San Francisco Main Library
100 Larkin Street
Its historicist architecture and granite façade match the city’s older buildings, but the current library was opened in 1996, and its interior is a brilliant blend of traditional (lacewood and sycamore cabinetry) and modern (the steel-and-glass central atrium). Breathe deeply: The painted walls, glued floors, and carpets are built from non-gassing materials, so other than the dust from the books, the air is pure. The Gay & Lesbian Center has a dramatic trompe l’oeil ceiling.
