After a year of renovations, the Park Branch Library at 1833 Page Street celebrated its Grand Reopening today. Many dignitaries were on hand to mark the event, including City Librarian Luis Herrera, Supervisors Ross Mirkarimi & Scott Wiener, State Senators Mark Leno & Leland Yee, State Assemblywoman & Speaker pro Tem Fiona Ma, Department of Puplic Works Director Edward D. Reiskin, SF Public Library Commision President Jewelle Gomez, and Friends of the SF Public Library Executive Director Donna Bero.
The Jugtown Pirates, the Monkey Butts, and performers from nearby Circus Center & Acrosports were on hand to provide entertainment.
The $2.9 million renovation was completed using funds from a $105.9 million bond measure passed by voters in November 2000, as well as $500,000 in private funds raised by the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library. It’s the 16th completed renovation out of 24 total projects.
The branch, originally opened in 1909 at a cost of $34,000, has been upgraded to meet silver LEED certification standards, including energy-efficient lighting, improved electrical and ventilation systems, sustainable linoleum flooring, and an energy-efficient heating system. It’s also been made fully ADA accessible with the addition of two restrooms downstairs and a power assist lower level entrance.
I ran into Peter Warfield of the Library Users Association, who said his group was instrumental in making sure the library preserved many of the historical aspects of the building. Although he’s happy to see the branch open again, he wishes they had done even more to preserve the original character of the library, such as restore the original wood floors and skylights, and keep the original wood surfaces of the 100-year old tables intact (the wood was replaced with linoleum).
If you’d like to check out the newly re-minted branch, the hours are:
Monday: 10 AM – 6 PM, Tuesday: 10 AM – 9 PM, Wednesday: 1 PM – 9 PM, Thursday: 10 AM – 6 PM, Friday: 1 PM – 6 PM, Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM, Sunday: Closed

Mayor Lee announces Park Branch Library Day and presents proclamation to City Librarian Luis Herrera & Branch Manager Cathy Delneo.

Assemblywoman Fiona Ma & State Senator Leland Yee present proclamation to Branch Manager Cathy Delneo & City Librarian Luis Herrera.

Official ribbon cutting. From left to right: Branch Manager Cathy Delneo, Department of Public Works Director Edward D. Reiskin, San Francisco Public Library Commission President Jewelle Gomez, Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, Supervisor Scott Wiener, Friends of the San Francisco Public Library Executive Director Donna Bero, City Librarian Luis Herrera, State Senator Mark Leno, Mayor Ed Lee, Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi.
Looks like a great celebration and wonderful space. Especially appreciate the photos of the old library. A lot of great pictures.
Also saw on another post that Capt. Kirk is keeping watch, which is always reassuring.