Social: Ink & Archives: Tattoo Inspiration from the Stacks

Thursday, 11/6/2025
6:00 - 7:30
San Francisco History Center Exhibit Space - 6th Fl
Main Library

100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
United States

415-557-4400

Step into the Library’s hidden vaults of inspiration. For one evening only, rarely seen treasures from our reference-only collections will be on display—art books, botanical prints, ship diagrams, landmark photographs and more. These gems offer striking motifs and untapped ideas for tattoo artists, designers and anyone drawn to the art of ink. 

Collections on Display 

  • Art & Typography: Ornate letterforms, historic typefaces and specimens  
  • Botanical Prints: Exquisite flora, foliage and insects captured in fine detail 
  • Ship & Nautical Imagery: Vintage diagrams, maps and maritime scenes evoking journeys across time 
  • Landmark Photographs:  Unique images of the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, Sutro Tower and beyond 
  • Etchings & Symbolic Imagery: Files featuring allegorical figures, mythical creatures and layered symbolism 

Move between two spaces—the 4th Floor Art, Music & Recreation Center and the 6th Floor outside the San Francisco History Center / Book Arts & Special Collections. Drop in, sketch freely, and talk with archivists and artists about bringing archival and rare book imagery into new creative work. 

No RSVP required. 

This program is presented in connection with Living Tattoo Traditions: American Irezumi and Beyond, on view in the Jewett Gallery, Oct 2, 2025 – Mar 1, 2026.

Environment & Nature

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

Art, Architecture & Photography

Learn from world-class designers, artists and experts in their fields. 

Typography and Calligraphy

Attend programming, lectures and workshops on the art, design and function of lettering.

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.