San Francisco Botanical GardenHelen Crocker Russell Library of Horticulture
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Helen Crocker Russell
Library of Horticulture

The Helen Crocker Russell Library of Horticulture, established in 1972, is northern California's largest horticultural library. The library houses approximately 27,000 volumes and 450 plant and garden periodicals.

The library collections cover all aspects of horticulture including gardening, garden design, botanical art, ethnobotany and pest management, with an emphasis on plants grown in Mediterranean and other mild temperate climates. The library also features a 1,600-volume children's botanical library, Sunday children's story time programs and botanical art exhibitions.

Open 7 days a week
from 10 am - 4 pm.

Closed on major holidays.

Phone: (415) 661-1316 ext. 403
library@sfbotanicalgarden.org

Barbara Pitschel
Head Librarian
bpitschel@sfbotanicalgarden.org

Jane Glasby
Associate Librarian
jglasby@sfbotanicalgarden.org

Brandy Kuhl
Associate Librarian
bkuhl@sfbotanicalgarden.org


Library History

Support the Library

 
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Art ExhibitArt in the Library:
"Plants in Transition "

Watercolors and drawings by Jeanne Lotta-Sellars.
July - September

Used BooksDiscover a Treasure Trove of Used Horticulture Books
The Library now offers used books for sale on a variety of horticulture-related topics. Come and browse this ever-evolving selection of treasures. By appointment only.

How to Buy >>

Featured BookNew Books and Old Favorites
Check out our monthly lists of recommended children's books along with a Featured Book of the Month.

July List
August List

Children's Storytime and Family WalkChildren's Storytime & Family Walk
Stories at 10:30 with walk in the gardens at 11:00 am

Children's BibliographyChildren's Bibliography
A complete list of our wonderful collection of over 1,600 books for children on plants, natural history, general science and more is now available in downloadable format (PDF 1 Meg).


Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries
CBHL
Member of the Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries
An international organization whose purpose is to initiate and improve communications among persons and institutions concerned with the development, maintenance and use of libraries of botanical and horticultural literature.