In 1986 , a task force was set up to complete the design of the Civic Center , including the use of Marshall Square , next to the main library at the time , for a new main library . The building was completed in 1995 and opened a year later on April 18 , 1996 . The old main library , which was damaged in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake , was rebuilt as the new Asian Art Museum . The Piazzoni murals moved to the de Young Museum in 1999
1989 Loma Prieta earthquake
1989 Loma Prieta earthquake
San Francisco Public Library