2025

SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) announces the opening of a powerful and provocative new exhibition, Living Tattoo Traditions: American Irezumi and Beyond opening Oct. 2, 2025 and on view through March 1, 2026. Through photographs and interviews with 24 artists in the Bay Area and beyond, a hand-painted mural and original artworks, video interviews, sculptures and hand-carved masks , the exhibition explores the unique way in which the art of the tattoo tells stories of identity, place and cross-cultural embodiment and experience.

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (Sept. 15, 2025) — Join San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) in celebrating 14 years of Rock! Play! Learn! with the annual all-ages music celebration, Tricycle Music Fest. Throughout October, families are invited to sing and dance along to weekly live performances hosted by SFPL across San Francisco, with a chance to win a special prize at each show. 

SAN FRANCISCO— Immerse yourself in the world of Sister Helen Prejean as she revisits her groundbreaking 1993 memoir, Dead Man Walking, and reflects on its adaptations into film and opera. San Francisco Public Library (SFPL), in collaboration with San Francisco Opera and Lumahai Productions, hosts a free public event, featuring Sister Helen Prejean and opera composer

SAN FRANCISCO – The Filipino American Center of the San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) will host an evening with Bay Area author Elaine Castillo in conversation with Jenny Odell on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 6 p.m. in the Koret Auditorium at the Main Library. The event is free and open to the public. 

 Join San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) this September and October for its ¡VIVA!: Latinx Heritage celebration! SF’s rich Latinx heritage is highlighted in a diverse array of exciting free programs for all ages, from crafts and music performances for children to author talks, film screenings and more. 

San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) is excited to announce the launch of its new Decodable Readers books, available starting August 18 at every SFPL branch location and the Main Library Children’s Center. This curated collection is designed to support children in developing essential reading skills through engaging and accessible materials.

In partnership with San Francisco District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey, San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) is proud to announce that the Read to Recovery program is now available at all Library branches. This initiative provides free-to-keep recovery program titles from Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, LifeRing and Refuge Recovery, along with supplemental and supportive volumes addressing various aspects of addiction and recovery.