San Francisco Main Public Library

Must-see attractions nearby: Golden Gate Bridge Alcatraz Island Golden Gate Park Japanese Tea Garden Chinatown Palace of the Legion of Honor Palace of Fine Arts

A city library was founded in San Francisco as long ago as 1879, at first occupying rented rooms in Bush Street. It began to loan out books in 1880. The present Main Public Library, which supports 26 branches throughout San Francisco, stands where, in 1906, the fourth City Hall collapsed in the earthquake while in process of completion. Earlier still it was the site of the Yerba Buena cemetery (before Yerba Buena was renamed San Francisco). Particularly noteworthy are two monumental murals by Frank DuMond in the reading and catalogue room; they depict scenes from California's pioneering days.