Mission Bay Branch Issues Most Library Cards in San Francisco

BY VIVIEN WANG

Located near the corner of Fourth and Berry streets, Mission Bay library— which opened on July 8, 2006—is the San Francisco Public Library’s (SFPL) youngest branch. With almost 36,000 visits last year, it issues the most new library cards in the system, averaging about 300 passes a month, compared to roughly 50 at other branches.

Patrons are attracted by convenient access to the K, T and N Muni lines, and an airy interior that features large windows with views of Mission Creek. In addition, the branch offers a solid programming suitable for an array of ages.

Jana De Brauwere joined the library as branch manager last July. A 10-year SFPL veteran, she was the Russianspeaking adult services librarian at the Richmond branch previously. She’s proud of Mission Bay’s diverse offerings, which include popular Storytime on Tuesday mornings; yoga classes on Wednesday evenings; and book and knitting clubs for adults. Activities are held in the library’s large programming room, adjacent to an outdoor patio that’s often used when the weather is nice.

“The Mission Bay branch is back in business with in-person programs for all ages,” she said. “In the age of A.I., I feel that the role of the community library is