Ever wonder where San Francisco’s green thumbs go for guidance? Right here at the Helen Crocker Russell Horticultural Library. This library is a treasure. It sits within the San Francisco Botanical Garden. Prepare to delve into the world of plants and gardens.
The Helen Crocker Russell Horticultural Library opened in 1972. It is Northern California’s largest horticultural library. You do not have to be a San Francisco resident to enter. However, you will need to pay an entrance fee for the garden if you are not a resident.
Step inside the Helen Crocker Russell Horticultural Library. Notice the reading room and small mezzanine. It is dedicated to bound periodicals. You will find thousands of resources here. There are more than 27000 books. The library also holds 350 periodicals.
Need help identifying a plant? The Helen Crocker Russell Horticultural Library is the place to be. Ask the librarians. They can answer your questions. Or search the Plant Finder database. It has records for over 49000 plants. You can search by common name, scientific name, location and flowering time.
Take note of the special collections at the Helen Crocker Russell Horticultural Library. There are nursery catalogs. Also see the slides of plants and botanical art. The library holds plant collection lists too. These lists document the Botanical Garden’s plant collection.
The Helen Crocker Russell Horticultural Library serves many people. Students use it. Biologists and historians visit too. Conservationists and librarians find resources here. Even the general public benefits. If you love horticulture, this library is for you.
The Helen Crocker Russell Horticultural Library hosts art exhibitions. These change every three months. The sales partially benefit the library. Enjoy art while supporting this great resource.
The library provides public Wi-Fi. You can also find other services here. These include children’s story time and bibliographies. The bibliographies cover horticultural topics.
Feel free to explore the library’s grounds. The courtyard at the entrance is very pretty. Inside, you’ll see new books displayed along the wall.
Consider becoming a member of the Gardens of Golden Gate Park. San Francisco teachers can also apply. With a library card, you can check out books. Choose from the main collection. Or borrow from the children’s books. There are also teacher and parent resources. The loan period is three weeks.
Before you leave, remember the Helen Crocker Russell Horticultural Library. It is more than just a library. It is a place to connect with nature. It is also a resource for our community. It supports the beauty and knowledge within us all.