Mechanics' Institute - San Francisco, California

Laura P.

The Mechanics' Institute is a fabulous cultural hub in the city of San Francisco. It has a fantastic selection of books, a chess club, wonderful people, movie nights, literary talks, and much more.

Camille R. G.

Great quiet place to study. Bask in the history and ambiance of many talented writers, inventors and thinkers who have made this their scholarly home in the city. They have discounts for student membership. Membership includes library access and invitations to members events e.g., speaker series.

Katrina L. C.

So I first visited to attend a guest lecture on world famous Grandmaster Shankland on Tues Jan 16. I know nothing about Chess but thought it was interesting, and even confirmed my desire to learn to plan. There was also an event the same day on "non-alcoholic beverage tasting." I would have gone to it but it was sold out.

I went back Jan 17 for the scheduled 1 hour tour of the library, and I am so glad. The painting in the lobby examples what they stand for - creativity, nature, spirituality, and humanity. I felt all of it and, truly, while there, I felt whole.

Shout-out to Alyssa, our tour guide who's soft spoken yet passionate tone made it joyful and easy to learn!

Everyone should check this special place out!

Mishi N.

Love this library! Definitely my favorite place to be a member of for all time! Even when I don’t utilize the facilities of much as I’d like to I still feel good supporting them for existing. But when I do use the place and check out the book’s regularly, the price for the service is the best deal in town!

Patrick L.

Nice building, and lots of potential. They offer an interesting tour of the building. Sadly, that’s where the positivity ends. As a library, they are unlikely to have what you’re looking for as the collections are limited and have many notable gaps in both reference and basic subject matter.

The philosophy behind the library is archaic, inspired by the library's questionable leadership - how could they possibly be 50 years behind? This retro library vibe carries over to staff, who seem to take great pleasure in yelling across the room for patrons to be quiet, recreating the atmosphere of a seventh grade study hall. These library staff appear to have transferred from my junior high school.

The collection is missing many local periodicals and basic reference materials. Perhaps most frustrating of all: poor technology. The library catalog is something out of the 1980s. The membership fee is maybe $100 per year and seems greatly overpriced relative to what they offer.

There is a place in the world for subscription libraries, but this is not that place. If you happen to enjoy chess, maybe it's worth the fees. If not, take a pass on this one.

Rafael V.

triple plus good library - very glad to have found this institution

David O.

Really cool historic library, and chess club.

Bali N.

A beautiful general interest private library ($120/yr) near Union Square offering a lovely environment to work or study in plus many interesting cultural events--the 2023 Le Jazz Hot Quartet concert I attended celebrating July 14th (France's national celebration, often called 'Bastille Day' in the US) was great as were all the authors' readings of their work; Adam Hochschild's "American Midnight" was particularly impressive. The library also hosts a CinemaLit series and has a chess club. Most events are free to members while others (such as some concerts) are discounted. The view of the spiral staircase looking down from the 4th floor is amazing.