Title
Discussion and motion to approve memorandum regarding Library operating hours. (Commissioner Lee).
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The Commission will consider a motion to approve a memorandum to City Council recommending expansion of Library hours on Sundays.
ASSOCIATED DOCUMENTS
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To: South San Francisco City Council
From: South San Francisco Youth Commission
Subject: Extending South San Francisco Public Library Sunday Hours to 12:00 PM-6:00 PM.
RECOMMENDATION
On behalf of the South San Francisco Youth Commission, we recommend that the city of South San Francisco and South San Francisco Public Library consider extending Sunday operating hours at the Main Library from the current 2:00PM-5:00PM and 12:00PM-6:00PM. The City should evaluate staffing, operational costs, and community demand associated with expanding Sunday Service.
BACKGROUND
The South San Francisco Main Library, located at the Library | Parks and Recreation Center at 901 Civic Campus Way, is currently open for only three hours on Sundays, from 2:00 PM-5:00 PM. By comparison, the Main Library is open seven to ten hours on most other operating days. The Grand Avenue Library is closed entirely on Sundays.
The Main Library serves as more than a location for borrowing books. It provides study and gathering spaces, technology, educational programming, and other resources for youth and families. The Library | Parks and Recreation Center itself is already used for some City activities on Sundays, and Parks and Recreation classroom and rental spaces may operate beginning at 8:00 AM depending on scheduled programming.
DISCUSSION
Extending Sunday hours from 2:00 PM-5:00 PM to 12:00 PM-6:00 PM would double the Main Library's Sunday operating time from three hours to six hours.
Sunday is particularly valuable for students because schools are closed and many students have fewer academic or extracurricular obligations than during the school week. A three-hour operating window limits the amount of time students can use the library to study, complete homework, collaborate on projects, access computers and internet services, or use other educational resources.
The additional hours could also create more opportunities for library programming and community use. The Main Library already hosts programs and community events on Sundays; for example, the City's 2026 AANHPI Heritage Month programming included a Sunday author event at the Main Library.
Before implementation, the City and Library should evaluate Sunday attendance and usage data, anticipated staffing costs, staff availability, security and facility costs, and potential community demand. If a permanent expansion is not immediately feasible, the City could consider a pilot period and collect usage data to determine whether extended hours should become permanent.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Extended Sunday hours would provide residents with an additional three hours each week to access a free public educational and community space.
The change could particularly benefit youth who do not have quiet study spaces, reliable internet access, or other places to complete schoolwork outside of school. It could also benefit working families and residents whose weekday schedules make visiting the library difficult.
Expanding Sunday access would allow the City to make greater use of an existing public facility while improving access to educational resources and community programming. If implemented as a pilot, the City could measure Sunday attendance, program participation, facility usage, and community feedback to determine the effectiveness of the expanded schedule.
Sincerely,
South San Francisco Youth Commission