Dear Mission patron,
The renovation is nearing the finish line, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Mission Branch this fall.
We asked members of our team what they are most excited about, what they want to listen to on opening day and what features will make the biggest difference for you.
Here’s what Adriana, Marco, Saúl and Steph have to say:
What are you most excited about in the renovated branch?
Adriana: The program room! Having a dedicated space for programs will allow us to host way more events and potentially bring in new folks.
Marco: I'm excited to finally have a community room! It was always awkward having to close off half of upstairs when we had events, now we can have bigger events, and there's no need to disturb people who are trying to work or have quiet time!
Saúl: Four words: Mission’s new Teen space. As the branch’s Teen librarian, I’m hyped to steward Mission’s first ever dedicated Teen area, and I’m excited to work directly with local youth to develop the programming they want to see happen. SF teens don’t have a lot of spaces they can call their own, and I want them to know not only are they welcome here, but that SFPL has so much more to offer beyond books and school-related resources. It’s a place where you can find your own story, where you can find your you.
Steph: I am most excited to see the expansion of the community room. This space will open up so many opportunities for library programming, community events and collaborative projects with other organizations.
I am also really excited to see the stained-glass art that was commissioned for the Main Floor!
If you could pick one album from our new Vinyl Destination collection to play during the opening day celebration, what would it be?
Adriana: Karol G's Mañana Será Bonito. This album is equal parts wistful and hopeful and features collaborations with many notable artists, including fellow Colombian legend Shakira.
Marco: I would choose Abraxas - Santana. The Santana family are locals, we already have a mural of Carols right by the branch, and it is music that everyone can enjoy as there are songs in English, Spanish and bilingual.
Saúl: I’m going with Santana’s 1970 release, Abraxas, an inarguably classic album replete with timeless Chicano bangers like “Oye Cómo Va,” “Se a Cabó,” and “Samba Pa Ti.” As a native San Franciscan with Mexican American roots, Abraxas is part of the soundtrack of my life, and when I consider the neighborhood’s historical and present-day link to the Latinx diaspora, Abraxas is the clear-cut choice.
Steph: Abraxas album by Santana! However, if another staff already chose this, then I would also pick the Buena Vista Social Club LP, titled after the ensemble itself.
What improvement or new features will make the biggest difference for patrons?
Adriana: More space overall for patrons will make a huge difference (larger bathrooms!) and will allow patrons to get what they need faster and feel more comfortable in our building.
Marco: Having a dedicated and somewhat separated space for teens is huge! In the past, teens were always in an awkward limbo: too old for the kids area, too loud for the adult area. I feel that having their own space will result in more local teens using the library as there is finally a space where they can be themselves!!
Saúl: While the Teen space, a modern-day HVAC system, a larger community room, and additional restrooms are undoubtedly important, I think the biggest improvement for our patrons would simply be having a real public library branch with a good-sized collection back open in the neighborhood again. Don’t get me wrong, the Mission Temp Site has served a useful purpose, but the patrons in our community deserve more, and I know we’re all counting the days until we finally reopen.
Steph: A newly built teen space is going to make a huge difference for teen engagement. Teens will have their own dedicated space to come together and access library services.