Citizenship Resources
San Francisco Public Library serves a diverse population of adults and children from countries and cultures around the word. This page serves to help provide resources that can help with naturalization, green card renewal, family petitions, and other important services for permanent residents. Initial consultations are generally low-cost or free for San Francisco residents. City of San Francisco Citizenship and Immigration Resources.
Library Resources
The library has books, citizenship practice tests, English as a Second Language (ESL) materials and programs. Ask library staff for help finding them. Click the links below to access our services, or scroll down to learn more about them.
- Free library card
- Citizenship preparation
- International Center, Main, 3rd Floor
- Government Information Center, Main, 5th Floor
- The Bridge at Main, Main, 5th Floor
- Project READ
- Free online Naturalization Preparation Classes (from April 28 to May 21, 2025), in partnership with the Museum of the American Revolution.
- Contact 267-579-3703 or email to citizenship@amrevmuseum.org
- Upcoming Immigration Related Library Programs: Attend immigrant services programs occurring in San Francisco Public Library locations across the City.
Free Library Card
San Francisco Public Library offers free library cards that may be used at any of the Library’s locations. Library cards can be used to borrow materials like books, music, movies (and more!) as well as access to the Library’s online databases. You can fill out an application online in English, Spanish, or Chinese (or fill out and print the paper application) then visit any SFPL location with a a valid photo ID in-person to receive a library card.
Citizenship Preparation
The Library has many materials about citizenship, immigration, and citizenship test preparation that may be borrowed:
Use our databases to access more resources! Search "citizenship" in LearningExpress. Select "adult learning" and select "United States Citizenship Test" in Brainfuse HelpNow.
International Center
The Library’s International Center includes books and periodicals in approximately 40 languages. Staff services provided at the International Center desk may include Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, plus limited French, Portuguese and Tagalog/Filipino.
Government Information Center
The Government Information Center (GIC) provides free access to United States, California, San Francisco, and Bay Area regional agency government documents, and to materials on public policy, political science, public administration, and the law.
The Bridge at Main
The Bridge offers one on one tutoring to adult English language learners who live in San Francisco. Fill out this form to request a tutor. Join the online ESL Convo Club to practice English every Tuesday from 3-4 p.m.
Project Read
Project Read is the adult literacy program of the San Francisco Public Library. Trained volunteer tutors provide free one-on-one tutoring to English-speaking adults who want to improve their basic reading and writing skills.
San Francisco Government Resources
The following resources were created by San Francisco city agencies. Please contact these organizations directly for more information or contact the library's International Center desk at (415) 557-4430.
- San Francisco Pathways to Citizenship Workshop: SF Government offers workshops on citizenship
- Apply for Citizenship: These organization can help with naturalization, green card renewal, family petitions, and other important services for permanent residents. For San Franciscans, initial consultations are generally low-cost or free.
- City College of San Francisco (CCSF)’s Citizenship Guides: City College Library research guides for additional citizenship resources.
United States Government Resources
Prepare for the USCIS naturalization interview with these helpful resources, including a guide to naturalization, detailed practice materials for the citizenship exam, and a list of local organizations that can help you with the naturalization process. Watch the short video below to learn more about the available information.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- U.S. Citizenship Resource Center
- Naturalization Test and Study Resources
- 100 Civics Questions in English | Arabic | Chinese | Korean | Spanish | Tagalog | Vietnamese
- Non-US government Translations of Citizenship Test Questions
- Contacting Your Elected Representatives (PDF)
Other Immigration Resources
The following resources were created by other local community organizations, or other non-profit organizations. Please contact these organizations directly for more information or contact the library's International Center desk at (415) 557-4430.
- Centro Latino de San Francisco: ESL/Citizenship classes prepare students for the USCIS Citizenship test. During classes, students will perform mock interviews, study relevant American civics, and practice the English reading and writing portions of the test. Classes are offered in small group settings and individually over the phone.
- City College of San Francisco (CCSF)’s Citizenship Guides: City College Library research guides for additional citizenship resources.
- CCSF ESL Classes for Citizenship: City College of San Francisco provides free noncredit ESL Citizenship classes for those preparing to apply for naturalization or waiting for their interview.
- CCSF Research Guides: City College Library research guides for additional citizenship resources.
- Immigration Institute of the Bay Area (IIBA): IIBA provides immigration legal services, immigration clinics, and citizenship classes for the Bay Area community. IIBA offers citizenship, DACA renewal, family reunification, humanitarian, and deportation defense services.
- List of English as a Second Language (ESL) programs providers (PDF)
While sharing these resources is intended to connect community members with relevant information, the City is not responsible for any third-party content that may be accessed through the sites referenced herein and does not endorse these organizations or the accuracy of the advice these organizations may provide. The City cannot provide legal advice to members of the public about their immigration status or rights when encountering ICE.