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Library upgrades planned across Marin after voter‑approved Measure B; phased work will refresh all 10 branches
Summary
County Library and Public Works presented a multiyear program to refresh and upgrade all 10 Marin County Free Library branches using Measure B parcel tax funds; work will be phased from cosmetic refreshes to major capital projects.
Marin County Free Library and the Department of Public Works presented a phased, multiyear plan May 6 to use Measure B parcel‑tax funding to refresh and upgrade all 10 county library branches, with work ranging from furniture and carpet replacements to major building envelope and accessibility projects.
Library director Lana Edlawin said voters approved Measure B in November 2022; proceeds can be used for collections, operations and facility improvements. Library staff described a community‑driven design process: a bilingual survey and in‑branch outreach elicited more than 5,000 comments; common requests included accessible parking, preservation of historical character, new teen and children’s spaces, and improved public computers and Wi‑Fi.
Public Works project manager Fabiola Guillen described a three‑phase approach: a systemwide “refresh” (new carpet, shelving, furniture, interactive children/teen spaces) beginning in fall 2025; targeted life‑safety and accessibility improvements at three branches; and larger capital projects at four branches (for example, Novato and Civic Center) including roof, window and water‑intrusion repairs, electrical upgrades and small expansions. Staff said the schedule is designed so West Marin branches are not all closed simultaneously and that closures for refresh work would be staggered (three‑to‑five week closures per branch for the first phase).
Library staff said they will minimize service interruptions by extending due dates, redeploying staff to nearby branches and maintaining bookmobile stops and mobile preschool service where possible. Supervisors asked about grant leverage and coordination with cities; staff said they are pursuing sustainability grants and will coordinate with municipal partners on outreach and timing.
Ending: The board received the informational presentation; staff said detailed project schedules, grants pursued and community outreach plans will be provided as work advances.
