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Mechanics' Institute
Library and Bookstore
Downtown San Francisco-Union Square, San Francisco
"Check out the beautiful spiral stairway."(2 Tips)
"Take the free tour on Wednesday's at noon! Cool old building and looks like..."(2 Tips)
"150-year-old boutique library and the longest running chess club."(2 Tips)
"Absolutely amazing architecture"(2 Tips)
15 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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Ali DagliApril 10, 2017How can one go wrong with 150-year-old boutique library and the longest running chess club. Probably my most meaningful membership in the city.
Great place to read, work and think. A true SF gem. Open 7 days a week, closes at 9 pm Mon - Thurs.
- Take the free tour on Wednesday's at noon! Cool old building and looks like a real library. Cozy leather chairs and polished brass. Very nice staff too. Read more
Jess LMarch 15, 2016Great public (and free) tour every Wednesday that is an interesting look at SF history.
Parker HApril 29, 2012The oldest library on the West Coast and the oldest chess club in the US. Take the free tour on Wednesdays at noon.
The architecture is beautiful but this place is kinda depressing. Old people that are still racist that move away when you sit. Homeless folks who hang out not even to read. It just feels sad.
Incredible all you can eat pasta on Tuesdays. Don't miss it.
The Bold ItalicMay 31, 2011This library has comfy chairs, movie screenings, lectures with bigwigs, chess and wine tasting events. Read more
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Mechanics' Institute
57 Post St (Btw Kearny St. & Lick Pl.)
San Francisco, CA 94104
United States
San Francisco, CA 94104
United States
Open until 9:00 PM (Show more)
- Mon–Thu
- 9:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Fri
- 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
- Sat
- 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Sun
- 1:00 PM–5:00 PM
(415) 393-0101
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Places inside Mechanics' Institute
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- 8.5
"Zines from the 90s Mission, history of shopping malls, space design magazines, the Whole Earth catalogs. No "check out" so bring a digital camera or find the books on the Internet Archive. Viva SF!"
Lindsay Eyink - 6.1
"Quiet study spot"
Bennett W Wong - 7.0
"New public library. Close to BART public transportation. You can use a bunch of computer terminals. Free wifi. Excellent kids section."
Holger Lüdorf
Places people like to go after Mechanics' Institute
- 6.4
"Conveniently located in the financial district ...lots of restaurants and different cuisines to try out"
Prabhath Jayawardena - 8.5
"Great for breakfast food! Breakfast served until 10pm, my kind of place. Very interesting interior as well."
Justin McKissick - 7.8
"Great place to work or have meeting. There's free wifi and good coffee"
Emilie Elice-Label
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