Body of News Release
San Rafael, CA — From the coast to the Bay and everywhere in between, 10 community centerpieces across Marin have received a major makeover.
The Marin County Free Library (MCFL) is celebrating the completion of a yearlong investment across all 10 its branches in Marin, putting voter-approved Measure B funding to work to create updated, welcoming and accessible spaces.
The improvements go beyond fresh paint and new furniture, transforming Marin’s libraries—from rural outposts to suburban hubs—into more inclusive, equity-driven community spaces designed to serve everyone.
Library and County staff held a ceremonial ribbon cutting at the Marin County Civic Center on Thursday, October 29 to mark the project’s completion.
The $3.4 million Library Refresh Project began in September 2025 and concluded in September of 2026, bringing improvements to the Inverness, Stinson Beach, Point Reyes Station, Marin City, Bolinas, South Novato, Civic Center, Fairfax, Novato and Corte Madera branches.
Funded through the 2022 voter-approved Measure B revenue, the refresh project is one way MCFL has put taxpayer support to work. The renewal enables the MCFL to repair aging facilities, expanded book and eBook collections, and most importantly, keep library branches open and maintain hours and services to the community.
“Each branch serves a distinct community, and these improvements gave us an opportunity to think carefully about how our spaces can be more welcoming, comfortable and accessible,” said Lana Adlawan, Director of County Library Services. “This project centered on reflecting our community members and what they need from libraries today.”
Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, MCFL evaluated the unique needs of each branch. Guided by its Anti-Racism & Equity Strategic Plan, the refreshes support MCFL’s broader commitment to creating welcoming, accessible and vital public spaces where Marin residents can freely access information, connect with others, explore technology and 21st century resources, while participating in their local community.
Depending on the branch, improvements included new or reconfigured layouts and shelving, updated service desks, new carpet and interior paint, comfortable seating and workstations, improved study spaces, updated children’s and teen areas, outdoor furniture and improved access to natural light.
10 Branches, One Systemwide Effort
Work was carefully phased to limit individual branch closures while allowing improvements to take place systemwide.
The first makeover began at Inverness Library in September 2025, followed by Stinson Beach and Point Reyes libraries later that year. Work continued throughout 2026 at Marin City, Bolinas, South Novato, Civic Center, Fairfax and Novato branches.
Corte Madera Library, the final branch in the systemwide refresh, reopened September 3, 2026, marking completion of the 10-branch effort.
In addition to the 10 library refreshes, the program included a separate accessibility improvement project in the California Room at the Civic Center Library, bringing the program to 11 individual projects completed between September 22, 2025, and September 3, 2026.
The Marin County Department of Public Works (DPW) provided project management services, while DPW Facilities assisted with work at County-owned library branches and the Library’s leased facilities.
Noll & Tam Architects provided design services, working with the County to translate the needs of the individual branches into refreshed, functional library spaces.
For more information about the Library Refresh Project and improvements made at individual branches, visit Marin County Free Library’s Library Refresh Project webpage.