FoundSF

Unfinished History

San Francisco Public Library Noe Valley Branch ca. 1930s

Photo: San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library

The Noe Valley/Sally Brunn Branch Library was the seventh branch established in the San Francisco Public Library system. The first Noe Valley Branch building was located at 1308 Castro Street. Using a grant provided by Andrew Carnegie, SFPL built a two-story building with a Spanish-style facade of brick and terra cotta. It was completed September 17, 1916 at a cost of $45,499, including furnishings. The architect was John Reid, Jr.

During the 1970s, Noe Valley residents built a deck and a community garden adjacent to the library. During the 1990s, members of the neighborhood groups renovated the community room. Currently, the Noe Valley Garden Club is working on a project to redesign and refurbish the garden behind the branch.

In 2007/08 the branch was renovated. The branch was recognized for the renovation with the Governor's Historic Preservation Award. The renovated Noe Valley Branch has also been hailed for its green features - lighting, low-water plants, and the use of recycled plastic materials. Over the years, the Noe Valley community has contributed to the improvement and well being of the library.

Here's a photo of the Noe Valley library in 2025

Photo: LisaRuth Elliott