Plant Swap @ Bernal Heights Library
Plant Swap @ Bernal Heights Library
Bring your cuttings, seedlings, surplus harvest, or plants that need a new home to swap with other gardeners. All types of plants welcome, please label if possible.
Environment & Nature
Find out about the latest climate and environmental issues, how to adopt greener practices, and how to connect with the outdoors.
Gardening
Cultivate your green thumb.
About Bernal Heights Branch Library
The Bernal Heights Branch Library at 500 Cortland Avenue has served as a cornerstone of the neighborhood for over 80 years, with a history rooted in community advocacy and federal public works.
Early History and Construction
Before the current building existed, the library operated out of smaller “deposit stations” starting in 1920 at 303 Cortland Avenue. As the neighborhood grew, it moved to 324 Cortland in 1936, but residents quickly lobbied for a dedicated, permanent facility.
WPA Origins: The current building was a product of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and was built on the site of the original Bernal School.
Architecture: Designed by Frederick H. Meyer, a prominent San Francisco architect, the library features Spanish Colonial-style architecture with warm wooden interiors.
Dedication: The branch was officially dedicated on October 21, 1940, becoming the 21st branch in the San Francisco Public Library system.
The Mural Controversy and Renovation
One of the most defining chapters in the library’s recent history was the debate surrounding its exterior murals.
Original Murals: In 1982, muralists Arch Williams and Carlos Alcala, along with 25 local youth, painted a series of vibrant murals on the library’s exterior. These works depicted the neighborhood’s social diversity and included a memorial to Arturo Duran, a local youth killed in 1980.
2010 Renovation: The library closed for a significant renovation in the late 2000s. During this time, a contentious community debate erupted over whether to restore the original, fading murals or return the building to its 1940 architectural appearance.
Consensus and Reopening: After extensive mediation, the community reached a compromise to replace the original paint with new artwork. The library reopened on January 30, 2010, featuring updated murals that incorporated key themes and images from the 1982 originals but utilized more durable materials.
Community Legacy
The library remains a vital part of Bernal Heights’ identity, often hosting meetings for groups like the Bernal History Project to preserve the area’s rich past.
