The International Center provides access to information for people who are more comfortable communicating in their native language. Located on the third floor of the San Francisco Main Library, the International Center provides circulating and reference materials in approximately 37 languages. The collection serves the recreational and basic information needs of native speakers.
Emphasis is placed on materials published in the original language rather than on translated works.
The Center also provides an extensive learning languages reference and circulating materials in different formats such as books, audio and videotapes, and compact discs. The multilingual staff of the International Center is available to assist non-English speaking library users. The Center houses materials appropriate for non-native speakers to learn English as a second language. Materials are at beginner, intermediate, and advanced skill levels. The International Center conducts hands-on trainings on how to use the Library's online catalog systems and how to access the Internet.