San Rafael, CA – Thanks to funding from a tax measure, the Marin County Free Library (MCFL) has expanded hours at three West Marin branches, marking the first time in the 87-year MCFL history that the branches will stay open for a full day of service.
The Bolinas, Inverness and Stinson Beach libraries traditionally have been staffed by one person. The branches have closed for lunch breaks between 1 and 2 p.m. and for dinner breaks between 5 and 6 p.m. The passage of Measure A in June 2014 has allowed for the creation of a special lunch-hour program at those branches starting June 1.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be able to provide library service for the entire day to the community, especially as we enter the summer reading season,” said Bonny White, who manages the branches in Bolinas, Inverness, Point Reyes and Stinson Beach.
The news of expanded hours comes two months after the Marin City Library added five hours on Fridays and became the first MCFL to be open seven days a week. Also, the Fairfax branch added Friday service hours in June 2014.
MCFL Director Sara Jones said Measure A support now prevents interruptions in service during times when the West Marin community has said it really needs the libraries open.
“In addition to adding service hours at three of our branches,” she said, “this keeps us from having to inconvenience library patrons who are sometimes deeply involved in projects but have always had to stop what they were doing, leave for an hour and then try to resume their work when we reopen. We sincerely appreciate voter support that provided better library service in all areas served by the Marin County Free Library.”
The 10 MCFL branches have various hours of operation. Saturday is the only day that all 10 are open. Learn more about library hours and locations at www.marinlibrary.org/locations.