Become a Member | Mechanics' Institute

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Become a Member

Thank you for your membership with Mechanics’ Institute!

Membership is open to all. Prospective and new members are welcome to attend our weekly tour of the Library and Chess Room each Wednesday at noon. If you'd like to try out the Library before joining, daily and weekly passes are available for purchase — just come up to the 2nd or 3rd floors of the Library, or the Membership Office (Suite 504), or contact us at 415-393-0105 or [email protected].

Please note, by purchasing a membership with Mechanics' Institute you agree to abide by our Code of Conduct.

Benefits of Membership

All members receive:

  • Full use of the Library and its services, including online databases, ebooks, and more!
  • Access to the Chess Room and its tournaments and classes.
  • Free or reduced admission to cultural events, programs, classes, and book groups.
  • WiFi access throughout the Library, Chess Room, and 4th floor meeting room.
  • Membership privileges at other membership libraries.

Please contact [email protected] or call 415-393-0105 for more information.

Additional benefits include:

8 complimentary guest passes to use at any program event (member must register for the event as member and for their guest).

Additional benefits include:

4 complimentary guest passes to use at any program event (member must register for the event as member and for their guest).

For a family of up to two adults and their children under the age of 22 living at the same address.

For one adult.

Student members must be 35 years or younger and enrolled full-time at an accredited educational institution. College students must provide proof of enrollment with a student card and ID (drivers' license, government ID card, or passport). Student members may check out up to 5 items at a time and do not have access to inter-library loan services.

For Individual or Family/Household, the amount beyond the standard membership fee listed above is tax-deductible.

Please contact [email protected] or call 415-393-0105 for more information.

We are only able to accept Visa & Mastercard at this time. We are unable to accept American Express.

Your donations to Mechanics' Institute are fully tax-deductible (EIN: 94-1254644) to the full extent of the law.

If you do not receive an online receipt after your transaction, please contact our Membership Office at [email protected] or (415) 393-0105  Thank you.