About IPLSF

The International Poetry Library of San Francisco (IPLSF) is a 501c3 tax-exempt non-profit library serving the public that will offer books and media in three formats: to browse, borrow and buy. The library will also serve as a space for literary, educational, and cultural activities in San Francisco, offering poetry readings, workshops, and interactive multimedia. While a strong American poetry collection and archive will be highlighted, there will be an emphasis on international poets and their translations.

IPLSF was founded in 2008 by Kimberly Mahler, a local educator, poet, and editor. Our goal is to create a resource for poets, artists, and literary enthusiasts in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. It has become clear that there is a lack of recognition of poets. IPLSF will serve as a common denominator for poets of all races, ages, genders, and backgrounds. The library will carry the extensive collection of books that have been donated from poets and other organizations. The poets are able to keep their poetry in a place where it will be recognized and kept for future generations to see.

Poets are acknowledging the need for their own library in San Francisco. In a letter (pdf) from Jack Hirschman- recent Poet Laureate of San Francisco, he states that "In an age where, through technology, it is possible to immediately contact the other side of the world, it is immensely important for San Francisco to have its own International "House of Poetry" where poets in all the languages of the world can be accessed and read." Vince Silvaer, son of the late poet Jack Micheline, conveys a similar sentiment when he writes, "My father's magnificent fire and determination was driven by the lack of truly public access to his and many other artists' work. Having both onsite and online access points for your library is very important and much needed," in his letter of support (pdf).

This library is created with the community in mind. IPLSF is already building relationships with other youth and literary organizations. With proper funding we plan to provide mentorship, volunteer and work experience to underserved youth in the San Francisco Bay Area community.