News Release

Mayor Gavin Newsom, Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi, City Librarian Luis Herrera and members of the community will open the doors to the newly renovated Sunset Branch Library on March 31. Lion dancers, musicians and children’s entertainers will join in the celebration, which begins at 1 p.m.

Located at 1305 18th Avenue, Sunset is the third branch to be renovated under the Branch Library Improvement Program, which is funded by a $105.9 million bond measure passed by voters in November 2000. This neighborhood treasure closed on Sept. 23, 2005 to undergo a much-needed upgrade. Visitors to this historic Carnegie library will enjoy a revamped children’s area, distinct teen area, new program room, improved flooring and lighting, new public restrooms, an after-hours book drop, more computers, free WiFi access to the Internet and new furniture, shelving and materials displays. Behind-the-scenes improvements include a new roof and better staff work areas. Project costs totaled $1.5 million.

San Francisco-based architects Fougeron Architecture took great care to preserve the architectural beauty and historic character of this landmark library. The historic nuances of the building—terra cotta façade, windows, woodwork, ceilings—were enhanced and all improvements are consistent with the original architecture. The project was managed by San Francisco’s Department of Public Works.

Built in 1918, the Sunset Branch is one of the oldest buildings in the San Francisco Public Library system. In 1992, the branch was seismically retrofitted and made fully accessible with a ramp and an elevator.

Friends of the San Francisco Public Library has been working in partnership with neighborhood residents and community groups over the past two years to raise funds, awareness and support for the branch improvements. The Sunset Library Campaign Committee has raised $50,000 to pay for furnishings, fixtures and equipment at the branch—expenses not covered by the bond.

Library programs continued to be held even while the branch—the system’s third busiest—was closed. Special thanks to Sunrise Residence and the Jefferson School Childcare Center for letting the Library hold preschool Storytimes and Lapsits in their facilities, and to Andronico’s and Jefferson Elementary School for hosting the Bookmobile during the renovation. Also, thanks to Kaleo Café for welcoming the monthly Adult Book Club.

For more information about the Sunset Branch Library’s opening celebration, please call (415) 557-4277, or visit www.sfpl.org.

We voted to renovate and build new branch libraries across the City.
It's happening!