Last Updated: Aug 30, 2021     Views: 321

When the City and County of San Francisco experiences a smoke event, the Library continuously tracks the Air Quality Index (AQI) from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District via the airnow.gov website. When the air quality reaches Unhealthy levels (AQI of 151 and above), the Library activates our emergency closure plan for branch libraries because some of our facilities lack advanced mechanical ventilation systems.  

In the event of such an event, the following  seventeen  locations  will CLOSE: Anza, Bayview, Bernal Heights , Eureka Valley, Glen Park, Golden Gate Valley, Ingleside, Marina, Merced, Noe Valley, North Beach, Park, Parkside, Portola, Presidio, Sunset and Western Addition.   

The following branches with advanced mechanical ventilation systems will remain OPEN for normal hours of operation: Main Library, Chinatown, Excelsior, Mission Bay, Ocean View, Ortega, Potrero, Richmond, Visitacion Valley and West Portal.   

Please note that the following branches will simultaneously operate as Air Respite Centers: Main Library, Chinatown and Mission Bay.  

When a library closure occurs, SFPL adds an alert to its homepage and notifies patrons via email and social media. We also strongly suggest that all patrons stay informed by checking AirNow before making the trip to one of our locations or by signing up for AlertSF for real-time emergency alerts. Simply text your zip code to 888-777. Additionally, SF72.org, run by the Department of Emergency Management, is an excellent resource for regular condition reports.