Marin County, CA — The Marin County Free Library (MCFL) reached a milestone recently on its systemwide Library Refresh Project, upgrading its spaces to be more inclusive and welcoming to all patrons after a robust community feedback campaign.
The initiative aligns with the Library’s Anti-racism & Equity Strategic Plan, now in its second year of implementation. Through thoughtful design updates, improved accessibility, and intentional enhancements to gathering areas, MCFL ensures its commitment is not only in its programming but in the spaces where community unfolds.
MCFL has been steadily advancing this voter-backed Measure B parcel tax project to refresh every facility in the 10-branch system. With that support, taxpayer dollars advance library services and facility improvements that benefit all community members. In November 2022, voters in the Marin County Free Library District approved Measure B, which increased and renewed a special tax assessed on parcels located in the Marin County Free Library District. The new tax is $98 per parcel effective fiscal year 2024-25 through fiscal year 2032-33 with annual CPI adjustments not to exceed 3%. The special tax provides critical funding to maintain library hours and 24/7 online library access; enhance programs for children, teens, adults and older adults; increase book and digital collections; provide free internet access and computers; upgrade library facilities; and ensure local funding that can’t be taken by the state.
The most recent refresh was completed for the Marin City Library, featuring an updated service desk, modern furniture, reorganized shelving, a new gallery wall, fresh coats of paint, and new carpet. The teen area has been expanded to include comfortable lounge seating and larger gathering spaces for teens to work on projects together, offering teens their own community space in their local libraries. On February 25, patrons were welcomed back as the library door reopened. The scent of fresh doughnuts filled the air as caregivers shared books with their children, and familiar faces reconnected throughout the space.
Completed libraries also include Point Reyes, Stinson Beach, and Inverness. South Novato and Bolinas libraries are closed for renovations and set to reopen by mid-April. Nearly six months in, the project has reached its halfway point, with four more branches scheduled for improvements: Corte Madera, Novato, Fairfax, and Civic Center.
The Civic Center Library will close from April 20 through June 10. Upgrades will focus on the children’s area, including new shelving and carpeting, modernized furniture, and an expanded teen area designed to support connection and study. Key interior areas will also receive fresh paint.
Each branch refresh requires careful coordination, including communication with the public, temporary removal and storage of materials, facility improvements, and thoughtful restocking to ensure a smooth reopening. During closures, library staff are assisting patrons in accessing materials and services at nearby branches and through the Library’s digital resources.
“These improvements are about more than aesthetics,” said Dr. Juliet Schiller, Assistant Director of Library Support Services, “They reflect our commitment to providing welcoming, inspiring spaces where community members of all ages and backgrounds can gather, learn, and connect.”
MCFL is planning a collective West Marin celebration in June to celebrate the reopening of the Bolinas Library and all West Marin library locations. Full event details will be announced soon.
Visit the Library Refresh page on MCFL’s website for updates on branch closures, reopening dates, and alternative service options.
###