Discover THE MAIN°, a virtual 360° video series offering an insider's look at the SF Public Library.
From the City Archivist's table, rocking out with teen musicians, to thrilling bookmobile rides spreading joy across the city, these full-circle immersive videos invite viewers to explore our shared memories of place and discover how our public libraries play a pivotal role in nurturing community and cultural heritage beyond its shelves.
Presented in partnership with the San Francisco Arts Commission and the SF Public Library.
You can access these videos on YouTube across various devices with different interaction methods (available in 4k resolution)
In 1979 Ruth Morgan created a visual arts photography residency program at San Francisco County Jail. Morgan eventually became the coordinator of the California Arts Council’s multi-disciplinary arts grant at the jails, expanding the arts programming to include creative writing, painting and drawing, journalism and performance. The work created for nearly 30 years was shared with the public via exhibitions and performances. This archival collection includes hundreds of photographs by Morgan documenting inmate life and art projects in the San Francisco County Jail from the late 1970s-early 1990s. In addition to the visual materials, there are chapbooks, posters and broadsides about the Art from Jail projects. The series of photos displayed is entitled “San Francisco County Jail #3, San Bruno, California, 1979-81.
We paired selections from the Ruth Morgan Collection with the multi-talented musician Eddy Munji III and his soulful jazz twist of “Doon Pa Sa Amin”, a popular Filipino folklore about the inhabitants of a mythical town, San Roque, often employed metaphorically to convey that people and places are not always as they present or appear to be.
The San Francisco History Center is a treasure trove of resources, housing an extensive research collection encompassing books, periodicals, photographs, maps, posters, archives, manuscripts, and ephemera, meticulously chronicling every facet of the city's vibrant history. As the official archives for the City and County of San Francisco, it safeguards the invaluable records of this iconic city. Join us for a unique opportunity to witness City Archivist Susan Goldstein in action, as she processes a remarkable new donation from a five-generation Chinese family, whose San Francisco journey began in the 1850s. It's an exclusive invitation to a front-row seat in uncovering the tales that have woven the tapestry of this remarkable city's past.
The San Francisco Punk Archive is a dedicated repository celebrating the vibrant punk music and cultural movement in the San Francisco Bay Area during the late 1970s to the mid-1980s. Within its collections lie a treasure trove of artifacts including flyers, posters, zines, photographs, and various ephemera that vividly capture the essence of the bands, venues, concerts, and happenings that were instrumental in shaping the underground scene of that era. Spotlighted within the archive are Tuxedomoon, the Avengers, the Sleepers, and Frightwig. Thanks to generous contributions from the community, the archive is constantly expanding. The showcased items on display here represent just a glimpse into the vast and diverse assortment of materials available within the San Francisco Punk Archive's extensive holdings.
The Mix at SFPL is a vibrant, teen-designed space spanning 4,770 square feet, encouraging youth aged 12-18 to explore digital media, computer skills, and traditional library resources through collaboration with organizations like BAVC, the California Academy of Sciences, and KQED. In partnership with the San Francisco Rock Project, the library has been offering youth-led music performances and free lessons to children and teens for almost a decade.
Experience a backstage pass and front-row seat at The Mix and rock out alongside the current members of SF Rock Project’s House Band. Be sure to check out the other 360 videos for music created by teens and recorded in the studio at The Mix!
SFPL’s bookmobile fleet is a joyful force across San Francisco, bringing the library to people where they work, learn, and play. From schools to senior residences and community events, the mobile outreach team is there with a diverse array of library materials and engaging programs. You'll find them at major civic and cultural events throughout the year, and each bookmobile serves a unique purpose. The Library on Wheels caters to older adults with accessibility and a nostalgic radio ambiance, the Green Bookmobile promotes eco-friendliness and diverse collections, and the TechMobile offers hands-on tech experiences while the YouthMobile is a dedicated resource for children, often featuring librarian-led storytimes. Their mission: to spread the joy of reading and learning to every corner of the city.
Music accompanying you along on your 360 bookmobile journey through our beloved city is made by teen musicians and recorded in their studio at The Mix at the SFPL.
(Note: Teaser trailer is in 1080x1920 format simulating 360degree)
World Premiere
October 19, 2023
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
San Francisco Main Library
100 Larkin Street, 4th Floor Art
Music & Recreation Center Exhibit Space
San Francisco
Presented in partnership with the San Francisco Arts Commission and the San Francisco Public Library. Chan is one of the current artists participating in the SFAC Artist in Residence Program. Launched in 2015, this program builds partnerships with City Departments in order to provide unique artist residencies that result in strengthening the value of artists participating in and responding to the advancement of civic dialogue.