Good reads can be found all around the city. You just have to know where to look.
It's a sensation indescribable when you stumble across a hidden gem. We're talking about the tiny libraries, reminiscent of birdhouses, tucked away in neighborhoods and stocked with free books. As if you've joined a secret group of lit-loving friends, you can borrow books and share your own.
Here's a 'hood-to-'hood guide of more than 20 Little Free Libraries (LFLs) in San Francisco.
The Sunset
Look for the red little library right off 45th. // 2618 45th Ave.
Pick up a seasonal novel and drop off one for someone else. // Judah St. and 43rd Ave.
Outer Sunset
Explore this literary hub nestled in the Outer Sunset. // Lawton St. and 35th Ave.
Fisherman's Wharf
This is one of the newest Little Libraries to join the growing numbers in San Francisco. // 440 Jefferson St.
Cow Hollow
This literary destination is usually brimming with young adult selections; it shoulders the residential area near two public schools. // 2118 Vallejo St.
Fillmore District
Operated and co-run by the Jewish Community High School, this red and blue library usually holds a diverse range of books. // 1835 Ellis St.
SoMa
This one is relatively new on the block, so be sure to take a book—and leave a book. // 40 Ringold St.
Duboce Triangle
Don't let this unassuming little library fool you—there's always a good novel or two nestled behind the plexi-glass door. // 482 Duboce Ave.
Mission District
Operated by Betsy Banneram, this much-loved little library stands at a child's height, right in front of her front garden. // 827 York St.
Right next to a Mission Pie, snag a book and swing by next door for a slice of inspiration. // 2901 Mission St.
A neighborhood talking point, you can always count on this library to be well-stocked and kept up nicely. // 1070 Hampshire St.
Bernal Heights
In the heart of Bernal Heights—a neighborhood known for respected poets and novelists—this library is a must-visit for any bookworm. // 324 Montcalm St.
Dogpatch
While it looks diminutive in size, it holds a healthy selection of books to choose from. // 509 Texas St.
Constructed by Kind Souls, a non-profit that helps create community equality, this library was created to inspire people to get off their phones and read. // 654 Pennsylvania Ave.
Westwood Highlands
You won't be able to miss this yellow library. // 414 Hearst Ave.
Stop by this all-natural redwood library your next read. // 755 Mangels Ave.
Richmond District
Boarding the Golden Gate Park, this is the ideal place to spend an afternoon with your newfound book. // Judah St. and 43rd Ave.
Sea Cliff
This was the very first LFL in San Francisco, and it's still up and running. // 25th Ave and Lake St.
Presidio
This LFL was constructed by urban youth wood-making group, Makers. // 63 Funston Ave.
Mission Terrace
While the SF city college library is just a block or so away, you can borrow from this LFL sans library card. // 783 Cayuga Ave.
Cole Valley
This small literary hub is right in the center of the Haight-Ashbury. // 271 Downey St.
West Portal
This Castro quirk is pink and pretty; and shouldn't be passed up. // 4380A 17th St.
Noe Valley
Being one of the taller libraries means more room for books. // 11228 Noe St.
