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.
On Friday, November 14th, Teen Librarian Brianna popped up at Karma Club at the Northgate Mall for a library card sign up event. Karma Club is a free and inclusive after-school hangout space for teens where they can grab a snack, work on homework, and hang out with their friends. Collaborating with Karma Club makes so much sense for SRPL Teen Services!
In honor of National Origami Week, Brianna brought some origami supplies for Karma Club members to fold along with some SRPL swag like stickers and pens, got to meet about twenty Karma Club Members, and talk to them about the exciting things happening in Teen Services- especially the Teen Advisory Board (TAB).
It was a lot of fun, and we got ten new library signups, checked in on and updated several existing accounts, and engaged with some potential TAB members who are excited about Teen Services returning to SRPL. Members also had the opportunity to check out the MARINet website with their new accounts and find out all about the digital services that are available to them with their library card.
Most importantly, Karma Club teens got to meet their new teen librarian and know that Teen Services is back on at the library!
To learn more about Marin County’s free after-school community space for teens Karma Club, click here.
We’re excited to share that the San Rafael Downtown Library Renovation has been named a winner of the North Bay Business Journal’s Excellence in Construction Awards! This recognition honors the remarkable work that restored the historic character of our Carnegie-era building while updating it for today’s community needs.
Congratulations to our project team: Unger Construction, Noll & Tam Architects, Unico Engineering, City engineer Andrew Powell, and the dedicated City staff, whose expertise and commitment made this transformation possible. As highlighted by the North Bay Business Journal, “The result is a library that feels both timeless and forward-looking, a place where history and modern life meet to serve the community that loves it.”
We invite you to visit the beautifully renewed library and experience refreshed spaces, upgrades, and expanded resources designed to better support your needs.
November is Native American Heritage Month, a time dedicated to honoring and recognizing the deep histories, rich cultures, and lasting contributions of Indigenous peoples across the United States.
During this month, we are reminded that Native American culture is not a relic of the past, but a living, evolving presence interwoven into our daily lives, from the foods we eat and the sports we play to the land and languages that form the foundation of our nation.
Yet, celebrating Native American Heritage Month is about more than acknowledgment. It is an opportunity for reflection, learning, and meaningful connection. This month invites us to move beyond symbolic gestures and engage with authentic Native histories and the contemporary experiences that continue to shape Indigenous communities today. From ongoing conversations about tribal sovereignty to the celebration of Native-led achievements, this is a time to listen, learn, and stand in support of Native peoples. True recognition involves supporting Native-led initiatives, uplifting Indigenous voices, and protecting the rights and well-being of Native communities for future generations.
The purpose of celebrating heritage months is to create space for education, appreciation, and acknowledgment of the diverse heritages that shape American society, especially those of historically marginalized communities. As we celebrate Native heritage, we also commit to understanding the struggles, triumphs, and sovereignty of Native nations. The beauty, strength, and wisdom of Native peoples have never ceased to exist. They are here every November, every month, every year, and their enduring presence continues to guide, inspire, and enrich us all.
Here are some resources and reading advisories available to you at the library to expand your knowledge about Native Americans:
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.
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