One Hundred Years of Growth in San Rafael

And Our Library is Feeling the Pinch

Education holds the key to the future. Andrew Carnegie knew this, and so he promoted the building of more than 2,500 libraries world-wide. In 1908, with his $25,000 gift and donations from local citizens, a “modern” free public library was built at 5th and E Streets. [San Rafael Public Library’s History]	In 1908 Our Carnegie Library Was State-of-the-Art
	Since then our population has grown more than tenfold, and our beloved Library long ago reached capacity. This 100 year old building can no longer meet the space, technology, and personnel needs of today’s thriving San Rafael. We have no room for much needed programs for children and teens and our Library’s collection cannot grow.

Our Library is the heart of our community. Let’s start now to build today’s state-of-the-art library that will take our future generations into a new millennium, just as our farsighted ancestors did back in 1908. We are proud of our Library and its staff, volunteers, and friends who make it a dynamic and vibrant place. Our Library remains today what it was 100 years ago – Free to the People – just as Mr. Carnegie intended.