Outer Sunset is a deeply felt story about the intimate place where we revise, or live without, our dreams. Jim Finley—a recently retired English teacher living alone on the shifting edge of San Francisco—has been set, unwittingly, on the back porch of life. Trying to harmonize the voices in his head, he sits most days by […]
Join Mechanics' Institute for the finale of our 10 month NEA Big Read series inspired by the themes from Interior Chinatown by author Charles Yu. Throughout the year we explored themes of immigrant identities and assimilation, the elusive dreams of Hollywood, and the American Dream. We explored the vibrant community and traditions of Chinatown, forged new collaborations […]
with author Richard Schwartz A picaresque biography of immigrant and entrepreneur M.B. Curtis of San Francisco, whose claim to fame was on stage and in silent films, but also includes many extraordinary ventures. Winner of the 2018 Bronze IPPY for biography, The Man Who Lit Lady Liberty: The Extraordinary Rise and Fall of Actor M.B. Curtis tells […]
Come celebrate liberté, égalité, fraternité with the fabulous music ensemble Le Jazz Hot Quartet featuring band leader Paul Mehling (solo guitar, vocals), Evan Price (violin), Daniel Fabricant (string bass), and Jordan Samuels (rhythm guitar). Le Jazz Hot Quartet brings to the stage all the passion and sizzle of French Gypsy Jazz created by guitarist Jean "Django" Reinhardt of the world famous […]
Gather 'round as a family to hear stories and make crafts nestled in the Library of the Mechanics' Institute! We’ll read 2-4 stories appropriate for children ages 5-6 and younger plus make a fun craft to take home. All are welcome - bring the kids and grandkids for a story filled morning. Family Story Time […]
with authors Linda Joy Myers (The Forger of Marseilles) and Leslie Absher (Spy Daughter, Queer Girl) Join us as we examine two new books about espionage—one fiction, one non-fiction. Linda Joy Myers' novel The Forger of Marseille undertakes topics not often covered in WWII fiction: life in Marseilles, forging documents, and details of escaping on foot over […]
Join poet Irena Klepfisz with scriptwriter/actor Naomi Newman and director Bruce Bierman for a discussion about translating poetry from "page to stage." Hosted by Laura Sheppard, Director of Events, Mechanics' Institute. Yiddish Theatre Ensemble, Berkeley, is producing Between Worlds, a new play based on the life and poetry of celebrated writer Irena Klepfisz. This production is inspired […]
a discussion and reading with memoirist Isidra Mencos and fiction writer Leslie Kirk Campbell Isidra Mencos and Leslie Kirk Campbell will discuss what drew them to writing books that investigate the topic of the female body. They will share ways women (themselves included) have felt shame about their bodies and how both societal expectations and […]
Hosted by John King, Urban Design Critic of thee San Francisco Chronicle, The Future of Libraries is our featured program for the Annual Architecture + the City Festival presented by AIA-SF. This event will feature architects Christopher Noll, FAIA, LEED AP and Trina Goodwin, LEED AP from Noll & Tam Architects, representatives from WRNS Studio […]
with author Cristina Garcia From the acclaimed author of Dreaming in Cuban, a follow-up novel that tracks four generations of the del Pino family against the tumultuous backdrops of Cuba, the U.S., Germany, and Russia in the new millennium.
Join Collections Advisor and author of Contemporary Issues in Rare Book & Manuscript Collecting, Spencer W. Stuart as he discusses case studies from his professional practice as well as the past to chart the life cycle of collections and the collectors who build them. Through these examinations he will touch on important things collectors should […]
with author Richard Brandi Between 1905 and 1924, at least 36 San Francisco residence parks, such as St. Francis Wood and Seacliff, were planned with the feeling of living in a park in mind. This fascinating book looks at an unexamined area of San Francisco's architectural history. Join this informative talk and presentation!