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Library to go 'fine-free' and accept $807,820 from Friends for programs
Summary
San Francisco Public Library presented a plan to eliminate overdue fines (forgiving about $1.5M in patron liabilities) and accept an $807,820 grant from the Friends of the Library to support summer programs and branch services; library staff told the committee fines disproportionately block low-income patrons.
The San Francisco Public Library asked the Budget and Finance Committee to accept an $807,820 grant from the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library and to remove overdue fines from the library’s fines and fee schedule.
City Librarian and staff described the FY20 grant allocation — including $100,000 for the summer reading program, $110,000 in branch grants and other system-wide program support — and requested authority to accept and expend the gift.
On the fines question, library staff cited a Financial Justice Project white paper and other research indicating overdue fines restrict access and disproportionately affect lower-income residents and communities of color. City Library testimony said roughly 250,000 patrons currently carry fines, with an outstanding liability near $1.5 million, and estimated annual revenue loss for the library of about $300,000 if fines are abolished. "Levying overdue fines inhibits access to library services and is antithetical to our mission," library staff said.
Supervisors expressed strong support; President Yee asked whether fine removal increases return times, and staff said studies show elimination can increase patron engagement and does not typically reduce material availability. The committee approved a positive recommendation to forward the grants and the fine-elimination ordinance to the full Board for final action.
Next steps: Items will go to the full Board with the committee’s positive recommendation; library staff offered to return with a staff report tracking impacts if requested.
