San Rafael, CA – Improved services and aesthetic upgrades are coming soon to the Fairfax branch of the Marin County Free Library following temporary closures in June and August.
The first closure is set for June 6-9 and the second is Aug. 4-16. Once the project is complete, the library will showcase renovations to the children’s area, the magazine area and the lobby funded by taxpayer and nonprofit support.
Magazines will be relocated to be nearer the quiet study area, leaving an area near the children’s room for new children’s books, magazines, displays and seating. New chairs and tables for this area and the children’s room are being purchased by Fairfax Friends of the Library. Magazine browsing will be more convenient with better displays and consolidated current and back issues. Current events and notices will be displayed in the lobby, and shelves will be installed to enlarge the space available for the Friends of the Library book sale.
The majority of the remodel will take place Aug. 4-16, but Branch Manager Margaret Miles said the staff wanted to expand and improve the children’s area in time for summer reading. “Because our library is so heavily used by children and families, we want to increase the space devoted to children’s services,” Miles said.
The Marin County Bookmobile will be in the library parking lot on Saturday, June 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the convenience of Fairfax area customers. Books on hold will be available for pickup along with a small collection of new books and DVDs.
Due dates for materials due June 7 and 9 will be extended to June 12. Books may be returned while the library is closed using the new bookdrop to the right of the front doors.
With a 20 percent contingency added in, the cost of the renovation is $631,245. Funding comes from Measure A and the Friends of the Fairfax Library. Measure A was passed by a supermajority of voters in 2010 to improve library facilities and maintain hours throughout the Marin County Free Library.
For more information about the closure and the remodel, contact the Fairfax Branch Library at 453-8151.