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Report regarding the approval for the funding, construction and installation of Little Libraries in South San Francisco public parks. (Chloe Wong, Parks and Recreation Director)
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a resolution appropriating and approving $5,000 for the installation of Little Libraries in public parks throughout the City of South San Francisco.
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BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The City of South San Francisco has two public library locations: the Grand Avenue Library and the main library at the Library | Parks and Recreation Center. With them being only 1.4 miles apart from each other, the rest of the city is largely left without easy access to a variety of reading material, staff is proposing constructing and installing Little Libraries in public parks in order to make books more accessible throughout the city.
Little Libraries are small outdoor book-sharing structures placed in public spaces where individuals can take or leave books at no cost. The program originated in 2009 and has grown into a global movement with more than 200,000 registered libraries in over 100 countries through the nonprofit organization Little Free Library.
Many cities throughout the United States have incorporated Little Libraries into their park systems as a low-cost amenity that encourages reading and community participation. These installations are particularly popular in parks, where families and children frequently gather.
Benefits of the program include:
• Promoting literacy and lifelong learning
• Encouraging community participation and sharing
• Enhancing the visitor experience in City parks
• Providing low-cost recreational and educational amenities
• Supporting youth and family engagement in park spaces
The Parks and Recreation Department has received interest from community members regarding expanding informal book-sharing opportunities in public spaces. Installing Little Libraries in City parks would provide a safe and accessible way to support this interest while activating park spaces with a new community-focused amenity.
The program would be implemented and managed by the Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with the SSF Public Library, and potentially in partnership with community volunteers, local organizations, and service groups. The installation of Little Libraries in parks aligns with the City’s goals of fostering community connection, supporting youth development, and enhancing public spaces.
FISCAL IMPACT
Construction and installation of the Little Libraries is expected to cost $5,000. Staff requests an additional budget request of $5,000 in order to fund the purchase of materials for the Little Libraries. Installation will be performed by Parks Maintenance staff under the Parks and Recreation Department’s operating budget at no additional cost. In addition, the City may seek sponsorships, donations, or volunteer contributions to offset costs.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
Approval of this action will contribute to the City’s Strategic Plan. It aligns with Priority #2, which is focused on enhancing quality of life and enriching the lives of community members, making our city a great place to live, learn and play.
CONCLUSION
Installing Little Libraries in City parks represents a simple and cost-effective way to promote literacy, strengthen community connections, and enrich the park experience for residents and visitors. With minimal cost and strong potential for community partnership, the program would provide a meaningful amenity that aligns with the City’s commitment to vibrant and welcoming public spaces. Staff recommends that the City Council of the City of South San Francisco adopt a resolution approving the appropriation of $5,000 from the general fund for this project.