Corte Madera Library refurbishments set to begin

The Corte Madera Library plans to launch a project Monday to install new outside paths, electric vehicle chargers and bathrooms and a new heating and cooling system.

The work is set to be completed by the end of December. The branch will be closed to the public in August.

“I look forward to a great and cool and warming HVAC system and a wonderful and beautiful new path of travel for the front of the library,” said Stephanie Hartwell-Mandella, the branch manager.

Rosemarie Gaglione, the Marin County director of public works, said the upgrades should give library patrons a better overall experience.

“Once the project is complete, library visitors will enjoy the benefits of a new heating and cooling system, EV charging stations that are in accordance with the county’s climate action plan, and improved accessibility for the outdoor pathways and public restrooms,” she said.

Beginning in September, the library might have adjusted hours of operation and children’s programs.

The south parking lot will be used as the staging area for the contractor and will be closed to the public for the duration of the project. The east parking lot will be available for public use.

“We are fully committed to minimizing service interruptions during the course of this project so that community members can access the library to meet their needs. If any access impacts occur after the monthlong closure in August, we will let the community know in advance,” said Lana Adlawan, the county library services director.

The budget for the project includes $1.4 million from the Corte Madera Library Accessibility Fund; $850,000 in Marin County Free Library Measure A funds; and $60,000 in climate action plan funds.

Mayor Eli Beckman said no town funds are involved in the project.

“The library is a cherished local gem, and this work will ensure it remains a valuable educational resource for the Corte Madera community and beyond well into the future,” Beckman said. “I especially applaud the county for installing EV chargers at the library, which is such a key feature for any modern-day public building.”

Corte Madera has had a library since 1928. The first iteration opened in the Parkside Hotel as the fourth branch of the Marin County Free Library system. It moved it to the former Bates Automotive building in 1941 and then to the new recreation center at Town Park in 1954.

A 2.7-acre plot of land was purchased and construction on the current site began in 1970. The library opened in December 1971. The 9,800-square-foot library cost $684,000. The climate control system does not include air conditioning.

Previously, the library underwent a $1.2 million remodel that in 2021.