Marin County Free Library

Who does the Marin County Free Library Serve?

MCFL serves the unincorporated areas of Marin County as well as the cities of Fairfax, Novato and Corte Madera and maintains 10 libraries throughout the county. As your local library we served more than 1,100,000 visitors. Last year, library patrons checked-out more than 1,516,000 books and audio visual materials. In addition we provide our patrons with public access computers and free wireless, special programming for children, teens and seniors, our Library Beyond Walls program brings materials to homebound patrons and our Literacy program serves both individuals and families.  

Why does the Marin County Free Library need a funding measure?
Due to declining revenue and recent state budget cuts, Marin County Free Library’s budget is short $1.5 million per year. Without additional funds, cuts are proposed in services, hours and staffing.

How would a funding measure help the library?
Revenue from the measure would provide funding needed to prevent closures and maintain library hours. The revenue would be used to maintain essential programs and services for children, teens, seniors, disabled, and educational and job training information for low- income residents. In addition funding would help to maintain our collection of books, CD’s, DVD’s and other materials and vital services.

How much will this cost?

The funding measure the Board of Supervisors has proposed would cost homeowners who live in the MCFL district $49 per year per parcel.

Is there an exemption for senior citizens?

An exemption is offered as an option for senior citizens, it is not automatic. To use the option senior citizens must fill out and file a form with the county. We do hope that most seniors are in a position to not use this option, but feel in these difficult economic times we should offer them the opportunity--the last thing that we want is to cause financial hardship for senior citizens living on a fixed income.

When will the funding measure be on the ballot?

The Board of Supervisors has approved placing the measure on the ballot for the June 2010 election.

My local library, (San Rafael, San Anselmo) has proposed a parcel tax. Since they are not part of the County Library system, will I have to pay twice?

San Rafael and San Anselmo maintain their own library services and are not a part of the county library system. Property owners in San Rafael and San Anselmo will not be assessed for the MCFL finance measure.

For more information contact Gail Haar, Director of County Library Services at 415.499.3220