The Corte Madera Library has returned to its regular schedule following an extended period of upgrades.

The project at 707 Meadowsweet Drive included energy efficiency upgrades, accessibility improvements and new bathrooms, among other changes.

Susan Topor, president of the nonprofit Friends of Corte Madera Library, said the outside improvements look great.

“I think it turned out the way we hoped it would,” Topor said. “The new deck added additional seating to relax or read under the redwoods.”

Workers also installed a new heating, ventilation and cooling system, replacing an old radiator system powered by a gas boiler. The new system uses electric heat pumps and fan coil units, which are much more energy efficient, according to Christopher Blunk, the county director of public works.

Blunk said the improvements will allow the building to serve the community for many years.

“The new deck under the trees is a special place that has already become a favorite hangout for library patrons and staff alike,” Blunk said. “The indoor environment is welcoming and much more comfortable regardless of outdoor temperatures.”

Two electric vehicle charging stations were installed, the parking lot was resurfaced and restriped and four restrooms were built. Outside, the library has new sidewalks, paths, a deck and a boardwalk compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The library also has new landscaping near the deck and walkways. Corte Madera Mayor Pat Ravasio said the shaded reading grove will be essential during the summer.

“I’m a big library user, and all of the improvements by the county are so welcomed,” Ravasio said. “The way the designers made use of the natural shady grove was really smart.”The project design was completed in August 2022 and construction began last June. The project cost $2.5 million. The HVAC work was funded by Marin County Measure A, and accessibility upgrades, electric vehicle charging and paths were funded by county accessibility and sustainability funds, Blunk said.

The library was closed for a month last summer during interior changes, and then had restricted hours of operation until recently, Topor said.

“The staff worked so diligently for all those months, because their office space was taken away while they were redoing the HVAC system,” Topor said. “They were all working in the community room and they were on top of each other. The staff were terrific.”

“The project went longer than expected to ensure safety precautions that required careful considerations. However, patrons and staff remained optimistic about the impact of an improved library building,” said Andre Clemons, a spokesperson for the Marin County Free Library.

The library is back to its regular hours: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday; and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. It is closed on Fridays.

“We’re happy, as friends, to be able to get back to programming again,” Topor said. “We’re happy to get back to normalcy.”