Speak Out: Advocacy
San Francisco Votes YES on Libraries!
On November 6th 2007, San Franciscans voted overwhelmingly to pass Proposition D and protect our libraries! Libraries are a top priority for our electorate; Prop D received 74.5% of the vote, more votes than any other proposition on the ballot. Over the next fifteen years, Prop D will bring in more than $1.2 billion to the library - without raising taxes.
Prop D asked voters to renew the Library Preservation Fund, which was
due to expire in 2008-2009. Passed overwhelmingly in 1994, the Library
Preservation Fund created an essential and stable funding source for
the library system. The Fund enabled the library to increase operating
hours by 53% and expanded the budget for books and materials by almost
400%. In addition, Prop D grants the City the authority to issue
revenue bonds to ensure that the Branch Library Improvement Program can
continue to renovate San Francisco’s neighborhood libraries.
Prop D received tremendous support from political and community leaders and associations. Mayor Newsom, Senator Feinstein, Speaker of the House Pelosi, State Senators Migden and Yee, State Assembly members Leno and Ma, the President of the Board of Supervisors Peskin and ten of the eleven Supervisors, plus many more, all supported Prop D. Over 30 organizations endorsed the measure, and Prop D received unanimous endorsements from The San Francisco Chronicle, The San Francisco Examiner and The Bay Guardian.
The passage of Prop D ensures that our libraries will continue to:
- Inspire, educate and empower
- Level the playing field for all; regardless of age and background
- Be a safe haven for children and families
- Provide support for under-served communities and the people who need it most
- Ensure equity among San Francisco neighborhoods and contribute to their vitality
- Empower business development and long-term success
- Provide free, high-quality programs and classes
- Preserve local history
- Be truly democratic spaces
Over the past 20 years, Friends has helped pass four ballot measures. In 1988, Friends realized their long time goal of a new Main Library by championing Proposition A, a bond issue that would fund $109.5 million to build a new Main Library, which opened its doors on April 18, 1996.
Friends continued our advocacy efforts by championing the Library Preservation Fund, or Proposition E, in 1994. The passage of Prop E established 15 years of funding by earmarking a percentage of City revenue for the Library. The Fund has had tremendous affect on our libraries; it enabled the library to increase operating hours by 53% and expanded the budget for books and materials by almost 400%.
Again in 2000, Friends (now merged with the Library Foundation) led a $106 million bond measure to build and refurbish 24 neighborhood branch libraries city-wide. As with the Main, public bonds will not pay for equipment or furnishings inside the branches. To meet this need, Friends is charged with raising $16 million through the Neighborhood Library Campaign.
Public Awareness
In addition to ballot measures,
Friends commissioned a study that outlines the economic benefit of the
SFPL. To read more about the study,
click here.