Congratulations to Program Director Cathy Miranker and the dedicated staff of the ABC Initiative for successful completion of our youth education in the schools initiative (2005-2008). Our thanks to the Walter and Elise Haas Fund, The San Francisco Foundation and the Miranda Lux Foundation for their support. The initiative is now ended, but SFCB is planning new and exciting programs for youth, families and teachers in 2009. Check our website in December for more information.

The San Francisco Center for the Book is a place where kids, their families and their teachers can discover the pleasures of making books by hand. We feature a variety of programs in our print studio and bindery on weekdays or evenings. See our class offerings here.

Attention teachers: Although the ABC Initiative is now ended, tours and demonstrations at SFCB are still available for a fee. Programs are provided by experienced artists and can be arranged through the Center. Contact Executive Director, Dyana Curreri-Ermatinger at 415-565-0545 x 15 or by email with requests for any of the following:

Field Trips
A trip to the San Francisco Center for the Book makes a lively introduction to the varied arts and crafts that go into old-fashioned bookmaking. Our 60-minute visits give school children a chance to pull a letterpress print or create an inventive book structure. Please contact us at least 3 weeks prior to your request date to determine availability.

Workshops for Teachers
The Center offers workshops throughout the year that teach teachers a wealth of book formats to make with their students and suggest opportunities for using handmade books across the curriculum. See our class offerings here.

Family Days
These free, high-spirited events -- for kids ages 4-12 and family members -- are a great way to spend a weekend day. They feature lots of easy-to-make book projects. And they all use ordinary, readily available materials, so you can re-create the fun at home. The next Family Book Making Day session will be scheduled soon; check back for the date and details.

Teacher Open Houses
These occasional weekend events invite teachers to explore a variety of bookmaking projectsfor free. We think that after an hour or two, you'll be hooked! The next Open House for K-12 Teacher session will be scheduled soon; check back for the date and details.

Pricing & Policies for Field Trips
Time: 60 minutes; limited dates available
Ages: Maximum of 20 students; one chaperone per 10 children
Cost: $7.50 per student, per session
$100 minimum charge
Cancellation fee of $50 if the school calls off the visit less than one week before its scheduled date.

Pricing & Policies for Family Days
Free! The next Family Book Making Day session will be scheduled soon; check back for the date and details. Call 415-565-0545 x 10 to reserve a spot at these popular events.

Pricing & Policies for Teacher Open Houses
Free! The next Open House for K-12 Teacher session will be scheduled soon; check back for the date and details. Please register by calling 415-565-0545 x 10.

Contact us
We welcome your inquiries. 415-565-0545 x 15