Main Library (San Francisco) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids San Francisco Main Library |
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The library's exterior in 2008
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| General information | |
| Type | Public Library |
| Architectural style | Beaux-Arts Revival |
| Location | 100 Larkin St, San Francisco, California 94102 |
| Coordinates | 37°46′45″N 122°25′05″W / 37.7790861°N 122.4179848°W |
| Construction started | 1993 |
| Completed | 1995 |
| Opening | April 18, 1996 |
| Cost | $109.5 million |
| Owner | San Francisco Public Library |
| Technical details | |
| Floor count | 7 |
| Floor area | 376,000 sq ft (34,900 m2) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Pei Cobb Freed & Partners and Simon Martin-Vegue Winkelstein Moris |
| Developer | San Francisco Public Library |
The Main Library is the biggest library in San Francisco. It's part of the San Francisco Public Library system. You can find it in the city's Civic Center area. This important building helps many people learn and explore.
Contents
Building the Main Library
In 1986, a special group started planning a new main library. They wanted to build it next to the old library. Construction on the current Main Library began on March 15, 1993.
The project cost about $109.5 million. This money came from a special bond measure. The building was finished in 1995 and opened its doors on April 18, 1996.
From Old to New
The old main library building was damaged in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. After the new library opened, the old building was fixed up. It became the new Asian Art Museum.
The new library is much bigger than the old one. It has six floors above ground and one below. It is more than twice the size of the building it replaced.
What's Inside the New Library?
The new library is huge, covering over 376,000 square feet (34,900 m2). It has many modern features for visitors. There are more than 300 computer terminals for public use.
The library also has space for 1100 laptops. It even includes a special new section just for children. After the new library opened, more people started visiting. The number of library card holders also grew a lot.
A Discussion About Books
When the library moved to its new building, there was a discussion about how books were managed. Some people were concerned about how the library's collection was handled. There was also talk about changing from old card catalogs to new computer systems.
The library explained its choices regarding the collection. These changes aimed to make the library more modern and useful for everyone.
The Library in Movies
The San Francisco Main Library is so impressive that it even appeared in a movie! It was used as a filming location for the 1998 film City of Angels.
