Archives: FAQs

Measure P establishes a non-ad valorem parcel tax for the purpose of building a new library and community center at Albert Park. In addition to a downtown library and community center, the proceeds from Measure P can also be used for improvements and expansion at San Rafael’s branch libraries. These funds will greatly improve community … Continued

A citizen-led initiative is a measure that was placed on the ballot through the initiative process, as opposed to being placed on the ballot through City Council or legislative action. Citizen-led initiatives require a simple majority to pass. Measure P was drafted and proposed by the San Rafael Public Library Foundation, as well as the … Continued

The City continually looks for ways to improve residents’ quality of life and expand services. Recently, the City conducted studies that highlighted deficiencies in size and infrastructure of the current library facilities. While the Carnegie is a beloved facility, options for developing the site to support modern library services that meet the needs of our … Continued

For the time being, the Downtown Carnegie Library and the Albert Park Community Center will continue to serve the public in their normal manner (the Downtown Carnegie Library is expected to re-open after current construction in Summer 2025). Once project design and planning is complete, the City anticipates that the current community center may likely … Continued

The current renovations at the Carnegie Library are critical to ensuring that the building remains operational in the coming years. The project is addressing some of the most pressing infrastructure and safety issues, including fixing the roof, upgrading plumbing and electrical to meet code, installing a fire alarm system, ADA improvements, repairing the HVAC system, … Continued

The City is still evaluating the future use of the site. Measure P requires that within two years, the City Council will initiate a public planning process related to the preservation of the historic Carnegie Library building for ongoing civic, community or community-serving commercial uses. The City has not yet started the planning process nor … Continued

Building a new library and community center at Albert Park is a major undertaking that will involve substantial community engagement, design and feasibility studies, permitting and review, and construction. While staff have not yet developed a project timeline, it is likely that the process will take five or more years to complete.