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Survey finds San Rafael neighbors want arts, youth programs and a café in new library/community center
Summary
Staff reported 524 online survey responses showing residents prioritize comfortable reading/work spaces and a large/diverse library collection; for the community center residents favored arts/creative programs, youth camps and fitness, with parking and program relevance flagged as barriers.
City staff told the Measure P Subcommittee on June 2 that a preliminary community survey has generated 524 online responses and about 25 paper responses, providing early direction for programming and layout. Staff said top library priorities were comfortable places to read or work and a large, diverse collection; top community-center preferences were arts and creative programs, camps and youth activities and fitness or wellness offerings.
When asked what would prevent people from using the facility, respondents flagged "programs not relevant to me," lack of time and parking. Staff said these findings will be shared with the selected design-build team to inform program sizing and layout, and that staff will run program evaluations on recreation and library services to align offerings with community needs. Staff also reported community interest in nature-inspired, wood-forward, open designs and repeat emphasis on safety and sightlines as design considerations.
