San Rafael, CA – The Novato Library branch reopened January 22 following a seven-week project to install a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system. The Marin County Free Library (MCFL) branch closed December 1 and patrons were invited to use the South Novato branch in the Hamilton neighborhood during the closure.
The Marin County Free Library is able to pay for facility upgrades like this Novato project partly through its Measure A parcel tax proceeds.The $682,000 project was approved by the Marin County Board of Supervisors. Funding came come from the library’s Measure A proceeds.
“Most patrons won’t notice a visual difference in the new system, but we hope they feel more comfortable inside,” MCFL Director Sara Jones said. “This greatly improves air circulation. The added bonus is energy efficiency, which should result in lower power bills for us.”
The Friends of the Novato Library will host a “Welcome Back to the Library” table with light refreshments on Monday, January 28, from noon to 4 p.m. in the branch’s Community Room.
There were no overdue fines on library materials for the duration of the construction project and material due dates were extended until January 22. The South Novato branch has returned to its normal operating hours after extending services during the other branch’s closure.
The Novato branch at 1720 Novato Boulevard was built in 1971. The old heating, ventilating and air conditioning unit was installed in 2000 and required constant maintenance.
Measure A’s nine-year renewal at $49 per parcel annually was approved by voters in June 2014 and raises about $2.5 million per year, with 20 percent going toward the remodeling and facility upgrades to library branches. Seniors and lower-income families may file for a parcel tax exemption.
Learn more about MCFL branches at www.marinlibrary.org, and follow library news on its Facebook and Twitter accounts.