We thought it was about time we checked in with the Park Branch Library on Page to see what they've got going on. Turns out, there's a lot. Branch manager and children's librarian Benjamin Cohen was kind enough to tell us a bit about the programming they've got going on these days. 
Most of the library's programming is geared toward growing its relationship with kids and families. "We've got a hugely underutilized resource here," Cohen told us, explaining that kids have access to an enormous work and play space, complete with computers, games, and of course, books. They've got a ton of kids' programming, with everything from magic shows, to LEGO-building, to family matinees, a summer reading program (sponsored by, among others, Chronicle Books), and of course, storytime.
"We host four storytimes each week. Altogether, about 150 kids attend weekly, spread over the four events."
Cohen sees kids' programming as essential to keeping the library as a link in the greater education system in San Francisco. They even offer a special library card just for educators that doubles the amount of items a teacher can take out at any given time.
But it's not just kids' programming they've been growing. The library also has an enormous community room downstairs, where they hold film screenings, and host community groups and non-profits, like The Haight Ashbury Neighborhood Council (HANC), KUSF in Exile, and D5 Action. Homeless Youth Alliance, for instance, holds their weekly board game event there, from 2:30pm-4pm on Fridays.
Tonight, in the community room, they'll have a tie-dye workshop from 2pm-4pm. It's a hands-on tutorial for all ages. And the best part is that it's free.
We asked Cohen if there was anything he wanted people to know about Park Branch. His answer? "We exist."
The library has been in the same location since 1909, and yet, due to its inconspicuous front and location off the main drag, "nobody seems to know we're here," said Cohen. An underutilized resource, indeed.
So next time you find yourself with an afternoon to kill, head on over and check out the library's offerings, and check out a book, too.
