Library preservation fund to support restored hours, digital access and collections in FY23–24 budget

San Francisco Public Library leaders told the Budget & Appropriations Committee that the library preservation fund remains the principal source of support for their proposed FY23–24 budget and underpins plans to restore neighborhood branch hours and expand digital access and collections.

City Librarian Lambert and CFO Mike Fernandez said the preservation fund accounts for the bulk of library revenue and enables investments to reopen all 28 locations to seven‑day service. The budget proposal includes nearly $1.1 million for inclusivity initiatives, almost $1.0 million for digital‑access investments, $523,000 to increase e‑media materials, and a $500,000 one‑time investment to augment book‑giveaway programs serving families and youth.

Library staff said they are focused on hiring to restore pre‑pandemic staffing levels and that the department expects to reach pre‑COVID operating hours this summer if recruitment continues on schedule. The presentation emphasized multilingual and culturally competent services, additional connectivity for bookmobiles and support for the Talking Books and Braille Center.

Why it matters: the library functions as a neighborhood hub for learning, digital access and community programs; preservation‑fund investments aim to maintain free access and equity in services.

What’s next: the committee continued the overall budget items to May 25; library staff will complete recruitment and proceed with capital projects such as Mission and Chinatown branch renovations.