San Francisco Public Library

The San Francisco Public Library is a public library system serving the city of San Francisco. Its main library is located in San Francisco's Civic Center, at 100 Larkin Street at Grove. The first public library of San Francisco officially opened in 1879, just 30 years after the California Gold Rush. The San Francisco Public Library has non-circulating special collections and various exhibitions spaces throughout the building, which highlight archival treasures, including rare books, photographs, posters, manuscripts, and ephemera. The History Center serves as a repository for all aspects of San Francisco life and history, and will open an exciting new exhibition this week on the second floor. "Street Food: 1906 Earthquake Kitchens" will show "a city torn but banding together for survival and, as will be found with good food, even some pleasure in the face of disaster."