SFCB's programs and activities focus on the history, artistry, and continued presence of books in our culture. By fostering the joy of books and bookmaking, we highlight the enduring importance of those objects and crafts as a medium of self-expression. We're the home for Bay Area book artists, and the best place for makers from the wider community to discover book arts. Everyone is welcome here, from brand-new enthusiasts to experienced practitioners.
We offer more than 300 workshops annually, providing learning opportunities at all levels: from introductory classes to focused mastery-level courses. These span the range of letterpress printing, bookbinding, and Risography techniques, as well as related arts. After a certification process, students can join our Studio Access program, which offers subsidized rental rates on the equipment in our studios so they can continue to make self-directed work.
Exhibitions at San Francisco Center for the Book inform and inspire visitors while our events include opening receptions, gallery talks, tours, open houses, mixers, and more.
Our Artist & Imprint Programs highlight the best work from local, national, and international artists. Our Tours & Groups offerings invite visitors to experience SFCB in myriad ways, from corporate teambuilders to private lessons for specialty instruction.
The Center of a Book
The first of it’s kind on the west coast.
Mary Austin and Kathleen Burch, Founders of the San Francisco Center for the Book, recognized a growing need in San Francisco, the Bay Area, and on the West Coast for a facility specifically designed and equipped to support the appreciation, teaching, and creation of book arts. The San Francisco Center for the Book was incorporated in March of 1996 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
THE GRAND OPENING
The grand opening celebration on July 30, 1996, of the first location of San Francisco Center for the Book on De Haro Street between 16th and 17th Streets, along an old railroad line in the Potrero Hill District, attracted an overflow crowd of more than 400 people. That first workshop season consisted of 64 students and a dozen classes.
NORTHWARD BOUND
By 2002, with the renaissance of book arts picking up steam, San Francisco Center for the Book moved to the north end of the same building, to larger accommodations that included a view of an old railcar next door, to house an ever-growing collection of bookbinding and letterpress equipment, tools, and type. To meet public demand, this move also provided space for more and larger workshops.
ACROSS THE TRACKS
In early 2013, the San Francisco Center for the Book moved to a 7,000 square foot space just around the corner and across what used to be railroad tracks, to the Rhode Island Street side of the same block, in what is now known as the Do.Re.Mi (DOgpatch-PotREro-Hill-MIssion) Design and Arts District, surrounded on all sides by galleries, art studios and other arts organizations in a hub of art and design studios, galleries, and technology firms. The move to the larger space space allowed San Francisco Center for the Book to expand to include an exhibition gallery sitting aside the print studio, a platemaking lab, a separate bindery, arts and crafts room, and administrative offices.
The present and the future.
Currently offering hundreds of workshops each year, and serving thousands of students, book arts enthusiasts, and community members each year, SFCB has never been stronger.
In addition to workshops, SFCB presents exhibitions and events, hosts special visits and hands-on demonstrations, and much more. Plan your visit today!
Meet the Team
Board of Directors
Plan Your Visit
We’re open to the public Wednesday–Sunday from 10 am–4 pm.