The Mechanics’ Institute Library & Chess Club sounds like an organization from a bygone era. And truthfully, it is. Founded in 1854 to serve the needs of San Francisco’s failed gold miners, the Institute grew steadily through the end of the 19th century, accumulating members and adding pertinent volumes to its collection. Hosting lectures, industrial fairs, and chess tournaments, the Institute was both a social and cultural fixture in the lives of its members. Today it functions in nearly exactly the same way, continuing a tradition of earnest self-education that sparked its original inception.
The history of the Mechanics’ Institute parallels the history of San Francisco itself. Benefiting from a rising tide of trade and prosperity in the city, the Mechanics’ Institute built a permanent home on Post Street in 1866, garnered support from the University of California, and a bequest from James Lick (the wealthiest man in the state at the time of his death). In January 1906, the library absorbed a vast humanities-based collection held by the local Mercantile Library, bringing the library holdings to 200,000 books, give or take a few.
Four months later, the 1906 earthquake and fire destroyed everything. That is, everything except the contents of two safes and a bronze cast of Lick. A new building, a new collection, and 157 years later, the Mechanics’ Institute Library now boasts approximately 5,000 members and 165,000 volumes, but its original purpose — acting as a hub for the exchange of ideas and skills — is its most unique asset.
Since its founding, members could select from a spate of what we today consider “continuing education” classes: geometric drawing, wood carving, applied mathematics. Now the offerings read something like this: Facebook, Twitter, Google+. If this list seems to fit a certain demographic, it might not deceive. Luddites will find themselves catered to, but the Institute’s busy schedule of author appearances, CinemaLit screenings, chess classes, and book clubs proves its vitality and contemporary relevance.