Become a Member | Mechanics' Institute

Become a Member

Thank you for considering membership in the Mechanics' Institute!

Membership is open to all. Each category of membership offers the full services of the Library and Chess Room, special events, lectures, programs, and classes. Members receive the Institute's annual newsletter and may find the Mechanics' Quarterly online here or find print copies in the Library.

Prospective and new members are welcome to attend our weekly tour of the Library and Chess Room each Wednesday at noon. If you'd like to try out the Library before joining, daily and weekly passes are available — just come up to the 2nd or 3rd floors of the Library, or the Membership Office (Suite 504), or contact us at 415-393-0105 or membership@milibrary.org.

... a vibrant cultural oasis

Porter Shreve, San Francisco Chronicle

"It's a diverse environment: The people are different, the players are different — they all have their own quirks."

A member, quoted in the San Francisco Chronicle

... an egalitarian oasis in fast-changing S.F.

Sam McManis, The Sacramento Bee

I almost don’t want to write about this hidden gem for fear of ruining its pristine not-so-perfect perfection.

Matt Haber, San Francisco Chronicle

Benefits of Membership

All members receive:

  • Full use of the Library and its services, including online databases, ebooks, and more!
  • Free or reduced admission to cultural events, programs, classes, and book groups.
  • Access to the Chess Room and its tournaments and classes.
  • WiFi access throughout the Library, Chess Room, and 4th floor meeting room.
  • Membership privileges at other membership libraries.

Costs

Standard Memberships

Student

$65 per year

For students through high school and part/full-time students enrolled at any educational institution. College students must provide proof of current enrollment by either Student ID, or documentation of a current class schedule/transcripts.

Individual

$120 per year

For one adult.

Family

$180 per year

For family (up to two adults and their children under the age of 22) living at the same address.

Supporting Memberships

For Individual or Family/Household. The amount beyond the standard membership fee listed above is tax-deductible.

Associate

$300 per year

Additional benefits include:

  • 2 drink tickets to use at any program event
  • 4 complimentary guest passes to use at any program event (guest must register to have member register on their behalf)

Patron

$600 per year

Additional benefits include:

  • 4 drink tickets to use at any program event
  • 8 complimentary guest passes to use at any program event (guest must register to have member register on their behalf)

Benefactor

$1000 per year

Additional benefits include:

  • Reserved seating for events
  • One complimentary one-year membership to give as a gift
  • Invitations to exclusive receptions with guest authors with one complimentary signed copy of book
  • And more!

Please contact Jessica Neaves, Development Director, for more information.

We accept Mastercard and Visa.

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Identification
Parent/Guardian Information
If you are under the age of 18, please fill out this section.
Family Information
For family (up to two adults and their children under the age of 22) living at the same address.

Enter the full name of each child, separated by a comma (e.g. Charlotte Brontë, Emily Brontë)

Address

Include apartment/unit number, if applicable.

Contact Information
Other Information

College students must provide proof of current enrollment by either Student ID, or documentation of a current class schedule/transcripts.

Files must be less than 8 MB.

Allowed file types: gif jpg jpeg png bmp tif pdf.

Emergency Contact
Donation (Optional)
$

Donations must be at least $10 to cover processing costs.

Payment Information
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