News and Updates
Stay up-to-date with the latest news and announcements related to library programs, services, and operations. Additionally, visit the Library’s events page for a complete list of upcoming programs and events.
FAQ Topic: Library & Recreation
Senior Exemptions
If you are 65 years of age or older by July 1 of the tax year, and own and occupy a single-family residence in San Rafael, you can file a tax exemption application for the Special Library Services Parcel Tax (must be filed on or before June 1). Print out a Measure D Senior Exemption … Continued
Important Links
San Rafael Public Library – Homepage San Rafael Public Library – About Library Board of Trustees San Rafael Municipal Code 3.36 – Special Library Parcel Tax
FAQ’s about Park Picnic Site Rentals
The City of San Rafael has 26 parks, each of which has unique features and amenities. Some parks have reservable picnic sites for Community use. The primary purpose of the City’s picnic site rental program is to coordinate multiple uses of public property, assure preservation of our parks, prevent dangerous, unlawful or impermissible uses, protect … Continued
How do I know all the funding will go to this project?
Measure P ensures fiscal accountability and local control through the following requirements: Every penny must stay local and no funds can be taken by the State No funds can be used for administrator salaries Independent oversight and annual audits are required
I heard that Measure P was a citizen-led initiative, what does that mean?
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
How will this process impact my use of the Carnegie Library and Albert Park Community Center?
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
If the Library will be moving, why is the City renovating the Carnegie now?
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
If the library moves to Albert Park, what will happen to the Carnegie?
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
We already have a library and community center downtown, why do we need to build a new one?
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