News Release

Implementation of a major new public safety initiative for the San Francisco Public Library was launched in July 2006. Under the leadership of City Librarian Luis Herrera, the Library has seen a reorganization of its security staff, as well as the addition of two outreach workers, on contract through the Department of Public Health, to help those library patrons in most need of referrals to city services.

With over 2 million visitors annually to the Main Library and over 3 million visitors to the branch libraries, San Francisco will serve as an urban model to other cities in providing a welcoming, comfortable and pleasant experience for library patrons. As part of an overall public safety plan, the Library has developed partnerships with the San Francisco Police Department, DPH, and other city-sponsored programs concerned with security, crime abatement and homeless issues.

“We are proud of the many services we offer to all people,” stated Herrera. “The Library is a magnet for students, children and teens, job seekers, writers, historians, seniors and more– in other words, all San Francisco residents. It is one of our top priorities to provide a safe and comfortable environment for our library patrons.”

Herrera has adopted a multiple-step approach to enhancing public safety. Sargeant Patrick Kwan of the SFPD joined library staff in July 2006 with the charge to analyze and update security and safety practices throughout the Library. Drawing on expertise and skills acquired in his duties in the police department and as head of the Tenderloin Homeless Task Force, Sgt. Kwan has implemented new training procedures and redesigned the ways in which security staff is scheduled and deployed, with the goal of increasing security on the exterior and upper floors of the Main Library. All security officers will undergo training at the San Francisco Police Academy under his new training program.

Another new initiative, first discussed in December 2005 with the DPH and implemented in October 2006 is the introduction of two half-time outreach workers who are present daily at the Library through SF HOT (San Francisco Homeless Outreach Team), a collaborative effort that reaches across city departments and community based organizations. The two staff members of the SF HOT team are dedicated to working with library patrons most in need of city services, including housing and mental health facilities by making contact with individuals and making appropriate referrals.

A third effort to address any concerns about safety in libraries will come with the remodeling of the first floor of the Main in early 2007. Public restrooms will be redesigned to support better visibility and security control of the facilities.

Public safety is an ongoing priority for the San Francisco Public Library. Through its public safety plan, San Francisco is leading the effort among major urban libraries to address any concerns on the part of the public.