One City One Book: A Public Conversation About AI
San Francisco Public Library
Innovation Synopsis
Use San Francisco Public Library’s established One City One Book initiative to bring the conversation about artificial intelligence into the public sphere. For the 2025 selection, Dr. Fei-Fei Li’s The Worlds I See provided a human-centered starting point for a broader program of free public events focused on helping San Franciscans understand, explore and question AI. In conjunction with San Francisco’s AI Week, SFPL developed practical workshops, critical discussions and community programs addressing how AI works, how it is being used, its potential benefits and its implications for individuals, workplaces and communities.
Challenge/Opportunity
Few issues are generating as much excitement, concern and confusion as artificial intelligence. Public opinion is sharply divided, while many people remain curious but uncertain about what AI is, how it works and what it means for their lives and communities. SFPL saw an opportunity to use the visibility and reach of One City One Book to create a public forum for learning and conversation. Rather than promoting a particular position, the Library could help people build their understanding, gain practical experience, ask questions and encounter different perspectives. The opportunity was to make AI accessible as a subject of public learning and civic conversation, meeting people at different levels of knowledge and experience.
Key Elements of Innovation
• A civic platform for AI: Used One City One Book to bring visibility and public attention to AI and create a citywide platform for learning and discussion.
• Practical learning: Offered accessible, hands-on workshops ranging from AI basics to everyday applications and efficiency tools.
• Critical discussion: Explored algorithmic bias, labor, environmental justice, ethics and responsible use alongside AI’s potential benefits.
• Multiple perspectives: Partnered with the Institute of Responsible Robotics, Supertech FT, Misalignment Museum, San Francisco Tech Council and San Francisco Office of Workforce Development to bring diverse expertise into the conversation.
• Community-based access: Partnered with St. Anthony’s Tenderloin Technology Lab to bring beginner AI programming into its space and connect participants with its technology services.
• Civic connection: Complemented the Office of Emerging Technology’s AI Week programming for City employees with public-facing programming for Sa
Achieved Outcomes
SFPL created a sustained public conversation about AI that moved beyond technology hype and headlines to help San Franciscans understand, question and engage with the technology. The programming demonstrated that a public library can provide both practical AI education and a space for thoughtful discussion of its broader social implications. Participants could explore AI at different levels, from beginner workshops and everyday applications to conversations about ethics, bias, labor, environmental justice and responsible use. Dr. Fei-Fei Li’s author conversation drew 400+ attendees, demonstrating broad public interest in the topic. Partnerships expanded the range of expertise available to the public and brought AI programming into community settings, including the Tenderloin Technology Lab, where an introductory workshop led to an ongoing monthly AI workshop series. Rather than seeking to shape public opinion, SFPL created opportunities for people to develop their own understanding of
