Where I write, number four

San Francisco Public Library, Main Branch



So this is my newest haunt to add to the mix'o'writerly places. The main branch is quite a handsome facility, recently renovated with lots of nice amenities though there seems to have been some odd choices in navigation logic which sometimes involves having to go down a floor before you can go up another floor. Still, it's becoming a winner in my book.


Details: Main branch of SF Public Library, next to Civic Center, BART station, and not too far a walk away from Saigon Sandwich. Multiple floors with long tables, light and outlet for each chair, private glass enclosed "study rooms" available, carrels in the windows, free wifi


Pros: Huge, well lit, clean, modern comfy worktables with great lighting, good chairs, lots of room and floors, room stretch out work. Nice airy options in the window. Air conditioned which is helpful on the hot days of September. Close to BART. No obligation to purchase anything. Interesting diaspora of people.


Cons: You can't officially bring food in, but I snuck sips of my Coke Zero while sitting in the more secluded carrel. Had to walk down a floor, laptop in hand, to pee. Interesting diaspora of people occasionally have a touch of an odor.

Misc: While working at a carrel, there was an old voice that would periodically complain about something from down the hall. I was never sure whether she was talking to herself or someone else and decided to follow a "do not engage" policy. The sentence I remember hearing (imagine older, weaker, smoke-affected voice): "Is he going to stay there all day? I think I'm going to vomit."