In Praise Of The Richmond District Library

The Richmond District/Senator Milton Parks Library!

You can't swing a backpack in this town lately without bumping into a street fair or a closed street ripe with pedestrians and cyclists.

But if you want to beat crowds and teriyaki sticks, the newly renovated Richmond District/Senator Milton Marks Branch of The San Francisco Public Library is a hidden gem.

It's located on the Corner of 9th and Geary and after a complete renovation is now finally open to the public.  The San Francisco Public Library has been going through a renaissance of sorts after a library improvement program was created almost ten years ago. This branch had some long overdue retrofitting and landscaping issues. After an extensive renovation project, the library is completely restored to its former glory (the space is almost a hundred years old). The front entrance is now beautifully ornamented with palm trees and benches for reading. The back entrance has a great playground for the kids and even has a large children's section inside full of books and activities. As far as the reading section goes, it's a bit small and austere, but it's well lit with plenty of skylights. There are also a few spacious study areas where you can find peace and quiet before that big exam. The library as a whole is mostly one room so there aren't a lot of smaller areas to get lost with your favorite book or periodical.

What the library lacks for in space is made up for in its historic charm which has been very well preserved by the renovation process. I stared at the high ceilings for almost five minutes enjoying the moldings...they were pretty extensive.

Any opportunity to take advantage of something free and enjoyable in these economic times should be taken! Enjoy San Francisco's public library system AND your tax dollars at work.