The San Francisco Center for the Book is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that fosters the joy of books and bookmaking, the history, artistry, and continuing presence of books in our culture and enduring importance as a medium of self-expression. We provide both a home for Bay Area book artists and a place where the wider community can discover book arts. Everyone is welcome here, experienced practitioners and newcomers alike. Over 300 workshops annually offer learning at all levels: from introductory to focused advanced courses spanning traditional bookbinding, cutting-edge printing techniques and experimental book forms. Exhibitions are designed to inform and inspire visitors. Free public programs include opening receptions for the exhibition program, poetry readings, book release parties for our publications, gallery talks, Open Houses and other community events like the annual Earth Day Extravaganza and Roadworks Street Fair.
Location, Hours and Amenities Location: 375 Rhode Island Street (between 16th and 17th Streets) San Francisco, CA, 94103. Contact: Phone us at 415-565-0545 during regular hours or e-mail inquiries to: info@sfcb.org. Hours: Workshops take place throughout the day. Check our schedule for details. Exhibitions can be viewed during regular hours: Monday - Sunday, 10 am - 5:30 pm and many evening hours when workshops are being run (call to confirm);
Special events are scheduled regularly. Check our schedule for details. Amenities: Street parking is available on evening and weekends, in the lot beside at the south end of our building Several cafes within a block are open during most workshop hours and there are many other nearby restaurants.- You'll find an ATM cash dispenser in the parking lot at the corner of 16th and De Haro Streets.
The San Francisco Center for the Book was co-founded by Mary Austin and Kathleen Burch, who recognized a growing need in San Francisco and the Bay Area for a facility specifically designed and equipped for the book arts. The first center of its kind on the West Coast, SFCB was incorporated in March of 1996 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Our grand opening on July 30, 1996, attracted an overflow crowd of more than 400 people. From our first season, with 64 students in a dozen classes, we've grown to more than 300 classes, events and exhibitions per year. In early 2001, we moved to a 4,000- square-foot space, including a large exhibition gallery overlooking our print studio, a platemaking lab, a separate bindery, and administrative offices. Currently, SFCB offers over 300 workshops and 30 free events a year. In addition to our workshops and events, we have a thriving artist in residence program, produce numerous Imprint Publications books every year, and collaborate with many local nonprofits, museums, and libraries. We also host special visits and hands-on demonstrations for students of all ages, teachers, librarians, corporate team building, collectors, visiting printers, artists, writers and designers.