North Beach Branch Library

Located at the crossroads of North Beach with spectacular city views, the new branch library provides valuable community services to the diverse urban neighborhood and is the 24th and last project of the fourteen-year citywide library renewal program. As part of the re-envisioned Joe DiMaggio Playground, the library is a pavilion in the park and creates a civic lantern for the community. Built on a former triangle parking lot, the two-story building with double-height reading rooms has mid-block entries that connect to both Columbus Avenue and the expanded park at the new Mason Plaza. Generous glazing at the three corners of the building creates a series of urban lanterns, while smaller-scale openings connect to the park and Columbus Avenue. Responding to its spectacular site, the library orients and frames views to the neighborhood landmarks and iconic vistas. In keeping with the City of San Francisco’s commitment to a sustainable future, the North Beach Branch Library integrates sustainable design strategies and is on target for LEED Gold certification.