The Marin County Free Library has completed a year-long $3.4 million renovation of all 10 of its branches, with a ribbon cutting ceremony held October 29 at the Marin County Civic Center.
The Library Refresh Project ran from September 2025 through September 2026 and touched branches in Inverness, Stinson Beach, Point Reyes Station, Marin City, Bolinas, South Novato, Civic Center, Fairfax, Novato, and Corte Madera. The work was funded by voter-approved Measure B revenue from 2022.
Improvements across the branches included 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 better access to natural light. The county said improvements were tailored to the specific needs of each branch rather than following a uniform approach.
"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."
Work was phased to minimize branch closures. Inverness Library began renovations in September 2025, followed by Stinson Beach and Point Reyes later that year. Work continued throughout 2026 at the remaining branches, with Corte Madera reopening September 3, 2026, as the final branch.
The county's Department of Public Works provided project management services. The architectural firm Noll & Tam Architects designed the renovations.