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! Â
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). Â
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. Â
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.Â
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.” Â
We invite you to visit the beautifully renewed library and experience refreshed spaces, upgrades, and expanded resources designed to better support your needs. Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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. Â
Here are some resources and reading advisories available to you at the library to expand your knowledge about Native Americans:Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
When it was time to go, the group packed up, hugged goodbye, and promised, “See you next Wednesday!”Â
Because at Pickleweed, Wednesdays weren’t just another day on the calendar. They are a reminder that connection, joy, and community never grow old.Â
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. Â
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. Â
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 financiĂł la construcciĂłn de 1,681 bibliotecas pĂşblicas gratuitas en todo el paĂs entre 1886 y 1917, entre ellas la Biblioteca del Centro de San Rafael. Aunque muchas de esas bibliotecas aĂşn existen hoy en dĂa, nuestra Biblioteca del Centro es una de aproximadamente 750 Bibliotecas Carnegie que todavĂa utilizan su edificio original para servir a su comunidad.
Las bibliotecas que reciben esta subvenciĂłn pueden usar los fondos de la manera que elijan para conmemorar el aniversario, fortalecer su misiĂłn y beneficiar a su comunidad. El Departamento de Biblioteca y RecreaciĂłn de San Rafael planea utilizar estos fondos para ampliar la programaciĂłn pĂşblica de la Biblioteca y crear nuevas oportunidades de participaciĂłn comunitaria.
Para obtener más informaciĂłn sobre esta subvenciĂłn, haga clic aquĂ.
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.
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.
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