San Francisco Mechanics' Institute, Member library and chess club in Financial District, San Francisco, United States.

The San Francisco Mechanics' Institute is a multistory building at 57 Post Street housing a large collection of books, periodicals, and digital resources available for member research and study. The facility includes dedicated spaces for chess play and organized member gatherings.

A group of businessmen met on 11 December 1854 and registered the institute on 24 April 1855, starting with three books and 300 dollars. It hosted industrial fairs from 1857 on land given by James Lick, and helped run the University of California from 1868, holding a Regents seat until 1974. The 1906 earthquake and fire destroyed the building and 200,000 volumes; the Beaux-Arts replacement by Albert Pissis opened at 57 Post Street in 1910.

The institute serves as a gathering place for readers and chess enthusiasts who participate in book discussions, film viewings, and club meetings throughout the year. These regular activities shape how the local community engages with literature and strategy games.

The institute operates on a membership basis, and visitors should plan to visit during available hours on weekdays and weekends. It is helpful to check opening times in advance, as extended evening hours are offered on certain days for study and activities.

Every world chess champion from 1900 to 1999 signed the chess room's register, among them Bobby Fischer. Walter Tevis, author of The Queen's Gambit, played tournaments here, and Vinay Bhat trained at the club before becoming a grandmaster in 2008. The room holds 40 chess sets and 3 computers.