SF’s Oldest Bookstore, City Lights, Declared Historic Landmark
San Francisco, CA – City Lights Bookstore, a cornerstone of San Francisco’s literary and cultural history, was officially designated a historic landmark today. Opened in 1953, the North Beach bookstore is famed for its role in the Beat Generation and as a hub for free speech and progressive ideas.
“City Lights has shaped the soul of San Francisco,” said Supervisor Joaquin Torres at the ceremony. The designation protects the building from significant alterations and ensures its preservation for future generations.
Fans of the bookstore celebrated the recognition. “City Lights is more than a store; it’s a symbol of creativity and resistance,” said longtime customer Alex Chang.