Contact Us
Become a Member
Events Calendar
Library Catalog
Rent Meeting Space
Chess Club & Events
Online Databases
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Visit the Library

Our library, a Beaux-Art style architectural gem, houses 100,000 books, thousands of digital resources, and a rich archival collection.

Explore Our Library

100,000+

Circulating items for the general reader

Electronic Resources

e-books, e-magazine, and online databases

Chess Collection

Housing one of the largest collections in the U.S.

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Play Chess

As the oldest continuously operating chess club in the U.S., the Institute offers robust programming for all ages year-round.

Explore All Chess Offerings

Membership Benefits

Grandmaster-in-Residence Sam Shankland offers office hours, lectures, and classes at a discounted rate for members

Enjoy free or discounted tickets to tournaments and classes for players at all levels and scholastic events and camps

Gain access to one of the largest chess book collections in the U.S.

Engage in Our Cultural Programming

Mechanics’ Institute hosts author talks with acclaimed writers, discussion panels, writing workshops for the novice to experienced, book groups, classic film screenings, music, and more.

Explore All Cultural Offerings

Membership Benefits

Free or discounted admission to cultural events, including author talks, writers' and book groups, movies, and more

Access to historic library—perfect for work, study, or quiet reading

Free or discounted entry to chess tournaments, classes, and scholastic tournaments and events

Our Programs

Writers' Groups

A welcoming space for writers at all levels to explore storytelling, share resources, receive constructive feedback, and connect with a supportive literary community.

Learn more about Writers' Groups

Movies at Mechanics'

An ongoing series showcasing curated films from the 20th and 21st centuries, including Hollywood blockbusters, acclaimed documentaries, and standout independent films.

Learn more about Movies at Mechanics

Book Groups

Join a community through Mechanics’ Institute Book Groups for readers of mystery, world literature, translated works, Marcel Proust and more.

Learn more about Book Groups

Music Programming

Join a special evening in our historic library featuring music concerts ranging from classical to jazz to folk.

Learn more about Music Programming

Become A Member

Join as a new member today and receive 13 months of an annual membership in this time limited offer.  Explore our chess and literary events and access to our historic library.

Become A Member

Our Vision

Mechanics' Institute inspires people to explore, be curious, and express their creativity. We strive to cultivate knowledge, foster skills, and create meaningful experiences that nurture our community.

Our Mission

We create opportunities for people to enhance their lives by gaining meaningful knowledge, skills, and experiences, and to share ideas with one another.

Make a Gift Today

Giving to Mechanics’ Institute is not just supporting an organization, it’s preserving one of San Francisco’s most beloved cultural gems.

Donate Today

Event & Meeting Room Rentals

Mechanics' Institute is a non-profit cultural institution in San Francisco. Founded in 1854, we offer meeting and classroom spaces for rent. 

More Information

image used to highlight the event-meeting-room-rentals section.

Site photography by Greg Habiby