to information, knowledge, independent learning and the joys of reading for our diverse community. The library system is made up of 27 neighborhood branches, the San Francisco Main Library at Civic Center and four bookmobiles.