Book Club of California

What you need to know

What Makes It Worth It

The library collection includes rare editions, fine press books, and works about California and the West that you won’t find in public libraries. The club hosts regular lectures, exhibitions, and events on typography, bookbinding, letterpress printing, and literary history, topics that attract a small but devoted audience.

Many events are open to the public, not just members. If you’re interested in how books are made (the physical craft of printing, binding, and design) this is one of the few places in San Francisco dedicated to that tradition.

The space is small and quiet. A visit takes 20-30 minutes to browse the current exhibition. Longer if you attend a lecture or event.

Skip this if book arts and printing history don’t interest you. This is a niche institution for a niche audience, and it doesn’t try to be anything else.

Visiting

Address: 312 Sutter Street, Suite 500, Union Square

Hours: Most weekdays, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM. Check their website for current hours and events.

Cost: Free for exhibitions. Some events may have fees. Membership available.

Best time to go: During a scheduled lecture or exhibition opening for the fullest experience.

What to know: Fifth floor of a Sutter Street building. Easy to miss from the street. Ring the bell.

Getting There

Transit: BART to Montgomery Station, 2-minute walk. Muni 2-Clement, 3-Jackson, or 38-Geary to Sutter and Kearny.

Parking: Union Square garage or Sutter-Stockton garage nearby.

Walking: Right in the Union Square shopping district, near galleries and the Theater District.