The new Novato Branch opened in a 10,300-square foot building at its current location, designed by architects Marquis and Stoller in April of 1971. 

Three years later, the Nova-Marin Grandmothers Club installed the Mother Love statue of a mother bear and her three clubs by Candice Bargioni, a College of Marin art student, after her design was chosen by a committee that included two club members, a sculptor and the architect who designed the library. She was awarded $1,000. 

Mother Love has been enjoyed by Novato patrons ever since.