Become A Member

I support the Mechanics’ Institute because it provides a rich array of cultural programming that educates and inspires. I always look forward to visiting the beautiful, historic space in downtown San Francisco and engaging in interesting conversations. – Alex Gonzalez, Trustee

Becoming a member at Mechanics' Institute opens the door to a unique gathering place for readers, thinkers, and creators of all kinds. Join us in being a part of a vibrant community centered on learning, curiosity, and connection.

Benefits include:

• Reading and Writing Spaces: Members have full use of the Library and access to comfortable and accessible spaces to work, read, and study in a beautiful environment. 

• Collections: Members have access to the library's 110,000 volume collection, thousands of e-books and digital magazines, and research using scholarly databases, and archives and special collections.

• Reader Services: Our librarians will find just the right book for each member. With Library By Mail - Outreach Services library staff select books for members who are unable to personally visit and access the collection. 

• Member Rates for Programs And Events: Author Talks, Book Groups, Writers' Groups, Music at Mechanics, Movies At Mechanics, and special events.

• Member Rates for Chess: Tournaments, classes, and Scholastic Chess tournaments, camps, and classes.  

• Member Rate for Rentals: Members receive discounts on classroom and meeting room rentals.

• Reciprocal Privileges: Membership provides access to other historic membership libraries across the U.S. 

Membership Levels

Family | $225/year

For a family of two adults and their children under the age of 22 living at the same address.

 

Individual | $150/year

For one adult.

Student | $80

Student members must be 35 years or younger and enrolled full-time at an accredited educational institution.