"Our mission is to create, steward and support a superior, free public library system in San Francisco. We are committed to raising the standard of excellence of our libraries by funding programs and services beyond what is allocated by the City's budget. We believe in free and equal access to information for all."

Providing for Knowledge,

Growth and Prosperity:
A Benefit Study of the San Francisco Public Library

One Dollar In, More than Three Out!

Study Asserts the Economic Value of the San Francisco Public Library System

Curious to understand if the value of Libraries could be quantified Friends of the San Francisco Public Library commissioned a study to investigate!  The result is a report that describes the diverse contributions and quantifies the substantial value that the San Francisco Public Library provides—revealing that the SFPL generates an impressive return of $3.34 for every dollar spent on its operations and services.

Conducted by Berk and Associates, a Seattle-based research and economic analysis firm, the study entitled, “Providing for Knowledge, Growth and Prosperity: A Benefit Study of the San Francisco Public Library,” illustrates how the SFPL has evolved to be a characteristically San Franciscan institution uniquely suited to serve the City and its inhabitants, particularly those most in need.  

The study highlights how the SFPL directly benefits the City through education and early literacy, economic and workforce development, strengthening communities and enhancing the image and identity of San Francisco and its neighborhoods, and personal learning and recreation.

For more information on obtaining the full report, please contact Katie Ambellan, Communication and Advocacy Associate at katie@friendssfpl.org or call (415) 626-7512 ext: 123

Executive Summary

Press Release