EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

 

The Board of Supervisors library advisory committee brought another successful year to a close with an analysis of the San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) budget for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. We scheduled a special meeting to discuss the budget with the library and the mayor's budget office in order to provide a timely recommendation for the Budget & Finance Committee hearings.

 

Mindful of the financial maelstrom confronting the city, the Library Citizens Advisory Committee (LCAC) voted to support the SFPL budget for fiscal year 2009-2010. As library use has expanded during the economic downturn, we commended the increase in the book budget and urged continuation of the program to provide more open hours at library branches.

 

In subjecting the SFPL budget to close scrutiny, the LCAC followed the legislative mandate that launched our group in 2004: to publicly discuss and make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors about SFPL bond expenditures and system-wide plans, programs and operations as well as services to the public. We applaud the Board of Supervisors for their support and encouragement.

 

ACTIVITIES

 

During the last fiscal year, the Library CAC held monthly meetings to discuss pertinent issues facing the city, library patrons and the public. We spoke with library and civic officials to evaluate ideas and circumstances that contribute to, or diminish, excellence in library services for every San Franciscan.

 

In so doing, we are following our mandate to provide the Board of Supervisors ( BOS ) with ideas and guidelines for improving SFPL's public programs and providing a forum for San Franciscans to articulate their concerns and wishes.

 

We initiated a series of panels on the budget and continued this model to analyze the ongoing branch modernization program. Inspired by the Municipal Executives Assn.'s report on budget reform, we hosted a panel for MEA officials and the Controller's office. Speakers included Leo Levenson, budget director in the controller's office, Rebecca Rhine, executive director of MEA , and sheriff's department official Eileen Hirst, MEA president.

 

BUDGET REFORM

 

Another forum also discussed budget reform strategies, including set-aside flexibility. Here we again heard from Mr. Levenson, with an able assist from Greg Wagner, deputy budget director, Mayor's office, and Jay Manglicmot, SFPL budget director. Following this panel, we passed a resolution urging SFPL to make meaningful reductions in its budget so as to reduce the need for alteration of the library set-aside (2.5% of every $100 in property tax), a measure that has doubled the SFPL budget since 2003 and kept all 27 branch libraries open.

 

The Library CAC also hosted panels on the branch library improvement program (BLIP), which has spent its $106 million general obligation bond and is now proceeding with revenue bond sales to complete the project. Including projected expansions in the scope of the modernization project, the total budget is currently near the $200 million mark. In these perilous fiscal times, we want to assure that neighborhood needs and concerns are heard and acted on and that there is full transparency and cooperation between SFPL and the public it serves.

 

Accordingly, we organized a round table on the Haight Ashbury library (the Park branch), including Joey Cain, president of the Haight Ashbury Neighborhood Council, Kathe Traynor, Haight Ashbury Improvement Association, Mary Helen Briscoe, president, PRO-SF (Panhandle Residents Organization-Stanyan Fulton), and Peter
Warfield, executive director of the Library Users Association. We are pleased to report that SFPL scheduled two additional meetings in the Haight and agreed to keep the Park library open till after its centennial celebration October 29.

 

CITYWIDE IMPACT: NORTH BEACH LIBRARY

 

We have held two discussions of the controversial North Beach library project, whose ripple effect could influence spending parameters at every branch in San Francisco . The first panel, consisting of city librarian Luis Herrera, deputy city librarian Jill Bourne and Brian O'Flynn, the former owner of the 701 Lombard site purchased via eminent domain to become open space.

 

Following that panel, the CAC passed two resolutions: one urging that SFPL take a fresh look at its plan to locate the North Beach library at 701 Lombard, also known as the Triangle parcel across the street from the existing library. LCAC also passed a resolution stating that the so-called Core Group that planned the North Beach project was not balanced, as it consisted of only one community member, a representative of the playground in which the library is currently located.

 

The second North Beach panel included Liz Diaz, Friends of Joe DiMaggio Playground, Sal Busalacchi, Save Mason Street , and Howard Wong, Coalition for a Better North Beach Library and Playground. We regret that SFPL was unable to send a speaker but we gave Ms. Diaz, who represented the library as well as the playground, twice the time of the other two speakers.

 

After this panel, LCAC sent a letter to the Planning Department asking that the pending environmental impact report ( EIR ) on the project evaluate the various issues under contention: (1) Whether the Open Space Fund money used to buy the Triangle site must be used to provide open space on the site; (2)) Whether the eminent domain legislation taking the site for open space precludes erecting a building there; (3) Restoration and possible expansion of the historic existing library; and (4) A meaningful assessment of resultant traffic patterns if Mason Street is closed.

 

MORE LCAC RESOLUTIONS

 

The LCAC also (1) supported retaining the Board of Supervisors' final authority over SFPL fines and fees; (2) urged that the SFPL website have clear home page links to the Library Commission and the Library Citizens Advisory Committee, as well as an LCAC page describing our function and including contact information; and (3) supported timely, regular computer searches for lost and out-of-date books and development of a written replacement policy with specific criteria.

 

In other action, LCAC (4) urged SFPL and the Department of Public Works to assure that branch renovation, improvement and construction information on the Branch Library Improvement Project (BLIP) website is comprehensive, up-to-date, easy to navigate and in conformity with the Sunshine Ordinance's meeting notice requirements; and (5) urged the library to assure that its bathrooms are open, clean and in good working order, including a system to monitor and maintain bathroom quality.

 

The Library CAC also (6) urged SFPL and the Controller to carefully monitor the sale of revenue bonds for branch renovation and consider postponing such sales till the fiscal climate supports reasonable interest rates; (7) asked the library to schedule neighborhood library meetings at times that do not conflict with LCAC meetings; and (8) commended SFPL for responding to branch renovation concerns of neighbors of the Haight Ashbury (Park) library.

 

As a result of the supervisors' legislation to modify set-asides, the Library CAC (9) asked that SFPL identify areas for meaningful budget cuts immediately to avoid the need for reduction or elimination of the SFPL set-aside.

 

The Library Citizens Advisory Committee is looking forward to an update on the entire branch modernization program, the budget process, services for seniors, multilingual programs, a progress report on activities for children and teens and other major library initiatives.

 

LIBRARY CAC WEBSITE

 

During the year, we achieved a major goal: a presence on the city's website. Constructed by talented DTIS official Jennifer Schuler, our site went up in mid-year and can be reached by entering Library Citizens Advisory Committee in the search box on the www.sfgov.org home page.

 

We commend SFPL, the mayor's office and other key city departments for providing stimulating speakers for our programs and for meeting with CAC officers to discuss mutual needs and concerns. We also thank SFPL for providing us with tapes to record our meetings and storing them for us.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS

 

Our work for the residents of San Francisco would be enhanced if we had a modest budget for operations and staff support. Currently, we are responsible for our own expenses and maintenance of our public records, including taking minutes. We were fortunate to find two volunteer minutes-takers: Joanna Schaller, a recent UC graduate studying for a teaching credential, and Jean Barish, an attorney and library advocate. Their comprehensive yet concise minutes are of professional quality.

 

STRUCTURE

 

We are pleased to report that attendance is high at our monthly meetings and all 17 seats are filled. Our membership is appointed by both the supervisors (14 seats) and the library (three seats) and the two influences complement each other. Each supervisor appoints one member, and the Board and the library account for special seats representing youth, seniors, schools, ESL, the disabled and technology.

 

THE FUTURE

 

We look forward to another productive year of working with the Board of Supervisors, the mayor's office, SFPL administration and the Library Commission for a world-class library in our city. The positive spirit in which city government interacts with the Library Citizens Advisory Committee has greatly contributed to our effectiveness.

 

 

LCAC ROSTER OF MEMBERS

 

 

First	Last	Appointed by	District/Seat
Roger	Kallen	Mar	1
Enne	Braun	Alioto-Pier	2
Shanica	Dismuke	Chiu	3
Clarice	Moody	Chu	4
Peter	Warfield	Mirkarimi	5
Sue	Cauthen CHAIR	Daly	6
Lucille	Cuttler VICE CHAIR	Elsbernd	7
Stina	Skewes-Cox	Dufty	8
Gladys	Soto	Campos	9
Janis	Seeman	Maxwell	10
Daniel	Weaver	Avalos	11
Ted	Bamberger	Rules Committee	12
Margaret	Lee	Rules Committee	13
Houston	Garcia	Rules Committee	14
Linda	Guitron	City Librarian	15
Mike	Olinger	City Librarian	16
Neil	Mills	City Librarian	17

 

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LIBRARY CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Room 278 City Hall

One Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place

San Francisco, California 94102

May 21, 2008

___________________

415 391 0737

 

May 21, 2008

 

SUPPORT SUPERVISOR FINE/FEE CONTROL

 

 

The Board of Supervisors Library Citizens Advisory Committee passed the following resolution at its May 21, 2008, meeting:
 

 

Whereas, there has been some confusion about which entity has final authority over San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) fines and fees; and

Whereas, there has been concern that a Library Commission amendment to the ordinance outlining SFPL's new fines and fees schedule might remove the San Francisco Board of Supervisors' (BOS) current authority over library fines and fees; and

 

Whereas, the deputy city librarian has stated that removal of BOS authority over SFPL fines and fees is neither an intended or unintended corollary to the new fines and fees schedule; and

 

Whereas, the city librarian has stated that he intends to remove a clause in the SFPL fines and fees ordinance that could remove BOS authority over such charges; and

 

Whereas, the San Francisco controller's budget and revenue manager has stated that for fines and fees to change, it is necessary to amend the Administrative Code with legislation approved by the Library Commission and then the Board of Supervisors;

 

Therefore, be it resolved that:

 

The Library Citizens Advisory Committee supports retention of the existing system, as stated in Section 2.1.09 of the San Francisco Charter, which reserves final authority over SFPL fines and fees to the Board of Supervisors

 

LIBRARY CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Room 278 City Hall

One Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place

San Francisco, California 94102

___________________

415 391 0737

 

July 16, 2008

 

RESOLUTION: SUPPORT LIBRARY BUDGET

 

 

The Board of Supervisors Library Citizens Advisory Committee (LCAC) tonight passed a resolution urging approval of the San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) 2008-09 budget

July 22, 2008. & & & & & & & & ..

 

The LCAC is pleased that the Board followed all our budget recommendations and

voted to support a strong and versatile financial foundation for SFPL's operations in the next 12 months. We are especially gratified that funds are available to expand the book collection and open seven more branch libraries six days a week.

 

 

LIBRARY CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Room 278 City Hall

One Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place

San Francisco, California 94102

___________________

415 391 0737

 

August 20, 2008

 

RESOLUTION: UPDATE BLIP WEBSITE

 

The Board of Supervisors Library Citizens Advisory Committee tonight passed the following resolution:

 

Whereas the June 26, 2008, San Francisco Grand Jury Report said that San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) should (1) have a website that is comprehensive and up-to-date and (2) post on the city's website SFPL's challenges as well as its successes; and

 

Whereas the May 9, 2008, draft Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) and the Department of Public Works (DPW) stated that (1) SFPL and DPW share responsibility for maintaining the BLIP (Branch Library Improvement Project) web page and (2) the BLIP and chief of branches staffs work with SFPL's public affairs office to develop the materials; and

 

Whereas community ability to track BLIP status is an essential aspect of public participation in the project;

 

Therefore be it resolved that:

 

The Board of Supervisors' Library Citizens Advisory Committee urges SFPL and DPW to assure that the branch renovation and construction information on the BLIP website is comprehensive, up-to-date and easy to navigate.

 

Prompt installation and maintenance of this MOU-mandated webpage will provide a process for timely, informed review and input by the community.

 

And be it further resolved that:

 

The BLIP project and its website follow Sunshine Ordinance requirements for posting meeting notices, including a two-week advance notice for irregularly scheduled meetings.

 

LIBRARY CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Room 278 City Hall

One Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place

San Francisco, California 94102

___________________

415 391 0737

 

August 20, 2008

 

RESOLUTION: IMPROVE WEBSITE REDESIGN

 

The Board of Supervisors Library Citizens Advisory Committee tonight passed a resolution urging a San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) website that has clear links to the Library Commission and the Library Citizens Advisory Committee (LCAC) on its home page.

 

The resolution follows:

 

 

The redesign of the SFPL website should provide for:

 

l. A link to the Library Commission and the LCAC on SFPL's home page.

 

2. An LCAC page with data describing the group's origin, function, mission statement and contact information.

 

 

 

LIBRARY CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Room 278 City Hall

One Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place

San Francisco, California 94102

___________________

415 391 0737

 

August 20, 2008

 

RESOLUTION:MISSING BOOK PROCEDURE

 

The Board of Supervisors' Library Citizens Advisory Committee (LCAC) tonight passed the following resolution:

 

Whereas the LCAC passed a resolution December 13, 2006, urging San Francisco Public Library to monitor and search its collection for lost books and evaluate potential replacements; and

 

Whereas the LCAC heard a presentation July 17, 2008, on missing book counts, reordering lost books and related data;

 

Therefore be it resolved that:

 

The LCAC recommends that the SFPL complete its plans to do regular computer searches of the collection to determine which books or other items are lost and/or missing.

 

When missing books are identified, a process of determining eligibility for replacement should be undertaken and documented as part of the missing books process. Written criteria should be established and utilized to decide if a missing book or item should be replaced or not.

 

The criteria should include the borrowing history of the item when it was in the collection, the importance of the book or item for the collection, and other criteria to be developed.

 

 

LIBRARY CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Room 278 City Hall

One Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place

San Francisco, California 94102

___________________

415 391 0737

 

September 17, 2008

 

RESOLUTION: LIBRARY BATHROOM ACCESS & MAINTENANCE

 

The Board of Supervisors Library Citizens Advisory Committee tonight passed the following motion urging better access to and maintenance of library bathrooms:

 

Whereas, the bathrooms at the Chinatown and Main libraries have been closed or otherwise unavailable at certain times, and, despite considerable effort by the facilities department, instances of poor maintenance have also been observed there and at other branch restrooms;

 

Therefore be it resolved that:

 

The Library Citizens Advisory Committee (LCAC) urges San Francisco Public Library to assure that bathrooms at the Chinatown branch and the Main Library are open, clean and in good working order.

 

The LCAC further recommends a periodic restroom maintenance schedule that is adhered to for all bathrooms in the system and sufficient funding to initiate a bathroom monitor program at the Main Library and as required in the branches.

 

LIBRARY CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Room 278 City Hall

One Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place

San Francisco, California 94102

___________________

415 391 0737

 

October 15, 2008

 

URGE BALANCED NORTH BEACH LIBRARY PROCESS

 

The Board of Supervisors' Library Citizens Advisory Committee tonight passed the following motion about the North Beach library planning process:

 

The Board of Supervisors' Library Citizens Advisory Committee objects to the fact that the design and location of the new North Beach library was apparently decided by a Core Group, which excluded neighborhood participation, except for a representative from Friends of Joe DiMaggio Playground. Therefore, under this procedure, community participation was not balanced.

 

We recommend that in the future any Core Group should include, at a minimum, a Board of Supervisors-appointed Library Citizens Advisory Committee member from that district.

 

LIBRARY CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Room 278 City Hall

One Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place

San Francisco, California 94102

___________________

415 391 0737

 

November 19, 2008

 

NORTH BEACH LIBRARY: NEW SITE, OPEN PROCESS

 

The Board of Supervisors Library Citizens Advisory Committee tonight passed the following resolution:

 

The Library Citizens Advisory Committee has carefully examined the pros and cons of the proposed sites for the North Beach library and has considered the perilous credit climate, the prospect of decreasing property values, the lack of Recreation & Park Department funds for Joe DiMaggio park development in the foreseeable future, and the time-consuming environmental impact report scheduled.

 

Therefore, we recommend that the Board of Supervisors and both departments take a fresh look at the project, including consideration of other locations for the library, and initiate a process that is open and transparent, and includes meaningful neighborhood input and consideration of neighborhood concerns.

 

LIBRARY CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Room 278 City Hall

One Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place

San Francisco, California 94102

___________________

415 391 0737

 

December 16, 2008

 

RESOLUTION: SFPL REVENUE BONDS

 

The Board of Supervisors Library Citizens Advisory Committee passed the following resolution on December 16, 2008.

 

Whereas, San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) plans to sell $34 million in revenue bonds in January, 2009, to fund the Branch Library Improvement Program (BLIP); and

 

Whereas, SFPL plans another sale of about $14 million in Summer/Fall, 2009, for the same purpose; and

 

Whereas, SFPL has authority to pay up to 12% interest on the bonds, which have a 25-year term; and

 

Whereas, the Controller has indicated a desire to float low-interest-rate commercial paper instead of the bonds, as necessary, for an indeterminate time beginning in January, 2009;

 

Therefore be it resolved that:

 

The Board of Supervisors Library Citizens Advisory Committee is concerned about the library's plan to sell revenue bonds for branch renovation during the current fiscal climate. Less than judicious vetting of bond sale scheduling and interest rates could have a long-term negative effect by:

 

1. Paying excessively high interest rates for bonds and reducing the dollars available for library services.

 

2. Tying up funding for library services

 

3.. Forcing bond payment by the city's general fund, thus reducing funds for other city services.

 

The Board of Supervisors Library Citizens Advisory Committee therefore urges the library and the controller to carefully monitor the bond market and consider postponing the bond sale/s.

 

LIBRARY CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Room 278 City Hall

One Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place

San Francisco, California 94102

___________________

415 391 0737

 

January 21, 2009

 

HALT BLIP MEETING CONFLICTS

 

The Board of Supervisors Library Citizens Advisory Committee tonight passed the following resolution:

 

Whereas, the Branch Library Improvement Program (BLIP) held its December 17 meeting on North Beach library design the same night that the Board of Supervisors' Library Citizens Advisory Committee (LCAC) meets; and

 

Whereas, the BLIP has scheduled its January 21 meeting on design for the Presidio Library on January 21, the same night that the LCAC meets; and

 

Whereas, the LCAC meets monthly on the third Wednesday at 6:00 PM; and

 

Whereas, members of the Library CAC would like to have the opportunity to attend the Branch Library Improvement Program meetings;

 

Therefore be it resolved that:

 

The Library Citizens Advisory Committee asks the City Librarian and the Branch Library Improvement Program to schedule future BLIP meetings in our neighborhoods at times that do not conflict with the LCAC monthly meetings.

 

 

LIBRARY CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Room 278 City Hall

One Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place

San Francisco, California 94102

___________________

415 391 0737

 

March 18, 2008

 

MEANINGFUL BUDGET CUTS NOW!

 

The Board of Supervisors Library Citizens Advisory Committee passed the following resolution March 18:

 

The purpose of the Library Citizens Advisory Committee's February 18 presentation on set-asides was to help the Library CAC (LCAC) develop a position on set-asides.

 

After much analysis and deliberation, LCAC recommends that the Board of Supervisors direct San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) to identify areas for meaningful budget cuts immediately so as to avoid the need for reduction or elimination of the library set-aside.

 

The LCAC reserves the right to make a further recommendation depending on these initial library budget reduction proposals.

 

 

 

LIBRARY CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Room 278 City Hall

San Francisco, California 94102

___________________

415 391 0737

 

May 20, 2009

 

NORTH BEACH EIR

ADDRESS CITIZEN CONCERNS!

 

The Board of Supervisors Library Citizens Advisory Committee hosted a panel at its May 20, 2009, meeting to explore the citywide impact of the North Beach library project.

 

Following input and comment from community members, the advisory committee authorized the chair to write a letter to the Planning Department official overseeing preparation of the planned environmental impact report (EIR). The letter will strongly recommend that the EIR study:

 

Whether the Open Space Fund money used to buy the Triangle site must be used to provide open space on the site

 

Whether the eminent domain legislation taking the site for open space precludes erecting a building there

 

Restoration and possible expansion of the historic existing library

 

A meaningful assessment of resultant traffic patterns if Mason Street is closed

 

 

LIBRARY CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Room 278 City Hall

One Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place

San Francisco, California 94102

___________________

415 391 0737

 

June 9, 2009

 

COMMEND RESPONSE TO HAIGHT LIBRARY CONCERNS

 

The Board of Supervisors Library Citizens Advisory Committee tonight passed the following resolution about the Haight Ashbury (Park) Library:

 

The Library Citizens Advisory Committee commends the San Francisco Public Library for its prompt and effective response to branch renovation concerns of Park Branch Library neighbors.

 

LIBRARY CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Room 278 City Hall

One Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place

San Francisco, California 94102

___________________

415 391 0737

 

June 9, 2009

 

SUPPORT LIBRARY FY 09-10 BUDGET

 

The Board of Supervisors Library Citizens Advisory Committee (LCAC) tonight voted to support the San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) budget for fiscal year 2009-2010.

 

The LCAC commends SFPL for its planned $556,000 increase in the book budget and continuation of its program to provide additional open hours at library branches.