Sutro Library (San Francisco)
Current Exhibit
The Rise and Fall of the Ottoman Empire Through the Lens of Sutro Library Collections, will explore the empire’s 600-year history (1299–1921). Spanning from Palestine and the Balkans to the Mediterranean, Europe, and Africa, the Ottomans rose to power as Imperial Roman Empire faded in the fifth century CE. Don’t miss this unique display, on view from January to April 2025.
Bay Area Genealogy Calendar
Featured Event: “WWI Records, Resources and Research Methods,” presented by the Sonoma County Genealogical Society on Saturday, March 15th at 12:30 pm. See Calendar for more details.
The Sutro Library (the State Library’s San Francisco branch) holds the original collection of Adolph Sutro (1830–1898), California businessman and San Francisco mayor. The library has a large collection of publications and items dating from the 13th to the 21st centuries as well as one of the largest genealogy collections in the U.S.
Adolph Sutro’s heirs donated his collection to the California State Library in 1913 with the requirement that the collection stay within the city of San Francisco. After operating in various locations for nearly a century, the Sutro Library moved to a permanent home at San Francisco State University in 2012.
What’s New
Missed our latest virtual event? Watch the recording of the presentation about Polynesian genealogy on our YouTube channel!
New online resource! Search the holdings for the Sutro Library’s telephone directories on microfiche covering the 1970s – 2000s through our new database!
Ghoulies, ghosties and long-leggedy beasties! Download and make our spooky coloring book part of your Halloween festivities (PDF).
In honor of our 100th year of serving the people of California, we invite you to color our collections! Download our anniversary coloring book (PDF).
Contact Us
San Francisco State University
1630 Holloway Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94132-4030
Days & Hours
Tuesday – Thursday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Some materials require advance notice to view. Make an appointment
Do you have a reference question? Use our Ask A Librarian service, which directs your inquiry to a California State Library staff member.