The new 9,945 Visitacion Valley Branch Library replaces one of the smallest facilities of the San Francisco Public Library system and features a prominent corner entrance; separate children, teens and adult spaces; a new program room accessible after hours for community use; a study room; outdoor patios; and different roof heights with acoustical treatment to create quiet spaces. The project received LEED Gold certification.

The Sunset Renovation was completed on March 31, 2007. Sunset Branch opened on March 25, 1918 and was the eighth branch in the San Francisco Public Library system. Its location, at 18th Avenue and Irving Street, was formerly the site of an old barn which had become quite a nuisance in the neighborhood because young boys used it for gun practice. Sunset Branch is a Carnegie building designed by architect G. Albert Lansburgh and cost $43,955. It is a two story structure, italinate in design, built of concrete frame and reinforced masonry.

The existing two-story historic Carnegie Funded library is a Classic Revival design by architects Bliss & Fayville and constructed in 1914. The existing building is centered on a 240’ x 150’ site spanning the block between 9th and 10th Avenues, mid block between commercial districts Clement Street and Geary Boulevard.

As part of the bond measure overwhelmingly passed by the voters in November 2000, the San Francisco Public Library is renovating the Presidio Branch Library. We plan to remodel the interior and preserve its historic character.

Renovation highlights include two new restrooms downstairs & a family restroom upstairs, a designated Teen Area, Children’s Room with interactive learning features, more computers, improved downstairs Program Room, new pendant light fixtures, exterior façade & stairs restoration, and more functional and ergonomic staff work areas.

The renovation priorities include making the branch seismically safe, fully accessible, and technologically updated. Both the community and staff areas were renovated to improve the functonality of the space. The renovation included the installation of an elevator and new public restrooms. The addition of a second floor provides more public space with views of the City skyline.

The new branch is one story high and approximately 6,300 square feet. Highlights include expanded collections of books, CDs, DVDs, and other materials, a program room with after hours access for community meetings, a larger children's area, a variety of seating choices, wireless access to the internet, a new garden area, and an increased Chinese language collection. The Friends of the San Francisco Public Library are raising funds from private donations for new furniture, fixtures, and equipment for the branch library. The new Portola Branch is included in the BLIP Arts Master Plan.

As part of the bond measure overwhelmingly passed by the voters in November 2000, the San Francisco Public Library is renovating the Parkside Branch Library. We plan to make it seismically safe, fully accessible and technologically updated, while enhancing its unique character. Renovations included a small addition, new accessible restrooms, improved public and staff spaces, a designated Teen Area near the courtyard, more computers, better lighting, and new & refinished furniture, shelving, and materials displays.

As part of the bond measure overwhelmingly passed by the voters in November 2000, the San Francisco Public Library renovated the Park Branch Library.

The new 9,300 Ortega Branch Library, adjacent to a Public Works designed playground, includes a green living-roof; a beautiful view to the Pacific Ocean; a program room with sliding glass walls that can be opened for larger programs; an adjacent outdoor terrace; a large reading area; distinct children’s and teen spaces; drought-tolerant and native species landscaping; bioswales to capture water from the roof for use onsite; and maximum use of natural light. LEED Silver certification or greater is expected.

The new North Beach Branch Library opened on May 10, representing the 24th and final branch library to be built or remodeled through the Branch Library Improvement Program, primarily funded by a $105.9 million, voter-backed bond measure approved by voters in 2000. The new library is located at 850 Columbus Ave. at the corner of Lombard Street.