Wednesday morning, the doors of the Albert J. Boro Community Center opened with a cheerful squeak. Inside, a circle of chairs waited, along with a table full of cookies and a fresh pot of coffee that filled the air with a comforting aroma.
Every Wednesday from 10am to 1pm, the Library and Recreation department welcomes folks into our doors for the weekly Multicultural Older Adult program. The program aims to bring together older adults from different cultures and backgrounds to have fun, build connections, and enjoy a meal together.
Some days we play bingo and practice Tai Chi. Some days we sing karaoke. Once in a while we share stories from long ago—stories about first loves, travels, families, and dreams still waiting to be chased.
What makes Wednesdays special isn’t the food or the games, it is the feeling of belonging. Everyone knows that when Wednesday arrives, they have a place to be, and people who care that they were there.
When it was time to go, the group packed up, hugged goodbye, and promised, “See you next Wednesday!”
Because at Pickleweed, Wednesdays weren’t just another day on the calendar. They are a reminder that connection, joy, and community never grow old.
More information on the program The Multicultural Older Adult Program happens every Wednesday, from 10am-1pm at the Albert J. Boro Community Center (50 Canal Street). Lunches are served at 11:30am for a suggested contribution of $3 for those who are 60 years of age and older. There is no obligation to contribute. To make reservations for lunch, call (415) 473-4636 by the prior Thursday.
Funding for the meal portion of the program, at least in part, is made available by the Marin Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Social Services, Aging and Adult Services.
Esta semana, la Biblioteca recibió la sorprendente y emocionante noticia de que será beneficiaria de una subvención de $10,000 otorgada por la Carnegie Corporation de Nueva York. Como parte de la celebración del 250.º aniversario de la firma de la Declaración de Independencia, la Carnegie Corporation está otorgando subvenciones a todas las Bibliotecas Carnegie en los Estados Unidos.
Andrew Carnegie financió la construcción de 1,681 bibliotecas públicas gratuitas en todo el país entre 1886 y 1917, entre ellas la Biblioteca del Centro de San Rafael. Aunque muchas de esas bibliotecas aún existen hoy en día, nuestra Biblioteca del Centro es una de aproximadamente 750 Bibliotecas Carnegie que todavía utilizan su edificio original para servir a su comunidad.
Las bibliotecas que reciben esta subvención pueden usar los fondos de la manera que elijan para conmemorar el aniversario, fortalecer su misión y beneficiar a su comunidad. El Departamento de Biblioteca y Recreación de San Rafael planea utilizar estos fondos para ampliar la programación pública de la Biblioteca y crear nuevas oportunidades de participación comunitaria.
Para obtener más información sobre esta subvención, haga clic aquí.
This week, the Library received the surprising and exciting news that we will be awarded a $10,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. As part of their celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Carnegie Corporation is awarding grants to all Carnegie Libraries across America.
Andrew Carnegie funded the construction of 1,681 free public libraries nationwide between 1886 and 1917, one of which being San Rafael’s very own Downtown Library. Though many of those libraries still exist today, our Downtown Library is one of roughly 750 Carnegie Libraries which still utilize their original building to serve their community.
Libraries which receive this grant may use the funds in any way they choose to mark the anniversary, further their mission, and benefit their community. San Rafael’s Library & Recreation department looks toward utilizing the funding to expand the Library’s public programming and create new opportunities for community engagement.
Join us in standing together against hate and promoting unity, empathy, and inclusion during United Against Hate Week. This annual campaign encourages communities to bridge divides and build understanding through shared stories and open dialogue.
Our Library staff has created special reading lists for all ages — explore books that inspire compassion, celebrate diversity, and remind us of the power of coming together.
Semana de los Libros Prohibidos: 5–11 de octubre de 2025
Acompáñanos a conmemorar la libertad de leer durante la Semana de los Libros Prohibidos. El tema de este año, “La censura es tan 1984. Lee por tus derechos”, resalta la importancia de tener acceso a voces e ideas diversas.
Nuestro personal de la Biblioteca ha creado listas de lectura especiales para todas las edades — explora un libro cuestionado y descubre por qué las historias importan:
Join us in celebrating the freedom to read during Banned Books Week. This year’s theme, “Censorship Is So 1984. Read for Your Rights”, highlights the importance of access to diverse voices and ideas.
Our Library staff has created special reading lists for all ages — explore a challenged book and see why stories matter:
Discover, reflect, and read freely at the San Rafael Public Library.
La Biblioteca Pickleweed cerrará el 27 de septiembre para una renovación muy necesaria. Este emocionante proyecto transformará nuestra biblioteca para servir mejor las necesidades de nuestra comunidad.
Servicios Limitados Durante la Renovación
A partir del 15 de octubre, nuestro personal estará disponible en la Recepción de Al Boro los martes, miércoles y jueves de 9:00 AM a 5:00 PM. Durante estas horas, ofreceremos servicios básicos y podrá recoger sus pedidos.
También estaremos disponibles para ayudarlos en las Bibliotecas Central y Northgate durante el período de renovación.
Sus Programas y Recursos Favoritos Continúan en el Centro Comunitario Al Boro
La buena noticia es que muchos de nuestros queridos programas continuarán sin interrupción en el Centro Comunitario Al Boro. Aquí está su horario completo de programas en curso:
Programas Semanales:
Math Club/Club de Matemáticas – Miércoles
Reading Buddies/Compañeros de Lectura – Martes y jueves
Ayuda Técnica sin Cita – Martes
Hora del Cuento – Jueves
Autobús de Aprendizaje de MCFL – Miércoles
Programas Mensuales:
Libros Sin Fronteras – Primer miércoles de cada mes
Visitas mensuales del Bibliobús de MCFL
¡Manténganse Atentos para Más! Tenemos programas adicionales en desarrollo que se anunciarán pronto.
¡Reapertura en Primavera/Verano 2026!
¡No podemos esperar a darles la bienvenida de regreso a nuestra Biblioteca Pickleweed completamente renovada en Primavera/Verano 2026! La nueva instalación contará con comodidades modernas y espacios mejorados diseñados pensando en nuestra comunidad.
¿Preguntas? Si tienen alguna pregunta sobre las ubicaciones de los programas, horarios, o nuestro cronograma de renovación, por favor no duden en contactarnos. Agradecemos su paciencia y apoyo continuo durante este emocionante tiempo de crecimiento y mejoramiento.
¡Gracias por ser una parte tan importante de nuestra comunidad bibliotecaria!
The Pickleweed Library closed on September 27th for much-needed renovations. This exciting project will transform our library to better serve our community’s needs.
Limited Services During Renovation
Starting October 15th, our staff will be available at the Al Boro Front Desk on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. During these hours, we will offer basic services and hold pickups.
We will also be available to assist you at the Downtown and Northgate Libraries during the renovation period.
Your Favorite Programs and Services Continue at Al Boro Community Center
The great news is that many of our beloved programs are continuing without interruption at the Al Boro Community Center. Here’s your complete schedule of ongoing programs:
Weekly Programs:
Math Club – Wednesdays
Reading Buddies – Tuesdays and Thursdays
Drop-in Tech Help – Tuesdays
Storytime – Thursdays
MCFL Learning Bus – Wednesdays
Monthly Programs:
Books Beyond Borders – First Wednesday of each month
Monthly MCFL Bookmobile visits
Stay Tuned for More! We have additional programs in development that will be announced soon.
Reopening in Spring/Summer 2026!
We can’t wait to welcome you back to our completely renovated Pickleweed Library in Spring/Summer 2026! The new facility will feature modern amenities and improved spaces designed with our community in mind.
Questions? If you have any questions about program locations, times, or our renovation timeline, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We appreciate your patience and continued support during this exciting time of growth and improvement.
Thank you for being such an important part of our library community!
In celebration of the Downtown Library’s Grand Re-Opening, we are thrilled to showcase local artists in the library’s newly refreshed space.
Stop by the second floor of the Downtown Library to view the Terra Linda Ceramic Artists and its sister studio, the Ceramic Art Center of Marin, show the San Rafael Public Library Celebration Exhibit. In honor of this special grand re-opening, 23 artists from both studios are sharing beautiful ceramic sculptures that illustrate California’s flora and fauna, along with seasonal, cultural traditions and imagination-inspired works. Browse the binder at the front desk to learn more about the artists and scan the QR codes on the program poster to find out about the ceramics programs.
Additionally, we will be featuring local artist Evri Kwong’s newest work, “Angel Island is the Ellis Island of the West Coast, NOT!,” in the Carnegie reading room. Many library regulars know Evri as he often works on his art at the library, giving even an additional layer of meaning to featuring his work in the space.
Come by during our Grand Re-Opening Celebration on September 20th to meet the artists behind these beautiful works!
This op-ed was originally published by the Marin Independent Journal September 15, 2025 at 12:57 PM PDT
Growing up in San Rafael, some of my fondest memories are of the library – listening to stories with the children’s librarian, eagerly sorting through summer reading prizes and searching the shelves for my next book.
I remember spending hours in the library, with the staff making me feel at home, encouraging my curiosity and supporting me as I grew and learned.
A few years ago, when I was selected to be San Rafael’s library and recreation director, the memories of what the library meant to me and my family was at the forefront of my mind. While diving into what the San Rafael Public Library is today, my love and appreciation for the library and for San Rafael has only deepened.
Libraries are the heart of a community. They are one of the few places where people from different backgrounds, ages and cultures can come together to be themselves. Where else can you walk into a building and receive a warm welcome with no expectations or strings attached, no matter who you are?
Ensuring that San Rafael’s libraries grow and evolve to meet the needs of our community is one of the greatest responsibilities of my career. This would not be possible without our amazing staff, who have dedicated their careers to serving the community and to ensuring that our library remains a space for all.
We are also fortunate to be well supported by the San Rafael community, with virtually all library funding coming from local sources. As someone raised in San Rafael from birth, I am proud of our community’s history of investing in and supporting these critical cultural, educational and inspirational institutions.
In November 2024, San Rafael voters approved a measure to build a new library and community center at Albert Park. The new facility will be a vibrant community resource for San Rafael, providing a hub for civic, cultural and social enrichment and connection. It represents a significant commitment to our cultural and civic institutions and will be one of the largest capital projects that San Rafael has undertaken in recent years.
While the city embarks on planning and constructing this new facility, the main library will remain in the Carnegie building downtown for the near term. City officials are committed to caring for this important historical asset and to ensuring uninterrupted access to library services in the coming years.
As a third space, libraries are where we can meet someone new, where we can be exposed to different perspectives and where communities can grow and thrive. I believe that the role of libraries as a place of connection, discovery and wonder is especially critical in our increasingly digital and divided world.
Libraries are so much more than what is within their walls. Did you know that your library card can get you free access to newspapers, streaming and audiobook platforms, language learning apps, museum and park passes? Libraries are also in our schools, providing free resources through the MyCard Student Success program. We support lifelong learning through early literacy programs, math and reading support, tech tutors and much more.
Although I have been director for a few years now, I regularly discover new and amazing resources available through the library.
With that in mind, I am thrilled to invite you into our reopened Downtown Carnegie Library. The recent renovation was made possible through grants from the California State Library and local memorial funds. This investment will ensure that the historic Carnegie building can continue to meet community needs. With upgraded lighting, improved accessibility and dedicated areas for programs, reading and computer access, the revitalized space is ready to welcome everyone.
On Saturday from noon to 4:30 p.m., we will have our grand reopening celebration at 1100 E St. in San Rafael. We will start the celebration with a ribbon cutting, followed by activities for all ages, delicious food, live music and chances to explore the library’s refreshed spaces.
We hope you will join us for a day to reconnect, rediscover and celebrate the heart of our community. Come see why there’s so much to love about your library.
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