A1 The Library Leader
San Francisco Public Library Annual Report Fiscal Year 2019–2020 eLibrary Interest Explodes With Covid Shutdown, Library Pivots to Provide Digital Access From the moment San Francisco went Overall, eResource usage has jumped SimplyE grew 50–100 percent or more into shelter-in-place mode in March, 63 percent this year with some in usage. usage of the Library’s eResources electronic resources increasing even For those without library cards before skyrocketed. While stuck at home, more. Kanopy, the Library’s free the closures started, SFPL pivoted residents made good use of the Library’s streaming service for classic movies, to a quick access model that enabled rich and varied collection of online documentaries and independent any San Francisco resident to obtain resources, from streaming movies to films, has seen its usage increase 105 an eCard online so they, too, could music and magazines to books. percent. Hoopla, another streaming enjoy the Library’s wide selection As Electronic Resources Librarian platform for movies, music and books of electronic resources. From spring Daniel Matsumoto was quoted as for all ages, has seen its checkouts to fall, some 13,500 new library saying in an article about the upswing jump 84 percent. From Van Halen to cardholders were added to SFPL’s users in eCirculation that appeared in the the Hamilton soundtrack, folks are via the online application. And that San Francisco Chronicle, “During listening to what they like from the interest remains strong, with some 50 library more than ever. the last two weeks of March we were to 70 new library card holders added to access their library account, SFPL Those students are making great use getting 80 to 100 e-card requests a As people turn to the library to save every day. granted electronic access immediately, of all the Library’s eBook, music and day. These are people who did not money, they are catching up on their ScholarCard, SFPL’s effort to make helping to support distance learning movie resources as well as Brainfuse, have regular library cards. They are magazine reading online thanks to sure all pre-K–12th grade students for 61,000 San Francisco Unified the Library’s live online homework surprised that the library is open, and Flipster and RBDigital, where they have library cards, also brought School District students as well as help service, plus the vast array on even more surprised when they get can read everything from Vogue to immediate access to students during thousands more independent school online encyclopedias, dictionaries, online and realize there is so much Dogster. And the always popular eBook the pandemic. While in the past students who reached out via their biographies, math and reading practice content available.” providers like Overdrive, Axis360 and students needed to visit the library school librarians. resources and more. n Library Steps Up in City’s Time of Need The Show Must Go On!
As employees of the City and County of San Francisco, all Library staff Storytimes Continue Despite are required to work as a Disaster Service Worker to serve in a variety Library Closure of capacities to support the City and San Francisco Public Library Youth accounting for social distancing and its citizens in a time of extraordinary Services team pivoted fast after the other safety measures that would need. The last major crisis faced by shutdown to ensure that the Library’s enable storytellers to be filmed safely. the City was the 1989 Loma Prieta beloved storytimes could continue to Librarians, working remotely, also set earthquake, but that does not compare entertain and educate early learners, up their own home studios to record to the arrival of the coronavirus, which and let’s be honest, also provide a storytimes. instigated the largest disaster service little break for parents and caregivers response in the City’s history. Sweet Stories debuted on April 7, juggling work and childcare. 2020 on Instagram TV (IGTV) and With the closure of our buildings, The Library’s Media Services team quickly grew from a three-day-a-week many staff found themselves turned the reading room in the Main’s broadcast airing on Tuesdays and furloughed; however, soon they were Children Center into a mini TV studio, Thursdays at 2 p.m. and Saturdays at reassigned to various roles supporting 11 a.m. to a daily program accessible all facets of the City’s disaster response. on Instagram and YouTube.
“A lot of people in SF are in need “We missed families as much right now of basic food items as they missed us,” said and it feels good to be helping Youth Services Librarian the SF Marin Food Bank meet and Sweet Stories program this need... As a librarian I manager Maricela Leon- try to help people and I am Barrera. “Our hope was to glad for the opportunity to SFPL staff at the SF-Marin Food Bank. bring them something joyful continue.” and comforting during a — Casey Crumpacker, time of great uncertainty. Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Sweet Stories is that, a short Memorial Branch Manager and sweet reminder that we are with them despite any distance.” As Jen Woo was quoted as saying in a May 13, 2020 article in the San Mayor London N. Breed. Photo by Michael-Vincent D’Anella-Mercanti. Francisco Chronicle by Sam Whiting, Continued on A3 “One day, I am an adult services librarian at the West Portal branch. The next day, I am working in food A Night to Remember ...... A2 Summer Interns Step Up ...... B2 prep, packing bags and boxes.” SFPL Goes Fabulously The I Love My Librarian This summer, fully half of all library Fine Free ...... A2 Award goes to...... B3 workers were deployed as Disaster Library Spreads the Love 2019 Library of the Year Service Workers to distribute food of Reading at Mayor’s Winner ...... B3 at food pantries; serve as monitors at Annual Toy & Book Festival ...... A2 George Tran packs 3-D printed face shields for Librarian Lisa Fagundes hard at work as a Top 10 Circulated eBooks New Virtual Library Lets and eAudiobooks ...... B3 hotels sheltering unhoused individuals distribution at local hospitals. contact tracer. Patrons #LibraryfromHome ...... A3 and at testing sites; perform contact Advancing Racial Equity tracing investigations to help contain From Drab to Fab — at the Library and Beyond ...... B4 the spread of COVID-19; conduct among other tasks. Staff from The From contact tracing to community sfpl.org Gets a Makeover ...... A3 Bridge, Information Technology Questionable Questions ...... C1 community outreach to ensure that all outreach to monitoring test sites Dear Susan ...... A3 department and Mobile Outreach and hotels, library staff have made Our Sponsors ...... C1 communities were informed on the One City One Book Events Services even commandeered the important contributions throughout Letter from the City Librarian ...... D1 dangers of the virus and preventative Draw Record Crowds ...... B1 measures; support the Covid Library’s 3D printers to produce face the pandemic and we are grateful for Fiscal Year 2020 Budget ...... D2 masks for the City’s frontline workers. their service,” said Dr. Grant Colfax, VOWS: Reunited and Command Center’s communications It Feels So Good ...... B2 and draft health guidance documents “SFPL has been a tremendous partner director of the Department of Public Health. n Summer Stride Celebrates for the Department of Public Health, in the City’s COVID-19 response. the Outdoors ...... B2 SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY • THE LIBRARY LEADER A2
A Night to Remember SFPL Goes Fabulously Fine Free On September 16, 2019, SFPL had exciting news to share: it eliminated overdue fines for all Library patrons, a monumental step in reducing barriers San Francisco Public Library and living up to its commitment to free and equal access to its communities! In addition, the Library erased all outstanding overdue fines from patrons’ records, thereby restoring access to many patrons who have need of the Library’s resources. Nationwide, elimination of overdue fines in libraries had several positive outcomes: • Increased patron access to materials and services • Reduction of the inequitable impact of overdue fines • Improved patron relationships with “Your efforts at inclusiveness their library of our whole community, not • Optimization of library staff time just some of us, is an ongoing and increased staff efficiency inspiration. (Am very clear This move was made possible through SFPL’s partnership and work with that this requires a whole lot the San Francisco Financial Justice of wisdom and on-going hard Project of the Treasurer’s Office. The work for the staff from top to two resolutions went before the Board bottom.)” Continued on A3 The Atrium was the starting point for a series of roving performances over the course of the evening including circus artists, DJ sets, drag performances and music. Photo by Alexander Kim. —Linda Morrow, patron
More than 5,200 revelers from all was designed to spur dialogue and and said that if it were not for Night of COMMUNITY corners of the Bay Area, and even participation on the 2020 theme Ideas, they never would have thought as far as Portland, Oregon, flocked Living on the Edge, an adaptation of the to come down. to the Main Library on February 1, international theme Être vivant. Night of Ideas 2020 was made possible Library Spreads the Love of 2020 to enjoy the City’s second Night The day after the event, Children’s by the support of the City and County of Ideas. Once again, San Francisco Librarian Jim Jeske reported that he of San Francisco, the Friends of the Reading at Mayor’s Annual Toy Public Library joined forces with the encountered three completely different San Francisco Public Library, 836M, French Consulate in San Francisco, families who all said they attended Cultural and Scientific Services of & Book Festival KQED and SFMOMA to produce Night of Ideas, and it was either their the French Embassy in the United an unforgettable FREE seven-hour first time in the library or their first States, the French American Cultural marathon of debates, keynotes, panels, time seeing our wonderful Main Society, the Institut Français, French performances, screenings, music and Children’s Center. They all came back bee, Microsoft and the Open Society a special live broadcast of KQED’s the next day with kids in tow to explore Foundations. n Forum. This year’s interactive format
One of the biggest draws of the night was the live two-hour broadcast of KQED’s Forum with host Mina Kim. The first segment was dedicated to a discussion on how living SFPL holiday elves get ready to distribute free books. in constant chaos can affect us and the second “We hope that the sense of joy this event generates inspires part focused on how to children and their families to channel disorder into read together and to create creative endeavors. more happy memories with Live broadcast of KQED’s Forum with Mina Kim. San Francisco Public Library.” —City Librarian Michael Lambert
to more than 1200 San Francisco children, including classes from Happy attendees show off their free books. SFUSD elementary schools, family childcares, preschool groups and Mayor London N. Breed and the families from Wu Yee Children’s San Francisco Department of Child Services. The Circulation Team Support Services, together with the ordered a gorgeous collection of San Francisco Fire Fighters Union books for ages birth to 5th grade to get Local 798 and San Francisco Public children started on their home library. Library, hosted the 11th Children’s Toy & Book Festival at City Hall on “Each year, we look forward to joining Wednesday, December 4, 2019. with our City colleagues in ensuring During the event, City Librarian that everyone in our community gets Michael Lambert and and staff to experience some holiday cheer and from Community Programs and to seeing the beaming faces of the Partnerships, Collections and children when they get to pick out their Climate and social justice activist Isha Clarke. Idris Ackamoor and The Pyramids. Nicki Jizz performs with Drag Alive. Technical Services, Human Resources books,” stated City Librarian Michael and our branches, spread book joy Lambert. n ANNUAL REPORT FISCAL YEAR 2019 – 2020 • THE LIBRARY LEADER A3 New Virtual Library Lets Patrons FASHION From Drab to Fab — SFPL.org #LibraryfromHome Gets a Makeover Enjoy your library at home
NEWS
Streaming Research Digital eBooks eAudiobooks eNews movies databases magazines
When the Library closed its doors Library features hand-curated, easy- Additionally, our teams mobilized to in March 2020 in response to the to-find eResources, book and film lists, set up and provide temporary digital COVID public health emergency, we event listings and YouTube videos. access cards to SF residents, City and moved swiftly to support our patrons County of San Francisco employees Since the closure, the Virtual Libraries In January 2020, San Francisco Public who immediately needed access to have received almost 6,000 site visits. and City College students. Over our vast online resources. Enter the 13,500 people have signed up for a According to Chief Library unveiled its redesigned One important benefit of our Virtual website, sfpl.org. This update SFPL Virtual Library sites. Some of Libraries is that they are open 24 hours digital access card, allowing us to Information Officer Michael the most essential Library resources provide virtual services and resources represented the first major revision to a day, 7 days a week, guaranteeing Liang, “The new site boasts the Library’s site since 2010. were bundled up into one-stop sites for access around the clock. to new patrons even while our doors adults, teens and youth. Each Virtual are closed. n greater functionality and The new sfpl.org preserves many of the accessibility through a modern, previous site’s popular features, such graphics-forward interface. as the catalog search bar at the top of Continued from A2 the homepage, toggles to the Spanish Type, buttons and icons are and Chinese translations of the site SFPL Goes Fabulously Fine Free larger and easier to read. Fresh and a carousel of exciting events and photos and banner images programs. of Supervisors and the Mayor for “I usually don’t do this sort of thing but I showcase SFPL as a modern, The redesign also enables flexibility adoption through the City’s Fiscal Year gotta say, ‘Bravo!’ That is an awesome forward-looking institution.” to nimbly create webpages that our 2019-2020 budget process. The City and inspiring act so sorely needed in communities need, including robust budget was signed by Mayor London our world today. On behalf of library landing pages for Summer Stride, our Breed in August, paving the way for patrons and indeed people everywhere STEM Challenge Yo’Self Series and the Library to take final steps in the looking for a little bit of bright in a Nature Boost Series. n process of eliminating fines, clearing shady world, thank you.” outstanding fines from patron records —Patrick Santanelli and restoring accounts that had been suspended because they had reached the maximum limit on overdue fines— “Thank you, thank you! It is wonderful making San Francisco Public Library to belong to such a wonderful institution “This library has real energy. It has even more fabulous than before. as the San Francisco Public Library. I real passion. They move quickly on initiatives and they say ‘yes’ … The SFPL Dear Susan have never had many fines and have Here’s what our patrons had to say is nimble, creative, and always inclined always loved your service, but your about going Fine Free. to find a way to make things happen.” What we gain by preserving decision shows that once again San “FAN-TAS-TIC! Thank you for the —Author Dave Eggers the present wonderful news. Was a fan of SF Public Francisco is at the forefront of what matters in the world.” (from his letter of support for Library before, and love you even more SFPL’s nomination for Gale/Library —Peggy Schaller now…” —Andrea Klose Journal 2018 Library of the Year) Dear Susan: I’m grappling with how are communicating and living now. we, as a society, will be able to explain The kinds of items they’re looking for this extraordinary time to future include photographs, blog posts, video Continued from page A1 generations. Please help. or audio recordings, notices, signs or —STUCK INSIDE IN SF posters, including government notices Storytimes Continue Despite Library Closure or signs from private businesses, Dear Stuck: It’s true, we often don’t personal correspondence such as Each episode recreated the magic of Perez, Eve Bekker, Ileana Pulu, Janine fully grasp the significance of the letters, emails or postcards, community the Library’s in-person storytimes, Mogannam, Jim Jeske, Joseph Ferrer, current events that shape us and our newspapers and personal journal complete with our much-loved sing- Lissette Gonzalez, Lynne Maes, city, but when we look back at images entries. You should also go ahead and alongs. As Leon-Barrera explains, Maricela Leon-Barrera, Mei Hung, and documents, we get a sense of what send documentation about protests for “While families may find these as a Meredith Steiner, Michelle Waddy, we lived through and its historic legacy. racial equity and the horrible wildfires respite in their day, our storytimes are Molly McCall, Morgan McGuire, It’s a good thing that San Francisco too. It’s all part of our world today, also designed to help parents engage Nicole Termini-Germain and Sherilyn Public Library thinks about these and we need multiple perspectives to in the early learning development Connelly. things for us so that we don’t have to. tell the story about what we are living of their children by modeling songs In total, the Library recorded 64 through. and rhymes that they are encouraged episodes of Sweet Stories, almost 11 Located in the Main Library, the All submissions will be preserved to repeat. We also make a point of hours of content (or free time for San Francisco History Center is the in the City’s official COVID-19 embedding early literacy tips in the caregivers, depending on how one repository of the City’s collective Community Time Capsule to be delivery.” looks at it). Sweet Stories received memory. Right now, the Center shared with the public, as well as As the program developed, the 60,596 combined views on IGTV and is actively archiving all types of remain in the City and County Saturday broadcast became Sweet YouTube. materials, in multiple formats, to Archives of San Francisco (part of the Stories en Español to help address the build a collection that documents and Sweet Stories continues to evolve in San Francisco History Center), for long lack of programming for Spanish- preserves the collective experiences this new environment. Instead of pre- term preservation. If you are interested speaking households, and episodes Librarian and Sweet Stories Host of San Francisco residents in the recorded content, storytimes are now in sharing digital content, there is a in Mandarin and Cantonese were Joseph Ferrar. coronavirus era. recorded on Tuesdays and Thursdays submission form on their website. also added. A number of high-profile at 11 a.m. and broadcast on Facebook They want to know what is happening guests participated in Sweet Stories: & Their Families Maria Su, artist to you, your neighborhood, your I hope you consider sharing your Innosanto Nagara, Pistahan Festival Live. Patrons do not need to have a Mayor London N. Breed, Supervisor Facebook account to view the stories. schools and your workplaces. I suggest experience with the Library. Perhaps Aaron Peskin, City Assessor Carmen Hermana Mayor Marjan Philhour and you channel your anxieties by putting you can start with this letter? drag performer extraordinaire Per Sia. As more youth librarians return to Chu, award-winning author Dave work, additional live storytimes will on your archivist’s hat and help them Sincerely, Eggers, City Librarian Michael But the real celebrities were the be added during the week so that capture what is different in our world Susan Goldstein, Lambert, Recreation & Park General librarians who were greatly missed by the public can reconnect with their today, what we miss, what we’ve created the City Archivist for San Francisco Manager Phil Ginsburg, Director of the community: Angela Moffett, Anna favorite librarians once again. n to reflect our new reality and how we the Department of Children, Youth Cvitkovic, Cristina Mitra, Elizabeth
S EM Sweet Stories CALENE O'SLF with SFPL SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY • THE LIBRARY LEADER B1 One City One Book Events Draw Record Crowds
Ancestral Ink panelists: Heidi Lucero (Acjachemen and Mutsun Ohlone), Sage LaPena (Nomtipom Wintu), Carolyn Kuali`i (Hawaiian/Apache), Tiffany Adams (Chemehuevi Indian Tribe of Lake Havasu, Konkow and Nisenan of Northern California), L. Frank Manriquez (Tongva-Acjachemen) and Cece Carpio (daughter of the Philippines).
Tommy Orange and Kim Shuck discuss There There at the Koret Auditorium.
It was standing room only and then honoring Native Peoples and women. The Library partnered with some for award-winning author commemorating the Occupation of the National Park Service to present Tommy Orange’s One City One Book Alcatraz, many of them drawing record Alcatraz Is Not an Island, featuring conversation with Poet Laureate crowds. In addition to the October Historian Eloy Martinez (original Kim Shuck on October 16, 2019. 16 talk, Orange made appearances occupier), Hawk (James) Lowden of Crowds tested the maximum capacity at City College, Oakland Museum the Hoopa Valley Tribe and a National of the Main’s Koret Auditorium and of California and June Jordan High Park Service Ranger who told the story the Latino Room to hear Orange School, where he spoke with aspiring of the Occupation. (Cheyenne and Arapaho) discuss young writers. The Library hosted 13 For youth, Park Rangers provided his debut novel, There There, which book groups and a wide array of public a fun-filled storytime of traditional Landless in the Bay Area panelists: Moderated by Julian Brave NoiseCat (Canin Lake Band depicts the urban Native American programs for all ages. Tsq’escen), Ruth Orta (Ohlone/Bay Miwok/Plains Miwok), Corrina Gould (Confederated Ohlone tales about animals and plants Villages of Lisjan) and Jonathan Cordero (Ramaytush Ohlone). experience in the Bay Area past and Patrons enjoyed Landless in the that still live in the Presidio. Young present. Bay Area, an intimate discussion patrons participated in Growing The Main Library hosted six distinct with leaders of traditional Bay Area Your Roots: Ohlone Ethnobiology, exhibits: territories about historical and a program about traditional uses of “Public programs like these are • The Continuous Thread: part of the solution, a more Celebrating Our Interwoven visible community is part of Histories, Identities and Contributions, a small selection the solution. Our neighbors of photographic works by Hulleah need to see us as more than Tsinhnahjinnie, Jean Melesaine remnants, more than visual and Britt Bradley of the Bay Area Indigenous community, presented shorthand for the past.” in partnership with the SFAC; —SF Poet Laureate Kim Shuck • Occupy Alcatraz!, an exhibit by the SF History Center of materials from “The library experienced an incredible the Alcatraz Indian Occupation energy hosting Tommy Orange, a collection, donated to SFPL by proud, contemporary, Native voice. Indians of All Tribes in 1972; He connected so much with our varied communities, speaking to a • San Francisco Historical more universal experience, drawing Photograph Collection presented Shoshone Bannock member Dr. LaNada War an incredibly diverse audience to all All That Glitters Is Not Gold, Jack shares her story of the Occupation of of our One City One Book programs,” displaying works by artist Kaytea Alcatraz alongside, Ruth Orta (Ohlone/Bay said Community Engagement Petro alongside previously Miwok, Plains Miwok) and Eloy Martínez (Southern Ute). Manager Alejandro Gallegos. unreleased images of the Occupation; The book proved to be a timely and San Francisco Poet Laureate Kim extremely popular choice for the City’s • Before the Occupation: A Brief Shuck (Tsalagi) summed up the 15th annual One City One Book History of Native Americans at significance of the Library’s 2019 literary celebration, which happened Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, First Person celebration and citywide to coincide with an unprecedented which illustrated events and American Indian Initiative as follows: confluence of significant anniversaries Danza Azteca Mixcoatl Anahuac perform in the Main Children’s Center. controversies between the federal “Although Indigenous Peoples make and events: the 50th Anniversary government and Native Americans appearances in public art in San of the Occupation of Alcatraz, contemporary events that have left California plants still growing wild that led up to the Occupation; Francisco, contemporary Native the anniversary of the City’s first them landless and without federal in the Presidio, and Ohlone Games, people are rarely visible in this city. • The Native Reclamation of Indigenous Peoples Day, the recognition. Another standing-room which introduced them to the culture The San Francisco Bay Area has Alcatraz Island, 1969, featuring anniversary of the removal of the racist only event included Untold and and history of San Francisco’s original one of the largest and most varied news from daily newspapers and Early Days sculpture from the Civic Intimate Stories of the Alcatraz inhabitants. Western Hemispherian populations the underground press of the Native Center and an ambitious first-ever Occupation, in which participants and yet we still hear ignorant and “We’re so proud that SFPL provided American Occupation. citywide American Indian Initiative were given a rare glimpse of photos opportunities for Native people to miseducated comments about ‘looking celebrating the contributions of local taken during the Occupation and an engage with each other and with the • Curated by the SFAC, Reclaiming Indian’ or our low numbers making us Indigenous Peoples, organized by opportunity to listen to a group of Library,” according to Community Space: Projected Portraits of the inconsequential.” n the San Francisco Arts Commission original occupiers tell their rich stories Engagement Coordinator Anissa American Indian Community, (SFAC). of organizing and living on Alcatraz. Malady. “It was a truly community- projected portraits of contemporary For three months, the Library joined Ancestral Ink, a panel of four female driven experience, demonstrated by members of the local Indigenous local Indigenous organizations and Indigenous knowledge keepers, shared the ownership of this programming community by Melesaine were cultural institutions throughout the the history, tradition and revitalization by the Native communities we worked projected onto the facade of the City in presenting public programs of tattoo practices among Indigenous hard to reach.” Main Library for one week. ANNUAL REPORT FISCAL YEAR 2019 – 2020 • THE LIBRARY LEADER B2 VOWS: Reunited and It Feels So Good It’s a tale as old as time. A love story for the ages. Proof that absence truly does make the heart grow fonder.
“Our branch libraries play such an important role in our neighborhoods,” stated Chief of Branches Cathy Delneo. “While our buildings remain closed to the public, SFPL To Go enables us to continue to stay connected with our community and support them during this difficult time.”
District 11 Supervisor Ahsha Safaí and City Merced Branch Library staff celebrated the SFPL partnered with SFUSD to provide SFPL To Go-Go, Pop-Up Pick-Up services at three school Librarian Michael Lambert at the Excelsior launch of SFPL To Go services on September locations in San Francisco. Treasure Island also boasts a bookmobile site. Branch. 1, 2020. After five months apart, San Francisco celebrated the reopening of book It was great to see our patrons at our public health guidance and developed has continued to open more branches Public Library was pleased to reunite drops to return the library items they door and to be able to deliver and safety protocols for contact-free library for front door service every month with its beloved library patrons. On had held on to since March. receive books once again.” service aimed at protecting staff while and is now offeringSFPL To Go-Go, Monday, August 10, and Tuesday, “After months of planning and Led by the Main and Branches also ensuring the safety of library a Pop-Up Pick-Up service with the August 11, the Library renewed its vow preparing, SFPL To Go’s opening day division, the libraries were bedecked patrons. Library patrons may now bookmobile at three SFUSD school to provide libraries for all with SFPL was an important milestone in the with rainbow-colored social request books, DVDs, CDs and other sites: Jose Ortega Elementary School, To Go, its front door service. City’s reopening,” said Chief of Main distancing markers and colorful heart- physical materials. Once the items Willie Brown Jr. Middle School and Patrons reported being “overwhelmed Tom Fortin. “Staff worked so hard shaped sunglass signs to celebrate the are available, patrons are notified and John O’Connell High School. with emotion” in resuming their long- to create a friendly and welcoming summer’s return to library service. can pick up their items at the libraries’ Hundreds of patrons are visiting each doors. lost love for libraries. Plus, there were environment for our patrons while While it was a long road to reach SFPL branch every day. It’s fabulous to see n many happy returns as library lovers adhering to public health guidelines. To Go, the Library followed the latest Since that August opening, the Library everyone again. Summer Stride Celebrates the Outdoors Summer Interns Step Up to Help
Gate Park’s 150th Anniversary, the Their Community During Shutdown activity tracker was fashioned as a walk, run or cycle adventure through the Park’s treasures, beginning in the Panhandle and finishing at an Ocean Beach sunset. It is a San Francisco nature lover’s delight.
“We are grateful for our fifth year of partnership with the National Park Service and Golden Gate Parks Conservancy to offer a weekly added StoryWalks at the Presidio Promenade. Nature Boost program,” Estrovitz. “We stood together Summer looked very different this year, SFPL partnered for the seventh year to keep students exercising but our goals remained the same: to with Chronicle Books to commission their minds and bodies to Our 2020 Youth Engaging in get everyone reading and learning this original art from Alison Farrell, Library Leadership (YELL) summer summer, combined with a little more inspired by her 2019 book, The Hike, combat the COVID slide. Free “SFPL has given me so many internship program went completely outdoor time instead of in-the-library informed by her previous years living access to books, nature and the virtual! In June and July, 29 intrepid resources and tools that have time. in the Outer Sunset and love of the majestic outdoors is crucial for teens worked closely under the helped me become the person natural world. This was the perfect “While our brick and mortar locations a healthy San Francisco.” guidance of SFPL staff to execute pairing for our collaboration with SF I am today. They have been were closed, we were proud to offer two successful Community Impact Recreation & Parks, Parks Alliance, the foundation of my learning caregivers, youth and adults a wide Projects to help youth and their National Park Service, Presidio Trust Additionally, beloved StoryWalks were array of programming that can be families and seniors in San Francisco and education. From the time and Golden Gate National Parks back for another year as an extra- accessed from the safety of their own and beyond—all from their virtual I got my first library card to Conservancy. To celebrate Golden special treat for urban hikers enjoying home. At the same time, we wanted to their local oases. Pages from children’s desks—changing both the lives of borrowing all kinds of books encourage families to take advantage books were put on signs and sprinkled others, as well as their own. of the restorative benefits of being in and movies, the library has along a trail. Thanks to our partners, Two-thirds of the YELL members nature,” said Christy Estrovitz, Youth there were two books and three been an integral part of who Services Manager. were on Team STEM Challenge. different hikes to explore,The Hike They brainstormed and developed I am,” said Bryce, 2020 YELL We increased our eBook collection to by Alison Farrell along the Presidio engaging and educational STEM intern. provide even more fantastic books, Promenade and Lands End Coastal video tutorials for elementary and designed a new virtual library to keep Trail, and I Wrote You a Note by Lizi middle school students, to launch everyone up to date and developed Boyd at Mountain Lake. in October. The remaining third of In its fourth year, YELL interns have shown the resilience, determination online programs for kids and adults. New this year, participants could track the teens assisted seniors living in and integrity of our teen community. More than 15,000 viewers took part their reading and learning time on Sequoia Living affordable housing. They have contributed over 800 in our summer class and program Beanstack, an online platform accessed Over the phone, youth assessed prior hours of time creating community, offerings online. from a computer or mobile device. knowledge, current barriers and doing a deep dive into professional To help students keep reading, the More than 6,500 avid readers entered goals for technology use, and offered skills, learning about library resources Library sent every SFUSD student a more than 4.4 million minutes spent friendly, patient tutoring tailored to and offering event and program printed Summer Stride tracker and reading on the Beanstack tracker this the interests of the senior. A little patron proudly shows off her completed suggestions to carry us through 2020 book list of great reads by grade level. year. n Summer Stride Tracker. and onward. n
THANK YOU TO OUR SUMMER STRIDE SPONSORS & PARTNERS SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY • THE LIBRARY LEADER B3 The I Love My Librarian Award 2019 Library of the Year Winner goes to. . . JANET TOM Talking Books and Braille Center Continues Reference librarian at San Francisco Service while Sheltering in Place Public Library, Janet Tom received a 2019 I Love My Librarian Award, Each year the Library of Congress administered by the American Library recognizes the work of state and local Association. Recognized for her libraries that provide braille and leadership in her community and talking-book services to people who commitment to transforming lives, cannot use print materials. The Talking she is one of only 10 librarians in the Books and Braille Center (TBBC) was country to receive this national honor. awarded Subregional Library of the Year for 2019 for great programming Tom was nominated for her ability and attention to individuals and the to bring taboo subjects out of the community. dark and discuss them with care TBBC Program Manager Jane and respect. Her innovative “Death Glasby described the unique work and Dying” program series was Award recipient, Librarian Janet Tom. her department does: “Like the rest instrumental in helping community of SFPL, we offer great programming members deal with grief and dispelling “We could not be more proud and exhibitions—including music of Janet Tom. She is an the stigma around discussing mortality. jams, book clubs, audio-described exceptional librarian, focused Her nominators also noted Tom’s movies, craft, games, braille storytimes, • 815 active individual patrons • Circulation FY19–20 - 29,706 work with San Francisco Chinese tech workshops and school visits. • 65 institutional partners, e.g. • Circulation during COVID: more on meeting patrons’ needs Alzheimer’s Association to create a But another way we stand out is in the Jail and Reentry services, than 5200 books including ILL for valuable information Cantonese/English bilingual forum for offering intensive 1-on-1 attention and the Veterans’ Administration, and BARD elders and their caregivers. According and resources, and is most we know many of our patrons very schools, elder residences and • Library by Mail circ = 1,374 to one of her nominators, through well. We look for other sources for deserving of this award,” day centers and SFPL branches • Patron contacts: approx. 3000 community engagement, Tom “brings audiobooks and work out how to play said City Librarian Michael n the best of the Bay Area together.” them on various devices. We regularly Lambert. spend upwards of half an hour on shelter of their homes. They also offer also further complicated due to the the phone with a patron, particularly virtual programs. Sheltering In Place fact that many websites do not meet supporting all kinds of technologies While Blind is a weekly discussion accessibility standards. As a result, within and beyond the immediate group facilitated by TBBC’s braille TBBC has had to overcome barriers scope of the library.” transcriber; the long running Talking to participation and devise innovative Since the shutdown, TBBC’s work Book Club enjoys more participation ways to make existing programs more n has continued to serve patrons. As than ever; a monthly Writer’s Salon accessible. Glasby reports: “Since mid-April, allows people to share their own or a about a month after the shutdown, we favorite piece for discussion. “Our library represents picked up our work and continued Disability is a strong marker for community and a joy in from a distance. We have made an poverty. Unemployment statistics show reading,” stated Jane Glasby. effort to contact every one of our a 30 percent rate across disabilities and patrons.” TBBC’s dedicated staff help 70 percent for those who are blind and “Our staff is not afraid to people over email and the phone to print disabled. With the closure of the explore new technologies to download talking books and they Library buildings, many patrons were support patrons where they SFPL’s Work It series, which launched this fall from the Main Library’s Business, Science and send out digital talking books on cut off from free access to the internet. need it most.” Technology Center, offers integral finance and job search workshops and programs to our patrons. cartridges through USPS, all from the Transitioning to virtual programs is Top 10 Circulated eBooks and eAudiobooks
TOP 10 EBOOKS TOP 10 EAUDIOBOOKS
Rank Title Author Rank Title Author
1 Educated Tara Westover 1 Becoming Michelle Obama
2 Becoming Michelle Obama 2 Educated Tara Westover
3 Where the Crawdads Sing Delia Owens 3 Talking to Strangers Malcolm Gladwell
4 Little Fires Everywhere Celeste Ng 4 Where the Crawdads Sing Delia Owens
5 There There Tommy Orange 5 Dear Girls Ali Wong
6 Normal People Sally Rooney 6 Sapiens Yuval Noah Harari
7 City of Girls Elizabeth Gilbert 7 The Dutch House Ann Patchett
8 The Overstory Richard Powers 8 White Fragility Robin DiAngelo
9 The Testaments Margaret Atwood 9 Normal People Sally Rooney
10 Born a Crime Trevor Noah 10 Circe Madeline Miller ANNUAL REPORT FISCAL YEAR 2019 – 2020 • THE LIBRARY LEADER B4 Advancing Racial Equity at the Library and Beyond “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” —James Baldwin
Public libraries have a unique and vital role to play in advancing equity and addressing racial divides. This means taking a closer look at our services and being honest about how our institution has failed to help advance racial equity. In recent years, San Francisco Public Library has made a concerted effort to face the racial inequities both within and outside the organization. Since 2018, the Library has had an active internal Racial Equity Committee comprised of diverse staff representing Racial Equity Committee co-chairs Shawna Sherman and Alejandro Gallegos. Talking with Kids About Race panel featuring Alison Collins, Gabriela López and Mariposa. various levels of the organization.
The Committee’s mission Racial Equity Committee states: Alejandro Gallegos, co-chair Ra ial Di er it o De o ra hi o i rar Shawna Sherman, co-chair S i rar Co i ion Senior ana e ent Tea SFPL will use a racial equity Charles Coleman lens to identify and respond Chela Lucas Denise Schmidt to past and current disparities Eun Lee in order to better serve the Gregory Hom needs of our communities. Janine Mogannam Jennifer Woo We believe the library space Jimmy Tran belongs to everyone and Kate Patterson White White will work on policies and Maureen Singleton, Management Team Liaison Non-white Non-white programs to promote race Melissa Mendiola equity so that all people feel Meredith Steiner welcomed in the library to Michelle Waddy Michele Williams fully participate and benefit Queena Chen from our services. Tramaine Johnson
Office issued a citywide Racial Equity After attending the workshop, one with Commission President Dr. Mary Framework, a document outlining the participant said that she would “step Wardell-Ghiraduzzi, took the lead “Race Equity is not simply a black and white issue. It involves all City’s vision, goals and overarching up” her conversation about this topic on drafting a statement championing of us,” said Shawna Sherman. “We hope to really dig into the data strategies to address racism and with her child and “get more involved racial equity and supporting the to see where inequities exist in our library culture so that we can racial disparities and advance racial at school for implementing change.” #BlackLivesMatter movement. equity in the City, with a focus on Another attendee said, “I will search address them. We are in this together. We all have to work together In the statement, Dr. Wardell- the work of City government. The for a structured guideline that can be Ghiraduzzi stated that, “Our black if we want to make change.” framework includes metrics by used to explain [to] small children colleagues, neighbors and friends have which departments, through Racial [that] race is a social construct, a brief spent lifetimes living with anxiety and Equity Action Plans, can measure overview of how race is used to oppress uncertainty while too many leaders The group’s co-chairs, Community re-examination in creating more equal performance to address racial minorities and why that is wrong.” are silent and complicit. Now is the Engagement Manager Alejandro outcomes for all of our residents.” disparities. The Main Library hosted the exhibit, time for leaders everywhere to take Gallegos and African American The Racial Equity Committee’s The Library is in the process of Same Game Different Smokers:A a stand against racism and commit Center Librarian Shawna Sherman, efforts were bolstered when Mayor responding to Phase 1 of the Racial Look at the Tobacco Industry’s Footprint to doing the work to uncover their participated in the Government London N. Breed signed the Racial Equity Framework, which entails on Black Lives and Black Lungs, which own biases, prejudices and anti-black Alliance on Race and Equity, a Equity Ordinance on August 9, 2019, providing data in response to the illustrated the role that increased behaviors that perpetuate structural year-long training for government establishing the City’s new Office following criteria: demand for tobacco played in the and institutional racism.” employees that provides the of Racial Equity (ORE), under the creation of the transatlantic slave knowledge, skills and framework 1. Hiring and Recruitment, The City’s Racial Equity Framework jurisdiction of the Human Rights trade and how tobacco advertising to help them dismantle systems of is the roadmap that guides the work Commission. In the press release 2. Retention, Promotion and evolved once the African American oppression within and outside their of the Library as it strives towards announcing the new office, Mayor Protection, community became a lucrative market. agencies. Under their leadership, being a 21st-century institution built Breed stated, “This office will help 3. Discipline and Separation, With images from Tobacco Control the Committee has made strides on inclusion, social justice and mutual us address racial inequities across Archives, the exhibition demonstrated on normalizing discussions about 4. Diverse and Equitable Leadership respect. To that end, it is committed the City and advance toward how the tobacco industry targeted race at the Library. In addition, the and Management, to reviewing and conducting all equitable outcomes for all our the African American community Committee works to support current 5. Mobility and Professional internal policies and practices with a communities. We know that in the by repurposing historically racist employees and encourage them to Development, racial equity lens, specifically: hiring, past our City has enacted policies that iconography into slick campaigns and begin thinking of library services recruitment, promotions, discipline, disproportionately harm communities 6. Organizational Culture of with strategic ad placement, product through a racial equity lens. The compensation and leadership of color. With this new Office of Racial Inclusion and Belonging and distribution, event sponsorship and Committee launched a new REAL appointments. The Library will Equity, we will work to right those divisive messaging. In connection (Racial Equity at the Library) Talk 7. Boards and Commissions. also take steps to strengthen racial past wrongs and ensure that our City’s with the de Young Museum’s critically educational series to build greater The Library expects to complete Phase and ethnic diversity of employees policies going forward are equitable acclaimed Soul of a Nation: Art in competency and to foster robust and 1 by December 31, 2020. at all levels from staff positions to and just.” the Age of Black Power exhibition, the honest discussions around racial equity managerial and director level positions. Beyond the work of the Racial Equity Library created The Black Aesthetic, in a safe environment. The Office of Racial Equity analyzes Throughout this process, the Library policies across the City for their Committee, the Library used its an exhibit that highlighted library is committed to being transparent as “It’s important that we recognize potential impact on various racial platform to help educate the public by materials that tackled questions related it works towards fulfilling its racial that there is a history of creating groups and consults with City presenting such innovative programs to the Black Arts Movement of the equity goals by making data public racial inequity by institutions, and departments to establish tailored as Talking with Kids about Race and 1960s about whether art by African and providing regular updates on the that libraries have contributed to plans to address racial disparities both Racism: When Sorry Isn’t Enough, American-identified artists should be execution of the Racial Equity Action this,” said Gallegos. “We now want within individual departments and a workshop designed to give parents, for its own sake or for the benefit of the Plan. our library to contribute to ending within the communities they serve. caregivers and educators the tools to Black community. racialized outcomes. Supporting this For more information about the The legislation also mandates that have constructive and meaningful When George Floyd, Breonna Taylor work means that SFPL is committing conversations about race and racism City’s Racial Equity Framework, visit every City department create a Racial and Ahmaud Arbery were murdered, n to continued and ongoing action and racialequitysf.org. Equity Action Plan. In June 2020, the with the children in their care. the Racial Equity Committee, along C1 The Library Leader COMICS QUESTIONABLE QUESTIONS The TIP Line (415) 557-4400 is a telephone ready-reference service where librarians at the Main Library are available Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sunday, 12 – 6 p.m. Illustrations by Michelle McNeil Once in awhile, we receive some interesting and curious questions.
“I’ve been mistakenly reported dead. Is my library card still good?” “Can you look up my address on Google “Do you have any cookbooks on the subject, Balled Side Dishes?” Earth and see if it looks like I am growing No. She calls back a minute later. weed?” “Can you try this search: Filled Balls Recipes?”
“Is it shorter to raft from SF to Alcatraz or SF to Treasure “Can you give me the phone number for the people who invented vinegar?” “What year did doctors stop slapping babies on the butt Island, and what’s the phone number for the Coast Guard when they are born?” because I think they should come with me.”
rien o S P rant E en iture i al ear 2019 2020 (in thousands)
$17.5 $20.9
Friends of the San Francisco Public Library provided $454,450 in direct support for programs, services, equipment and fiscal sponsorship in the $43.7 following areas:
• Children and youth • Collections and programs at $44.0 $199.0 programs, including Summer affinity centers at the Main Stride (The Bridge, Hormel LGBTQIA, • The Mix at Main teen media center Latino Hispanic, Chinese $79.5 American, Filipino and Stegner • Connected Community, Centers) $35.7 system-wide adult programs • History, art and literary exhibitions • Grants to branches for $14.0 crafts, wellness and cultural • Enhanced marketing of Library Donor Restricted Funds System-wide Adult Programming programs programs and services, including At the Library Main Library Support Community Relations/Marketing/ • Professional development training Volunteers for library staff • Emergency expenditures for PPE Branch Library Support for SFPL staff Strategic Initiatives & Collections • One City One Book and the Effie System-wide Youth Programming Sta Training & Recognition Lee Morris Lecture
Friends-supported programs at SFPL were impacted in the fourth quarter due to the City health orders and branch closures, beginning in March. The Library Leader D1 BUSINESS
Letter from the City Librarian Dear Readers, With the advent of the coronavirus “I just wanted to say thank you! The San Francisco Public Library Commission in our City and the subsequent SF Public Library has been amazing As the pages of this Annual Report London N. Breed closure of our buildings, we have throughout this entire pandemic. But attest, it has been an extraordinary Mayor 2018 – present joined our patrons in mourning the you have been amazing long before year for San Francisco Public Library, Dr. Mary Wardell-Ghirarduzzi temporary loss of access to these the pandemic as well. My daughter President 2014 – 2022 in many ways. essential civic spaces and to the and I love to read books and you in-person interactions that bring so Susan Mall When I look back at the beginning have helped us to be able to afford Vice-President 2013 – 2021 much happiness to our lives and that of this fiscal year, I am reminded of to keep reading books through the inspire our work. But the story of this Zoe Dunning 2014-2020 all of the joyful events and programs years.” Pete Huang 2018 – 2021 year is not a sad one. No, not at all. John Lee 2013 – 2022 we presented that brought people This annual report tells the story of “Thank you so much for bringing this Dr. Eurania López 2020 – 2022 from across the City together in Teresa Ono 2009 – 2021 how the Library adapted to carry on meal and also thank you for ALL Connie Wolf 2018 – 2022 the same physical space. In Eric our important work of connecting that you do for our lives here…We Commissioners Klinenberg’s book, Palaces for the our patrons to the joys of reading and appreciate your efforts and sacrifices Michael Lambert People: How Social Infrastructure Can to each other through virtual events. and even if [I] don't know how to City Librarian 2019 – present Help Fight Inequality, Polarization It is a story about how our staff rose express it correctly please know you Margot Shaub and the Decline of Civic Life, he talks up to meet the challenges of the day are admired, respected, recognized Commission Affairs Analyst 2020 – present reverently about libraries as “Palaces to support our City in ways none of and appreciated.” —Shelter In Place for the People,” spaces that bestow us could have imagined a year ago. Facility Resident Rebecca Alcalá-Veraflor nobility and dignity in those who Assistant Chief of Branches This year’s story is one of resiliency, walk through the doors and that creativity and generosity of spirit. It’s I’m so proud of what we accomplished Shellie Cocking this year, and I can’t wait until this Chief of Collections and Technical Services foster “social cohesion” among people the year we expanded what it means storm has passed and we can open Charles Coleman who may not normally engage with to be a Palace for the People in a time Custodial Services Manager one another. It is through this lens when we have to stay six feet apart our doors once again. Until then, it Catherine Delneo that I think about the impact and while wearing a mask. It is the year will be FABULOUS TO SEE YOU at Chief of Branches meaning of our incredibly popular that showed us that while we are our SFPL To Go locations and at our Thomas Fortin One City One Book programs that physically apart, we are still very much virtual events. Chief of Main honored the 50th Anniversary of connected. Heather Green With Gratitude, Chief Financial Officer the Occupation of Alcatraz and our I’d like to end by sharing some of the Michelle Jeffers Indigenous community; the sweet great feedback we received during this Chief of Community Programs and Partnerships Mardi Gras celebration at our Ocean challenging year. Tramaine Johnson View Branch; our annual Tricycle Michael Lambert Manager of Security Operations and Emergency Music Festival; Night of Ideas, which “I just don’t even have the words to City Librarian Planning express my gratitude to you and drew over 5,000 people to the Main Roberto Lombardi the library staff. You are a model Director of Facilities Library for a marathon of speakers department and it doesn’t surprise Michael Liang and arts performances and the many me at all that you are the top-rated Chief Information Officer crafting and storytime programs we department in the City; and this was Randle McClure offer each week. These communal Chief Analytics Officer pre-COVID…But then post-COVID, events and the experience of coming Kate Patterson there was no department that stepped Director of Communications into a library to browse books and, up like you did, going so outside of perhaps, bumping into neighbors or a Lori Regler your area of training to be effective Library Human Resources Director favorite librarian, are what help bind and useful and helpful to the City and Todd Robinson us as a community and fortify us so what everyone needed. —District 9 Engineering Manager that we can face adversity together. Supervisor Hillary Ronen Maureen Singleton Chief Operating Officer Fiscal Year 2020 Budget (in millions)
Library Locations Labor Anza • Bayview / Linda Brooks-Burton Bernal Heights • Chinatown / Him Mark Lai a ital Eureka Valley / Harvey Milk Memorial Excelsior • Glen Park • Golden Gate Valley ollections Ingleside • Main Library • Marina • Merced Mission • Mission Bay • Noe Valley / Sally Brunn • North Beach • Ocean View • Ortega Ser ices of ther e ts Park • Parkside • Portola • Potrero • Presidio Richmond / Sen. Milton Marks • Sunset on Personnel Visitacion Valley • West Portal • Western Addition • Bookmobiles • Treasure Island aterials Su lies
Mailing Address L P ebt Ser ice San Francisco Public Library Secretary, Library Commission ui ent 100 Larkin Street San Francisco, CA 94102-4989 171 59 Total Telephone: (415) 557-4236 Fax: (415) 557-4239 sfpl.org The Library Leader D2 LOCAL NEWS Thank You SFPL Staff
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