The State - News from May 15, 1987

Most of San Francisco’s main public library was closed down by the fire marshal, who cited safety hazards and ordered that visitors not be admitted unless they were guided by librarians. “Usually,” Assistant Fire Chief Joseph Medina said, “we work with the agencies. But in this particular case it has gone on a little too long.” The closure was ordered while the city’s librarian was in Sacramento seeking money for an overhaul of the 71-year-old landmark across from City Hall. But a spokesman for Mayor Dianne Feinstein denied that the closure was a ploy to get more money. Medina said long-term repairs costing perhaps a “couple million dollars” must be made. He added that the library can return to normal operation once short-time measures are taken, such as placing proper exit signs and installing smoke detectors.