This op-ed was originally published by the Marin Independent Journal September 15, 2025 at 12:57 PM PDT
Growing up in San Rafael, some of my fondest memories are of the library – listening to stories with the children’s librarian, eagerly sorting through summer reading prizes and searching the shelves for my next book.
I remember spending hours in the library, with the staff making me feel at home, encouraging my curiosity and supporting me as I grew and learned.
A few years ago, when I was selected to be San Rafael’s library and recreation director, the memories of what the library meant to me and my family was at the forefront of my mind. While diving into what the San Rafael Public Library is today, my love and appreciation for the library and for San Rafael has only deepened.
Libraries are the heart of a community. They are one of the few places where people from different backgrounds, ages and cultures can come together to be themselves. Where else can you walk into a building and receive a warm welcome with no expectations or strings attached, no matter who you are?
Ensuring that San Rafael’s libraries grow and evolve to meet the needs of our community is one of the greatest responsibilities of my career. This would not be possible without our amazing staff, who have dedicated their careers to serving the community and to ensuring that our library remains a space for all.
We are also fortunate to be well supported by the San Rafael community, with virtually all library funding coming from local sources. As someone raised in San Rafael from birth, I am proud of our community’s history of investing in and supporting these critical cultural, educational and inspirational institutions.
In November 2024, San Rafael voters approved a measure to build a new library and community center at Albert Park. The new facility will be a vibrant community resource for San Rafael, providing a hub for civic, cultural and social enrichment and connection. It represents a significant commitment to our cultural and civic institutions and will be one of the largest capital projects that San Rafael has undertaken in recent years.
While the city embarks on planning and constructing this new facility, the main library will remain in the Carnegie building downtown for the near term. City officials are committed to caring for this important historical asset and to ensuring uninterrupted access to library services in the coming years.
As a third space, libraries are where we can meet someone new, where we can be exposed to different perspectives and where communities can grow and thrive. I believe that the role of libraries as a place of connection, discovery and wonder is especially critical in our increasingly digital and divided world.
Libraries are so much more than what is within their walls. Did you know that your library card can get you free access to newspapers, streaming and audiobook platforms, language learning apps, museum and park passes? Libraries are also in our schools, providing free resources through the MyCard Student Success program. We support lifelong learning through early literacy programs, math and reading support, tech tutors and much more.
Although I have been director for a few years now, I regularly discover new and amazing resources available through the library.
With that in mind, I am thrilled to invite you into our reopened Downtown Carnegie Library. The recent renovation was made possible through grants from the California State Library and local memorial funds. This investment will ensure that the historic Carnegie building can continue to meet community needs. With upgraded lighting, improved accessibility and dedicated areas for programs, reading and computer access, the revitalized space is ready to welcome everyone.
On Saturday from noon to 4:30 p.m., we will have our grand reopening celebration at 1100 E St. in San Rafael. We will start the celebration with a ribbon cutting, followed by activities for all ages, delicious food, live music and chances to explore the library’s refreshed spaces.
We hope you will join us for a day to reconnect, rediscover and celebrate the heart of our community. Come see why there’s so much to love about your library.
San Rafael has another upgrade coming this fall: The Pickleweed Branch Library is slated for a full interior renovation.
Catherine Quffa is San Rafael’s library and recreation director.