Committee forwards $1.0 million library grant from Friends & Foundation to full Board

The Budget & Appropriations Committee on May 25 voted to forward to the full Board a resolution authorizing the San Francisco Public Library to accept and expend an annual grant of $1,002,647 from the Friends & Foundation of the San Francisco Public Library.

Lampert, speaking for the library, described program allocations included in the FY23 grant: $100,000 to the library's summer "Summer Stride" program (STEM activities for youth), $30,000 for the One City, One Book program (this year's title is "Ear Hustle"), $54,000 in main library grants, $109,000 for branches, $189,000 for the James C. Hormel LGBTQIA+ Center, $91,000 from the Wiley Innovation Fund for the library's equity plan, and $40,000 in support for the Night of Ideas event with KQED.

Public commenter David Pilpel said he supports receiving the funds but urged the Board to consider legislation to wind down some "Friends of" organizations given past concerns. Chair Ronan moved to forward the resolution with a positive recommendation; the committee recorded a unanimous roll-call vote (5 ayes).