Supervisor Leland Yee: Parkside Library Must Meet Neighbor's Demands

On a gloriously sunny San Francisco day on Saturday, Sept. 28, while two local fairs were vying for attention, 50 to 60 Sunset residents chose instead to perch on folding chairs in the Parkside Library to learn about renovation plans for the library and to give their input. They were asked to bring their "dreams and wishes for this exciting new space."

And yet, this "new space" is not new at all, for Parkside is scheduled only for a renovation ­ not expansion ­ at the cost of almost $3 million.

According to City Librarian Susan Hildreth, the budget for Parkside Library is fixed and is based on no increased square footage. Present plans for renovation for Parkside focus on ADA-compliance and seismic retrofitting. ADA compliance will mean wider aisles and easier access, but within the finite and already constraining library walls.

Parkside Library is the eighth busiest library in the San Francisco public library system. Situated near Abraham Lincoln High School and heavily utilized by Lincoln students, Parkside is also well-used by younger children. It is also a popular family destination, drawing in adults and seniors in our community.

Part of the popularity of Parkside is doubtless its excellent staff, who are greatly appreciated by library users for their helpfulness and friendliness and for the wonderful programs they bring to the library.

Another major reason for Parkside's growth is San Francisco demographics: families are moving to the west side of the City and city services, including libraries, must reflect and respond to this.

Parkside Library can and should be expanded. The one thing that every neighbor agreed upon that sunny Saturday afternoon is that the library must be bigger. Many fine suggestions were put forward for the library, including: more books, more space for books, more tables and chairs, more study areas, more reference works, a separate children's area ­ and more than one bathroom.

Neighbors spoke persuasively about their hopes for the library, but they were adamant that it was pointless to spend millions of dollars and end up with less, or only marginally more, usable space. They mentioned that many programs are "standing room only," due to strong local interest and all-too-limited space. Some spoke of the need to increase the library's collection, and of their fears that the size of the library's book collection would be reduced in the "renovation" process. Parkside must keep pace with the local community; it must expand.

Parkside Library is nestled near the corner of 22nd and Taraval, on SF Recreation and Park Department land. In 1950, the SF Recreation and Park Commission adopted a resolution permitting the present library to be built on that land. The library could be extended eastward and still be within the boundaries of that original land permit. Or the library and Rec. and Park commissions could come to an agreement regarding an expanded Parkside Library, based on local needs and architects' plans.

The city librarian has stated that any alternative planning would have to be reconsidered by the library commission and the renovation of the library might not take place in the first round of renovations, as had been planned. So be it. If renovation would gobble up $3 million and yet leave Parkside with insufficient space for books, readers and library programs, then this renovation is not in the best interest of the community. Now is the time to rethink and come up with a sustainable library plan ­ and library ­ for our neighborhood. There is clear public will: Parkside Library must be expanded.

If you have questions or comments about this or other issues, please e-mail me at leland.yee@sfgov.org" or call (415) 554-7752.

Leland Yee is a San Francisco supervisor representing District 4.