Over $9 Million In Upgrades Planned For Libraries Under Measure B In Novato

NOVATO, CA — The Novato City Council received a detailed briefing at their early March meeting on planned improvements at the South Novato and Novato Boulevard library branches, including a $9.5 million capital project and about $845,000 in near‑term upgrades funded largely by the Measure B library parcel tax.

Marin County Free Library Director Lana Adlawan told the council both branches will be refreshed by the Summer 2026, with new carpet, paint, furniture and reconfigured spaces. The work is part of a 10‑branch refresh campaign supported by voters who approved Measure B in 2022.

Capital planning staff reported that the South Novato branch on C Street has a $320,000 refresh budget and is currently closed, with reopening expected later in April. The Novato Boulevard branch will receive about $525,000 in refresh funds this summer, including new carpet, furniture and a hearing loop system in its community room.

A separate major capital project for the Novato Boulevard branch, estimated at $9.5 million, will provide a new roof, ADA path improvements, upgraded HVAC, a redesigned lobby, new restrooms, staff areas and enhanced outdoor spaces. Design is expected to continue into 2027, with construction likely from late 2027 into spring 2028.

Mayor Pro Tem Kevin Jacobs focused on impacts during the summer closure, asking whether the bookmobile would be on site daily, or three days a week, and requesting more detail on service continuity. Adlawan said the library is coordinating with Parks and Recreation to host programs in other spaces and outdoors, and emphasized that the South Novato branch will remain open.

Councilmember Pat Eklund described herself as a long‑time user of both branches.

“A lot of folks can’t necessarily get up to the Novato library because they don’t have transportation,” Eklund said.

Staff also outlined a separate Creekside path and bridge project, estimated between $500,000 and $1 million, for which the county hopes to partner with the city.