Become a Member | Mechanics' Institute

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 — 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.

... a vibrant cultural oasis

Porter Shreve, San Francisco Chronicle

"It's a diverse environment: The people are different, the players are different — they all have their own quirks."

A member, quoted in the San Francisco Chronicle

... an egalitarian oasis in fast-changing S.F.

Sam McManis, The Sacramento Bee

I almost don’t want to write about this hidden gem for fear of ruining its pristine not-so-perfect perfection.

Matt Haber, San Francisco Chronicle

Benefactor | $1500

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

Patron | $750

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).

Associate | $450

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).

Family | $225/year

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

Individual | $150/year

For one adult.

Student | $80/year

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.

Identification
Address

Include apartment/unit number, if applicable.

Contact Information
Emergency Contact
Other Information

College students age 18-35 must provide proof of current full-time enrollment at an accredited institution of higher learning by documentation of a current class schedule.

Files must be less than 8 MB.

Allowed file types: gif jpg jpeg png bmp tif pdf.

Parent/Guardian Information
If you are under the age of 18, please fill out this section.
Family Information
For family (up to two adults and their children under the age of 22) living at the same address.

Enter the full name of each child, separated by a comma (e.g. Charlotte Brontë, Emily Brontë)

Donation (Optional)
$

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

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

Feel free to email [email protected] or call 415-393-0105 for more information about donating.