All San Rafael Public Library branches will be closed December 23 – January 4. The Pickleweed Library will be closed starting December 21st and will also reopen on January 4.
Please note that the entire Albert J. Boro Community Center will be closed starting Saturday, December 21st, including the Pickleweed Library.
Q: Will the book drops be open?
A: The book drops at the Downtown and Pickleweed branches, along with the Lucas Valley Road book drop, will remain open during the closure. Please note it may take up to a few days for your items to be scanned in and taken off your record. SRPL has been fine-free since July 2021 – no late fees will be collected.
Q: What will happen to my holds?
A:All holds on the shelves when we close will be extended for the length of our closure. No holds will be transferred to or from our libraries during this closure.
Q: Are other MARINet libraries or book drops going to be open? When?
A: Please check the status of each MARINet library you plan to visit or return items to.
Las Bibliotecas de San Rafael permaneceráncerradasdel 23 de diciembre hasta el 4 de enero. La Biblioteca Pickleweed estarácerrada a partir del21 de diciembre y también reabrirá el 4 de enero.
Downtown Cierra: lunes, 23 de diciembre
Abre: sábado, 4 de enero
Northgate
Cierra: lunes, 23 de diciembre
Abre: sábado, 4 de enero
Pickleweed
Cierra: sábado, 21 de diciembre
Abre: sábado, 4 de enero
La Biblioteca Pickleweed y el Centro Comunitario Albert J. Boro cerrarán sus puertas a partir del sábado 21 de diciembre.
¿Estarán abiertos los buzones para devolver materiales?
Los buzones de las Bibliotecas Downtown y Pickleweed así como el de Lucas Valley Road estarán abiertos durante el cierre. Puede que tome más de un par de días para que sus devoluciones sean registradas en el sistema, ya que a partir de julio 2021 la biblioteca no cobra multas por regresar material atrasado.
¿Qué pasará con mis pedidos?
Todos los encargos permanecerán en los estantes durante el cierre de la biblioteca. Ningún pedido será transferido ni removido a otra biblioteca durante el cierre.
¿Estarán abiertas otras bibliotecas del consorcio de MARINet? ¿Cuándo?
Visite el sitio web de MARINet para consultar los horarios y planear su visita. Podrían cambiar los horarios.
On September 2nd, the Downtown Library closed for much-needed safety and infrastructure updates. On Monday, September 16th, we opened a pop-up location on 4th Street to continue providing library services in downtown San Rafael during construction.
Our pop-up library is located at 1009 4th Street, across from the Bank of America, in the home of the former Beauty Expo. Located in the heart of downtown San Rafael, we are excited to take advantage of what the new space has to offer. Our services include enriching public programs; space to sit, read, and relax; free public Wi-Fi and access to laptops; holds pick-up; and a variety of popular books, DVDs, audiobooks, video games, magazines, and other materials.
Expanded Hours! To offer more options to the community while the Downtown Library is closed, we have expanded our hours at all San Rafael Public Libraries. Check out our expanded hours here.
While the Downtown Library is closed… You can return your checked out items and pick-up your holds at our 4th Street Pop-Up during open hours.
El 2 de septiembre, la Biblioteca del Centro cerró por motivos de remodelación y actualizaciones de seguridad e infraestructura. El lunes,16 de septiembre, reabrimos en una sucursal temporal sobre la 4ta calle para seguir prestando servicios en el centro de San Rafael durante la construcción.
Nuestra biblioteca temporal (Pop-Up) se ubica en el 1009 de la 4ta calle, frente al Banco de América, en donde era la Beauty Expo. Situado en el corazón del centro de San Rafael, estamos muy contentos de aprovechar lo que el nuevo espacio tiene para ofrecer. Nuestros servicios incluyen programas públicos de enriquecimiento; espacio para sentarse, leer y relajarse; Wi-Fi público gratuito y acceso a computadoras portátiles; recogida de libros en reserva; y variedad de libros populares, DVDs, libros en CD, videojuegos, revistas y otros materiales.
Horario ampliado Para ofrecer más opciones a la comunidad mientras la Biblioteca del Centro está cerrada, hemos ampliado las horas de servicio en todas las Bibliotecas Públicas de San Rafael. Consulte la extensión de nuestras horas de servicio aquí.
Mientras la Biblioteca del Centro está cerrada… Puede llevar sus devoluciones y recoger sus pedidos en la biblioteca temporal durante horarios de servicio.
Para más información sobre el proyecto de construcción de la Biblioteca del Centro, visite esta página.
Unfortunately, we cannot offer free parking at our pop-up location. We understand that parking in downtown can be challenging; please visit our downtown parking map, and information about our ParkMobile App, to help manage your parking.
Where can I return my books during the closure?
Patrons can return their books at any MARINet library, including Pickleweed and Northgate. Due dates for items checked out from our Downtown Library will be extended and can be returned at the pop-up library at 1009 4th Street, beginning September 16th.
Will there be a drive-thru book return at the 4th St location?
No, we will not have a drive-thru book return. Our bookdrop will be placed at the entrance of the building on 4th Street and will be open for returns 24/7.
What happens if my holds arrive during the 2-week closure?
Your hold will be moved to our pop-up library at 1009 4th Street, and will be available for pick-up on Monday, September 16.
Will there still be Storytime?
Storytime will continue at its regular time and may be held in front of the pop-up library, weather permitting.
Will there be a Math Club and Reading Buddies?
The Reading Buddies Program will be held at both Pickleweed and Northgate libraries, while the Math Club may resume at Pickleweed Library in late fall.
Will there be public computers?
Laptops will be available for use at the pop-up location.
Will there be Wi-Fi?
Yes, access to Wi-Fi will be available.
What’s the phone number for the 4th Street location?
Our phone number will stay the same during our temporary relocation. We can be reached at 415-485-3323.
Will online programs continue during the closure and after?
Yes, our online programs such as: All things Apple, Zentangle, and ESL conversation club will continue. Please visit our events calendar for updated programming and events information.
Why remodel this library if you are trying to build a whole new one?
The renovations taking place at the Downtown Library (1100 E Street) address critical safety and infrastructure needs; this project will ensure that the building remains safe and operational. This project will not address the need for additional, modern library space to better serve the needs of San Rafael’s current and future residents. For more information on the City’s efforts to evaluate options for a new/expanded downtown library, please see this page.
Why is the library closing?
The Downtown Library will be closing for much-needed safety and infrastructure updates, which include repairs to the roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems; we will be installing a fire alarm system; improving accessibility; and making minor design improvements.
How long will the Downtown Library be closed to the public?
We anticipate that work on the Downtown Library will take between six to eight months to complete. We are hoping to re-open our Downtown Library in the Spring 2025.* Our pop-up library at 1009 4th Street opens September 16th.
*While we are working hard to meet these timelines, all dates are subject to change. Please continue to check our website for any unforeseen changes or updates.
On September 2nd, the Downtown Library will be closing for much-needed safety and infrastructure updates. On September 16th, we will be reopening at a pop-up location on 4th Street to continue providing library services in downtown San Rafael during construction.*
Our pop-up library will be at 1009 4th Street, across from the Bank of America, in the home of the former Beauty Expo. Located in the heart of downtown San Rafael, we are excited to take advantage of what the new space has to offer. Our services will include enriching public programs; space to sit, read, and relax; free public wifi and access to laptops; holds pick-up; and a variety of popular books, DVDs, audiobooks, video games, magazines, and other materials.
Expanded Hours!
To offer more options to the community while the Downtown Library is closed, we will be expanding hours at all San Rafael Public Libraries. Check out our expanded hours here.
While we’re closed… We will be unable to accept physical item returns downtown while we are moving to the temporary location. For items due to the Downtown Library between September 2nd and 15th, the due date will be extended to September 16th. We will be happy to accept the items at the pop-up location starting September 16th.
Holds that have not been picked up from the Downtown Library by Sunday, September 1st will be available at the pop-up location beginning Monday, September 16th. Requested items being held at the Downtown Library will not be accessible during the closure. Hold pick-up dates will be extended; requested items can be picked up at the pop-up on 4th Street, or you can select a different pick-up location.
For more information on the Downtown Library construction project, visit this page.
*While we are working hard to meet these timelines, all dates are subject to change. Please continue to check our website for any unforeseen changes or updates.
El 2 de septiembre, la Biblioteca Central cerrará por motivo de remodelaciones y actualizaciones de seguridad e infraestructura. El 16 de septiembre reabriremos en una locación temporal sobre la 4ta calle para seguir prestando servicios en el centro de San Rafael durante la construcción.*
Nuestra biblioteca pop-up estará ubicada en el 1009 de la 4ta calle, frente al Banco de América, en donde era la Beauty Expo. Situado en el corazón del centro de San Rafael, estamos muy contentos de aprovechar lo que el nuevo espacio tiene para ofrecer. Nuestros servicios incluirán programas públicos de enriquecimiento; espacio para sentarse, leer y relajarse; wifi público gratuito y acceso a computadoras portátiles; recogida de libros en reserva; y variedad de libros populares, DVDs, libros en CD, videojuegos, revistas y otros materiales.
Horario ampliado
Para ofrecer más opciones a la comunidad mientras la Biblioteca del Centro está cerrada, vamos a ampliar las horas en todas las Bibliotecas Públicas de San Rafael. Consulte la extensión de nuestras horas de servicio aquí.
Mientras estemos cerrados…
No podremos aceptar devoluciones de artículos físicos en la Biblioteca Central mientras nos trasladamos a la ubicación temporal. Por lo tanto, la fecha de entrega de todos los artículos de la Biblioteca Central que deban devolverse entre el 2 y el 15 de septiembre se extenderá hasta el 16 de septiembre. Aceptaremos gustosamente estos artículos en la ubicación temporal a partir del 16 de septiembre.
Los materiales reservados que no hayan sido recogidos en la Biblioteca del Centro antes del domingo 1 de septiembre estarán disponibles en la nueva locación a partir del lunes 16 de septiembre. Durante el cierre, no se podrá tener acceso a los artículos reservados que se encuentren en la Biblioteca del Centro. Las fechas de recogida se extenderán; los artículos solicitados se pueden recoger en la nueva locación en la 4ta Calle, o se puede seleccionar un lugar de recogida diferente.
Para más información sobre el proyecto de construcción de la Biblioteca del Centro, visite esta página.
*Aunque estamos trabajando duro para cumplir estos plazos, todas las fechas están sujetas a cambios. Por favor, siga visitando nuestro sitio web para cualquier cambio imprevisto o actualizaciones.
To offer more options to the community while the Downtown Main Library is closed, we will be expanding hours at all San Rafael Public Libraries starting on September 16th. Our temporary hours will be:
Para ofrecer más opciones a la comunidad mientras la Biblioteca Principal del Centro esté cerrada, ampliaremos el horario en todas las Bibliotecas Públicas de San Rafael a partir del 16 de septiembre nuestro horario temporal será:
What is Drag Storytime? Drag Storytime (DS) is just what it sounds like—drag artists (Queens, Kings, Qwings and more) reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and other community spaces. Most events are 45 minutes and designed for children ages 3-7, though this may vary by location or event. A drag artist generally reads 3-4 children’s books, sings children’s songs, and leads children in a craft activity such as making crowns, wands, or paper bag puppets, or sometimes other activities like face painting or dress-up time.
Through a fun and fabulous literary experience, DS celebrates learning and play, encouraging kids to celebrate gender diversity and all kinds of difference, while building confidence in expressing themselves.
What is Drag? Drag is an artistic way of expressing yourself and showing the world who you are or who you want to be. Drag artists often express different aspects of their gender or personality through dressing up, performing, marching in parades, and volunteering in their communities. There are drag queens, drag kings, drag qwings, drag princes, and drag princesses—anyone can be any of the above, regardless of how they identify in everyday life! All that matters is that, when you dress up, you feel comfortable and creative.
Should I call the drag artist “he,” “she,” “they,” or something else? You can ask! It’s always OK to ask someone what their pronouns are. Examples of pronouns are “she,” “he,” and “they.” Some people have different pronouns at different times, like when they are in drag and out of drag. Others have the same pronouns all the time.
Does DS promote an agenda? Our agenda is simple: we believe that people of all ages should be free to express themselves however they want, free from the constraints of prescribed gender roles. In other words, there’s no such thing as “girl clothes” and “boy clothes,” or “girl toys” and “boy toys.” DS teaches children that there are many ways to express themselves and their gender, and they are all OK.
Of course, drag is an art form that is rooted in diverse LGBTQ+ communities, and we support equality, justice, and respect for all people—for us, that’s just a given. Given that LGBTQ+ people are present in every community, we believe that children deserve to be exposed to these aspects of our shared history and culture, in age-appropriate ways. Any insinuation that we have an agenda to indoctrinate children misunderstands LGBTQ+ experiences and is rooted in homophobia and transphobia.
Why is DS important? DS helps children develop empathy, learn about gender diversity and difference, and tap into their own creativity. DS can also be life-changing and ultimately life-saving for LGBTQ+ kids and teens, kids with LGBTQ+ parents or family members, and anyone who feels different because of their identity or interests or who may not otherwise see themselves reflected in the broader culture.
Should children be exposed to issues like gender fluidity? Most children naturally explore gender identity and norms through imaginative play. However, too often gender norms are socially enforced at all age: from the colors or clothes we’re supposed to wear, to the toys kids are allowed to play with, to the kinds of jobs we’re trained for. DS teaches children to follow their passions and embrace gender diversity in themselves and others. This helps to curb bullying of LGBTQ+ kids and kids who may be perceived as different in all kinds of ways.
Isn’t this confusing for children? What if my children have questions and I don’t know the answers? Adults don’t always have the answers, but we can ask questions and learn together. There are awesome organizations that provide education to everyone and resources for LGBTQ+ folks and their loved ones, such as Gender Spectrum and the Spahr Center located right in Marin! Like to learn through books? We’ve got you covered with a booklist full of titles to share with your little one!
Why do kids love drag so much? Children and drag artists have a lot in common. They love to dress up and use their imaginations to create awesome looks and express different sides of themselves. It’s no wonder they get along so well!
¿Qué es la Hora de Cuentos de Drag?
La Hora de Cuentos de Drag es un programa divertido e importante que celebra la diversidad, la forma en que los niños pueden vestirse y actuar. Anima a los niños a mirar más allá de los estereotipos de género y a abrazar la exploración sin las trabas de sí mismos. Programas como La Hora de Cuentos de Drag fomentan la aceptación de la diferencia y ayudan a prevenir la intimidación, a la vez que proporcionan una experiencia literaria agradable.
La Hora de Cuentos de Drag (Drag Storytime en inglés) es exactamente lo que parece: personas vestidas de una manera que exagera el género y que leen cuentos a los niños. Esta lectura de cuentos captura la imaginación y el juego de la fluidez de género desde la niñez y les da a los niños modelos de rol glamurosos y positivos sobre las diferencias de género. En espacios como estos, los niños pueden ver a personas que desafían las rígidas restricciones de género e imaginan un mundo en el que la gente pueda presentarse como quiera y en el que el disfraz sea real.
Pride. It’s more than just a word; it’s a celebration, a movement, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. As wedisplay rainbow colors and gather in solidarity, Pride becomes a vibrant tapestry woven with the threads of diversity, equality, and love.
At our library, we join in this celebration by recognizing the importance of Pride and the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights. Westrive to create a welcoming and inclusive space for all members of our community. We believe that diversity enriches us and that everyone deserves to feel accepted and valued for who they are. Throughout Pride Month and beyond, we invite you to explore our collection of LGBTQ+ literature, films, and resources. Whether you’re looking for stories that reflect your own experiences or seeking to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community, we’re here to support you.
Let’s celebrate Pride together and continue the journey towards a more inclusive and accepting society. Happy Pride Month! 🏳️🌈
National Library Week (April 7 – 13) is a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the invaluable contributions libraries make to our communities.
“GET READY, GET SET, LIBRARY”
Roots ofOur Library, A Coffee and Reading Room
by William Calhoun
April 20, 1887, the Women’s Christian Temperance Union of San Rafael established a coffee and reading room. A movement that consisted of 60 members, each of whom paid $1 per month for membership.
On April 30, 1890, the Library Association formally presents the library to the town trustees. The assets: furniture, more than 1,000 books, and $33.50 in the treasury. The Marin Journal proclaims, “It is a matter of congratulation that through the efforts of a few public-spirited women the town is now in a position to maintain a free library. The members of the old Board of Town Trustees deserve special mention for carrying out the will of the people in levying a library tax.”
Between 1897-1908, after a failed school bond measure in 1897, another measure was sent to the electorate again a year later and passed with the added incentive of having a room in the proposed high school dedicated to the Public Library. Due an increase in operating expenses, it took the Library Trustees four years, until 1903, to complete the move to the E Street High School.
In December 1904, the City Trustees had resolved to provide operating funds and secure a site for a new library if Mr. Andrew Carnegie would donate the money to erect the building. Fortunately for San Rafael, local resident Judge William W. Morrow served as a Trustee of the Carnegie Institution and was a friend of Carnegie. At a private luncheon Judge Morrow took occasion to complimented Carnegie on his generosity in providing libraries for many cities and towns and remarked casually that San Rafael, Cal., had not yet thus been honored. At that luncheon Mr. Carnegie committed $25,000 to constructing a Library for the San Rafael people.
January 9, 1909,builders completed construction of the new library at Fifth Avenue and E street.
From 1909 to the Present, the San Rafael Public Library has continued to grow and expand meeting the educational, recreational, informational, and cultural needs of the people of San Rafael and the surrounding communities. We the library staff thank the City and its citizens for their continued support.
In honor of National Library Week, here are some ways you can celebrate/participate:
Thank Library Staff: When you visit your local library, take a moment to express your gratitude to the staff who work tirelessly to provide resources, assistance, and support to library patrons.
Share on Social Media: Use your social media platforms to share about your favorite aspects of libraries. Whether it’s the diverse collection of books, engaging programs and events, or welcoming atmosphere, sharing your positive experiences can encourage others to utilize and support our libraries.
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