Anza Branch Library
🏢 San Francisco Public Library · Outer Richmond District, San Francisco
Anza Branch Library
Open seven days a week at the edge of the Outer Richmond, the Anza Branch Library is San Francisco's multilingual neighborhood hub — Russian and Chinese collections, free computers, and evening hours on Tuesday and Wednesday make it the go-to library for the diverse community along 37th Avenue.
🕑 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
The Anza Branch of the San Francisco Public Library has served the Outer Richmond neighborhood — a residential district stretching toward Ocean Beach where Chinese, Russian, and English are all spoken on the same block — since its dedication on April 10, 1932. The branch was designed by architect John Reid Jr. in Mission Revival style and built on the site of the former Lafayette School with funding approved by San Francisco voters in 1930; at a cost of $57,117 it became SFPL's 17th branch. The library maintains dedicated Russian and Chinese language collections reflecting the Outer Richmond's longstanding immigrant communities, alongside a full English collection and digital access to SFPL's more than one million items system-wide. Following a comprehensive seismic retrofit and expansion completed June 18, 2011, the branch gained sixteen new public computer stations, self-checkout kiosks, a dedicated Teen Area, and an accessible lower-level program room, while the original Mission-style exterior was preserved. Today the branch hosts regular family storytimes, Tai Chi sessions for adults, and a drop-in knitting circle, welcoming the neighborhood seven days a week.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Russian and Chinese language collections — books, audiobooks, and children's materials — serving the Outer Richmond's large immigrant communities
- Opened April 10, 1932 as SFPL's 17th branch; Mission Revival building by architect John Reid Jr. preserved through the 2011 seismic retrofit and expansion
- 2011 renovation added 16 public computers, self-checkout kiosks, ADA elevator, new restrooms, dedicated Teen Area, and a lower-level program room with a landscaped patio
- Open all seven days — including evening hours until 8 pm on Tuesday and Wednesday — making it accessible to working families and students
- Tai Chi Wednesdays (1:30–3 pm), Family Storytime Thursdays (10:30 am), and a Knitting Circle Fridays (3–5 pm) round out year-round community programming
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Anza Branch cardholders can borrow and stream free through SFPL's full digital library:
📚 Services
- Russian and Chinese language print collections (adult, teen, children)
- 16 public computer stations and free Wi-Fi
- Self-checkout kiosks
- Dedicated Teen Area with computers and seating
- Lower-level program room for community events
- ADA-accessible entrance and elevator (added 2011)
- Staff fluent in English and Cantonese Chinese
🎸 Programs
- Storytime for Families — Thursdays 10:30–11:30 am (babies, toddlers, preschoolers)
- Tai Chi — Wednesdays 1:30–3:00 pm (adults, all levels)
- Knitting Circle — Fridays 3:00–5:00 pm (adults)
- Teen programming (periodic crafts and creative activities)
📍 Nearby San Francisco Public Library Branches
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in San Francisco · Browse all California libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the Anza Branch by Muni, and is there parking nearby?
The Anza Branch at 550 37th Avenue is served by several Muni bus lines. The 38 Geary and 38R Geary Rapid run east–west along Geary Boulevard and stop within a short walk. The 31 Balboa and 5 Fulton also serve the area. On-street parking is available along 37th Avenue and surrounding blocks; the branch has no dedicated parking lot, so Muni is the easiest option.
What Russian and Chinese materials does the Anza Branch carry?
The branch maintains dedicated collections in both Russian and Chinese, including adult fiction and nonfiction, children's books, and some audiobooks. These reflect the Outer Richmond's significant Russian and Chinese-speaking communities. SFPL cardholders can also borrow Russian and Chinese eBooks and audiobooks through Libby at sfpl.overdrive.com, and Mango Languages — free with any SFPL card — offers Mandarin, Cantonese, and Russian language-learning courses.
What programs does the Anza Branch offer for young children and families?
The branch hosts Storytime for Families every Thursday from 10:30 to 11:30 am — an all-ages drop-in program with books, songs, and movement for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. Additional seasonal children's programming is listed on sfpl.org/events. The lower-level program room is used for workshops and larger events throughout the year.
Can I borrow e-books and stream movies using my SFPL card at the Anza Branch?
Yes — any SFPL library card (free for California residents) unlocks the full digital library. Borrow eBooks and audiobooks with Libby at sfpl.overdrive.com, stream 30,000+ films free on Kanopy at sfpl.kanopy.com, and borrow digital comics, music, and more on hoopla at hoopladigital.com. Mango Languages for language learning and LinkedIn Learning for professional courses are also free with your card.
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