SRPL invites you to write a letter to your future self! In 2025, we mailed out all the letters you had written to yourself in 2024.
Join us for this program once again!
Pick up a set of stationery at the Downtown Library or Northgate branch; we’ve got different sets for all ages, from little ones to adults. You can write about whatever you wish: your hopes and dreams for the coming year, plans you’re looking forward to, a list of things you love – anything goes! You are also more than welcome to draw or paint your letter instead, write a poem, or just express yourself in any way.
Once your letter is ready, return it to us with your address written on the provided envelope, and we’ll do the rest! Your letter will arrive in one year.
¡La Biblioteca Pública de San Rafael te invita a escribir una carta a tu yo futuro! En 2025, enviamos por correo todas las cartas que habías escrito a ti mismo en 2024.
¡Participa una vez más en este programa!
Recoge un set de papelería en la Biblioteca Central o en la sucursal de Northgate; tenemos diferentes sets para todas las edades, desde los más pequeños hasta los adultos. Puedes escribir sobre lo que quieras: tus esperanzas y sueños para el año que viene, los planes que te ilusionan, una lista de las cosas que te gustan… ¡cualquier cosa! También puedes dibujar o pintar tu carta, escribir un poema o simplemente expresarte de la forma que prefieras.
Una vez que tu carta esté lista, traela de vuelta con tu dirección escrita en el sobre que te proporcionamos y nosotros nos encargaremos del resto. Tu carta llegará en un año.
This fall, the San Rafael Public Library (SRPL) was proud to be represented at the Feria Internacional del Libro de Guadalajara (FIL), the world’s largest Spanish-language book fair, by our Supervising Librarian, Shani Boyd. We were honored that Shani was selected to receive the American Library Association Free Pass, which covered registration and hotel accommodations. This marked the first time SRPL staff have attended FIL since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Returning to this international gathering of authors, publishers, and librarians allowed us to reengage directly with the global Spanish-language publishing community and reaffirm our commitment to serving San Rafael’s diverse residents.
Attending FIL gives our Library a unique opportunity to purchase Spanish-language materials that are often unavailable through U.S. vendors. By selecting titles in person, our staff can intentionally choose books that reflect the interests, voices, and experiences of our local Spanish-speaking communities. This approach adds depth and purpose to our collections, helping ensure that our shelves inspire reading, foster a connection to literature, and reflect the cultures and stories of the people we serve.
Beyond collection development, FIL provides invaluable opportunities to network with librarians, publishers, and cultural professionals from around the world. These connections strengthen our professional knowledge and reinforce the role of the library as a cultural bridge. Ultimately, participation in FIL supports stronger community connections, ensuring that San Rafael Public Library continues to be a welcoming, relevant, and inspiring place for all.
To learn more about the Feria Internacional del Libro de Guadalajara (FIL), visit www.fil.com.mx
Beyond books on the shelves, the San Rafael Public Library provides access to a growing collection of digital services that can be used from home or on the go. The Library team at the Downtown Library has put together Unlock Your Digital Library, a hands-on workshop series to highlight and build awareness of the San Rafael Public Library’s digital resources, including eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming media, online learning tools, and digital newspapers.
Each session focuses on a different group of services, with library staff offering guided demonstrations and time for questions. Topics range from digital reading and viewing platforms to cultural and educational resources. Participants are encouraged to bring their own smartphones or tablets, though a limited number of Chromebooks will be available for use during the program.
“Many people are surprised when they learn just how much is available to them through the library beyond physical books,” said a Downtown Library librarian. “This series is an opportunity to highlight resources that residents already have access to at no cost, simply by having a library card. From digital newspapers and streaming films to language learning and cultural passes, these tools are meant to be used, and we want community members to feel comfortable exploring them.”
The bi-monthly series starts January 2026 and will take place Saturdays within the Program Room at the San Rafael Downtown Library from 1:30 pm–2:30 pm on the following dates:
Winter is a magical time, and the Children’s Room is celebrating the season with hands on creativity and cozy reading fun. This month at the Downtown library, the Children’s Room is giving youngsters the opportunity to craft their very own winter fairy from tissue paper, fluff, string, stars, and a bit of imagination. Whether the fairy be shy, mischievous, or playful, we welcome youngsters to drop in and craft a bit of magic to take home during the enchanting weeks of December.
While you’re here, be sure to check out our Winter Reading Display, featuring snowy stories, warmhearted reads, and books perfect for curling up on chilly days. Grab a book, make a fairy, and bring a bit of winter enchantment home this December.
Ha sido un año transformador para la Biblioteca Pública de San Rafael. Comenzamos el 2025 manteniéndonos firmes en nuestro sitio temporal, garantizando acceso ininterrumpido a servicios esenciales con acceso gratuito a Wi-Fi y computadoras portátiles, recogida de reservas, una selección rotativa de libros populares, DVD, audiolibros, videojuegos y espacios acogedores para leer o relajarse.
Mientras la Biblioteca Carnegie del centro recibía mejoras vitales, continuamos ofreciendo programas y actividades comunitarias en todas nuestras sucursales. Una vez que la biblioteca renovada finalmente abrió, el personal dio la bienvenida a nuestros usuarios con una gran celebración, con obsequios, comida, música y programas para todas las edades. La celebración fue más que un corte de cinta: marcó el regreso de un querido espacio de convivencia comunitaria, restaurado tanto en belleza como en funcionalidad.
También emprendimos otro gran proyecto: la renovación y reimaginación de la Biblioteca Pickleweed. La sucursal actualizada, que reabrirá en la primavera/verano de 2026, ofrecerá un entorno más acogedor y un uso más eficiente del espacio para servir mejor a los residentes del Canal. Durante la construcción, seguimos brindando servicios y programas esenciales desde el Centro Comunitario Albert J. Boro, manteniendo fuerte y constante nuestra conexión con nuestros usuarios de Pickleweed.
A lo largo del camino, nos fortalecimos. Dimos la bienvenida a nuevos miembros del equipo que aportaron una poderosa combinación de perspectiva, compromiso e innovación. Juntos, nuestro equipo, desde el personal en los mostradores de atención al público hasta quienes brindan apoyo a las operaciones, garantiza que los materiales estén disponibles para los usuarios, construye colecciones diversas y fortalece los lazos comunitarios.
Gracias por ser parte de este camino. Al reflexionar sobre este año extraordinario, con su apoyo, su participación y su amor por las bibliotecas, esperamos seguir construyendo sobre este impulso. Con espacios revitalizados, energía renovada y una rica variedad de colecciones, recursos y programas, seguimos comprometidos con servir y empoderar a nuestra comunidad. Esperamos un nuevo año lleno de curiosidad, crecimiento y exploración con alegría.
Baker & Taylor, uno de los principales distribuidores mayoristas de bibliotecas del país, anunció recientemente un cierre inesperado, lo que afecta a bibliotecas de todo el país, incluidas las de nuestro consorcio MARINet. Aunque se trata de una interrupción significativa en todo el sector, queremos asegurarles que durante los últimos meses hemos estado diversificando activamente nuestros proveedores de libros.
Durante la transición, es posible que se produzca un retraso temporal en la llegada de algunos libros físicos recién pedidos, y que algunas reservas tarden un poco más de lo habitual. Estamos volviendo a pedir los títulos afectados a través de nuestros otros proveedores para que los materiales circulen lo más rápidamente posible.
Nuestras colecciones digitales siguen estando totalmente disponibles, y servicios como LINK+ pueden ayudarle a acceder a aún más materiales durante este periodo.
Si está buscando su próxima lectura, nuestro personal estará encantado de ofrecerle recomendaciones, o puede explorar nuevos títulos y diversas listas seleccionadas por el personal. Agradecemos su paciencia mientras nos adaptamos a esta situación en rápida evolución y seguimos comprometidos con mantener nuestras estanterías bien surtidas.
This year has been transformational for the San Rafael Public Library. We began 2025 holding steady at our 4th Street Pop-Up site, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential services with free Wi-Fi and laptops, holds pick-up, a rotating selection of popular books, DVDs, audiobooks, video games, and welcoming spaces to read or relax.
As the Downtown Carnegie Library underwent vital upgrades, we continued to provide programming and community outreach across all branches. Once the renovated library finally opened, staff welcomed our patrons with a full-day celebration with giveaways, food, music, and programs for all ages. The celebration was more than just a ribbon-cutting, it marked the return of a beloved community gathering place, restored in both beauty and function.
We also embarked on another major project: the renovation and reimagining of the Pickleweed Library. The updated branch, reopening in spring/summer 2026, will offer a more welcoming environment and efficient use of space to better serve the Canal neighborhood. During construction, we continue to provide core library services and programs from the Al Boro Community Center, keeping our connection with our Pickleweed patrons strong and steady.
Along the way, we grew stronger. We welcomed new team members who brought a powerful mix of insight, commitment, and innovation. Together, our team, from staff at the public desk to those providing behind-the-scenes support, ensures materials are available for patrons, builds diverse collections, and strengthens community connections.
Thank you for being part of this journey. As we reflect on this remarkable year, with your support, your participation, and your love of libraries, we look forward to building on this momentum. With revitalized spaces, renewed energy, and a rich array of collections, resources, and programs, we remain committed to serving and empowering our community. We look forward to a new year filled with curiosity, growth, and joyful exploration.
¿No hay clases la próxima semana? La biblioteca te tiene cubierto
Puede que no haya clases durante toda la semana de Acción de Gracias, pero la biblioteca central está aquí para ayudarte a que esos primeros días de vacaciones sean fáciles, divertidos y sin estrés. Con las escuelas de la ciudad de San Rafael y muchos distritos cercanos de vacaciones, invitamos a las familias a pasar por el área de niños el lunes, martes y miércoles (24, 25 y 26 de noviembre) para disfrutar de actividades interesantes y listas para empezar que mantendrán a los niños entretenidos sin necesidad de planificación.
Tendremos muchas actividades para todas las edades e intereses: Magna-Tiles para los grandes constructores, juegos de mesa clásicos para competir amistosamente, un rompecabezas comunitario en el que todos pueden trabajar juntos, hojas para colorear con motivos otoñales y manualidades sencillas de temporada perfectas para una agradable mañana o tarde. Todo es sin cita previa, relajado y diseñado para que las familias puedan ir y venir a su propio ritmo.
Si busca un lugar acogedor para pasar parte del día, tomarse un respiro del ajetreo de las fiestas o simplemente ofrecer a los niños algo creativo en lo que sumergirse, la sala infantil de la biblioteca del centro es una opción perfecta. Venga, póngase cómodo y déjenos ayudarle a que sus vacaciones de otoño sean un poco más alegres y mucho más fáciles.
School may be out for the entire Thanksgiving week, but the Downtown Library is here to help make those early vacation days easy, fun, and stress-free. With San Rafael City Schools and many nearby districts on break, families are invited to drop into the Children’s Room on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday (November 24, 25, and 26) for engaging, ready-to-go activities that keep kids entertained without any planning required.
We’ll have plenty set out for all ages and interests: Magna-Tiles for big builders, classic board games for friendly competition, a community puzzle everyone can work on together, fall-themed coloring sheets, and simple seasonal crafts perfect for a cozy morning or afternoon. Everything is drop-in, relaxed, and designed so families can come and go at their own pace.
If you’re looking for a welcoming spot to spend part of the day, take a break from the holiday rush, or simply give kids something creative to dive into, the Children’s Room at the Downtown Library is an easy choice. Stop by, settle in, and let us help make your fall break a little brighter — and a lot easier.
Baker & Taylor, one of the nation’s major library wholesalers, recently announced an unexpected closure; an issue affecting libraries across the country, including those within our MARINet consortium. While this is a significant industrywide disruption, we want to reassure you that over the last few months we have been actively diversifying our book vendors.
As we transition, you may notice a temporary slowdown in the arrival of some newly ordered physical books, and certain holds may take a bit longer than usual. We’re re-ordering affected titles through our other vendors to keep materials moving as quickly as possible.
Our digital collections remain fully available, and services like LINK+ can help you access even more materials during this period.
If you’re looking for your next great read, our staff is always happy to offer recommendations, or you can explore new titles and various staff curated lists. We appreciate your patience as we adjust to this rapidly evolving situation and remain committed to keeping our shelves well stocked.
