Anza Branch Library
🏢 San Francisco Public Library · Outer Richmond District, San Francisco
Anza Branch Library
Named for the Spanish explorer who identified the site of San Francisco's Presidio in 1776, the Anza Branch has served the Outer Richmond District since 1932 — offering an unusually strong Russian and Chinese language collection that reflects the neighborhood's deeply diverse immigrant roots.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10am–6pm |
| Tuesday | 10am–8pm |
| Wednesday | 1pm–8pm |
| Thursday | 10am–6pm |
| Friday | 1pm–6pm |
| Saturday | 10am–6pm |
| Sunday | 1pm–5pm |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 550 37th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94121
Phone: (415) 355-5717
Website: sfpl.org
Plus Code: 849VQGH3+C4 (San Francisco, CA)
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📖 About Anza Branch Library
Opened on April 10, 1932 as the 17th branch in the SFPL system, the Anza Branch was designed by architect John Reid Jr. and built on the former site of Lafayette School at a total cost of $57,117.29, opening with 11,823 books on its shelves. It sits at the western edge of the Outer Richmond District — a neighborhood shaped by waves of Russian, Chinese, and Irish immigration, bordered by Golden Gate Park to the south and Lincoln Park to the northwest. The branch takes its name from Juan Bautista de Anza (1736–1788), the Spanish military officer who, on March 28, 1776, identified the sites for the Presidio of San Francisco and Mission Dolores, the founding acts of the modern city. The building closed in May 2009 for a full renovation and reopened on June 18, 2011. Today it is a welcoming neighborhood hub offering bilingual English and Cantonese staff assistance, a notable Russian and Chinese language collection, community programs including family storytimes and knitting circles, and a free recovery and 12-step program book collection open to all.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Opened April 10, 1932 as SFPL's 17th branch — one of San Francisco's oldest continuously operating libraries, designed by architect John Reid Jr.
- Named for Juan Bautista de Anza (1736–1788), whose 1776 expedition identified the sites for the Presidio of San Francisco and Mission Dolores, giving rise to the city
- Notable bilingual collection of Russian and Chinese language print and audiovisual materials reflecting the Outer Richmond's longstanding immigrant communities
- Fully renovated and reopened June 18, 2011 after a two-year closure for building-wide upgrades
- Bilingual staff assistance in English and Cantonese; free recovery and 12-step program books open to all community members
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
SFPL cardholders stream, borrow and research free through San Francisco's digital collection:
📚 Services
- Free Wi-Fi and public computers with internet access
- Printing, copying, and scanning
- Bilingual staff assistance in English and Cantonese Chinese
- Russian and Chinese language print and audiovisual collections
- Free recovery and 12-step program book collection
- Children's and teen collections
- Interlibrary loan via Link+ network
- SFPL library card sign-up (free, same day)
- Ask a Librarian (in-person and via sfpl.org)
🎸 Programs
- Family storytimes for children and caregivers
- Adult knitting circles
- Tai-chi activity sessions
- SFPL system-wide summer and winter reading programs
- Homework help resources for K–12 students
📍 Nearby San Francisco Public Library Branches
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Juan Bautista de Anza, and why is this branch named after him?
Juan Bautista de Anza (1736–1788) was a Spanish military officer and explorer who led the first overland expedition from Sonora, Mexico to Alta California. On March 28, 1776, he identified the sites for the Presidio of San Francisco and Mission San Francisco de Asís (Mission Dolores) — the events that gave rise to the city of San Francisco. The Outer Richmond's Anza Street, and by extension this library, are named in his honor. The Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail traces his 1,200-mile route from Nogales, Arizona to the Bay Area.
Does the Anza Branch have materials in languages other than English?
Yes. The branch maintains a notable collection of Russian and Chinese language materials — both print and audiovisual — reflecting the Outer Richmond District's longstanding Russian and Chinese communities. Bilingual staff assistance in Cantonese is available at the branch. Multilingual eBooks in Chinese, Russian, and Spanish are also available system-wide through Libby by OverDrive.
When was the Anza Branch renovated, and what changed?
The branch closed in May 2009 for a comprehensive renovation and reopened on June 18, 2011. The original 1932 building designed by John Reid Jr. was preserved; upgrades addressed accessibility, technology infrastructure, HVAC, and the overall patron experience throughout.
What community programs run at Anza, and do I need to register?
Regular programs include family storytimes for children and caregivers, adult knitting circles, and tai-chi activity sessions. The branch also keeps a free shelf of recovery and 12-step program books available to any patron without registration. Program schedules and any registration requirements are listed on the SFPL events calendar at sfpl.org.
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