Ever since the SFist Reads column turned us back onto the awesomeness of checking books out of the SF Public Library, we've been big fans of the First Stop area of the Main Library, where the library put all their books they'd acquired in the last two years. We've spent many a pleasant few hours checking out the latest memoirs, or all the books in the 300 section, or randomly pulling out titles in the New Fiction section to see if they look entertaining. It's like browsing your TiVo listings for fun shows, only wrapped in library plastic!

So when First Stop disappeared for the Main Library First Floor renovation around September, we were bummed, but eager for its swift return. But the renovation is apparently done now -- and it looks like First Stop isn't coming back??? WHAT??? The new First Floor of the Main Library will now host all fiction and genre books, the popular DVD section, and new spiffy ways to check books out -- but where's First Stop going to be??? We're freaking out!!

We're hoping against hope that we're just panicking for no reason and First Stop is just getting moved to another floor -- but we cannot find its new location anywhere on the SF Public Library website. We're totally about to cry! Can someone let us know, either if First Stop is gone forever (sniff!), or if it's just moving someplace else?

The official First Floor reopening party is set for Jan. 16. But it won't be a party without First Stop! We're typing through our tears!

That's a picture of the former First Stop to your right, from the library's website. Come back, First Stop, come back!