Growing up in San Rafael, some of my fondest memories are of the Carnegie Library — the staff making me feel at home, encouraging my curiosity, and supporting me as I grew and learned. When I was selected to be the library and recreation director, what the library meant to my family was front of my mind. Libraries are the heart of a community. Where else can you walk into a building and receive a warm welcome with no strings attached, no matter who you are?
Building on Carnegie’s initial $25,000 donation, San Rafael has a history of supporting cultural and educational institutions. San Rafael’s Carnegie Library underwent additions in the 1950s and 1970s. In 2025, with support from the California State Library and donations, the city invested $3 million in improvements to the facility.
In 2024, voters approved a measure to build a new main library and community center, which will be a vibrant hub for civic, cultural, and social life in San Rafael. While the city embarks on building a new facility, we are committed to continuing to care for our important historical asset and to ensuring access to high-quality library services for our community.
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