San Rafael Public Library

Library Updates

Servicio de Zip Books ampliado para libros electrónicos y audiolibros electrónicos

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ZipBooks

¡Nos complace anunciar que ahora puede solicitar títulos digitales a través de nuestro servicio Zip Books! Además de libros físicos, puede solicitar libros electrónicos y audiolibros que actualmente no se encuentran en nuestra colección.

¿Cómo funciona?

¡Es muy sencillo! Solo tienes que llenar un breve formulario en línea para solicitar el título que desees. El personal de Califa revisa las solicitudes cada semana y compra los títulos que cumplen con los requisitos. Cuando el libro que has solicitado esté listo, recibirás una notificación por correo electrónico y tendrás acceso a él inmediatamente a través de la aplicación de Palace Project.

¿Listo para hacer su solicitud? Envíe su solicitud aquí:

Formulario en español: califa.org/zipbooks-spa

Información Importante

  • Solo podemos comprar títulos que aún no tengamos y que no estén disponibles en la colección Palace de California.
  • El libro debe estar ya publicado (lo sentimos, ¡no se admiten pedidos por adelantado!).
  • Una vez que reciba la notificación por correo electrónico, asegúrese de canjear su título lo antes posible, ya que no se mantendrá reservado específicamente para usted.
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Letter to Your Future self | Carta a tu Futuro Yo

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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.

Mailing the letters to your future self

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.

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Expanded Zip Books Service for eBooks and eAudiobooks

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Zip Books Expanded Services

We’re excited to announce that you can now request digital titles through our Zip Books service! In addition to physical books, you can ask for eBooks and eAudiobooks that aren’t currently in our collection.

How Does It Work?

It’s simple! Just fill out a quick online form to request the title you want. The team at Califa reviews requests each week and purchases eligible items. When your requested book is ready, you’ll get an email notification and can access it right away through the Palace Project app.

Ready to Request? Submit your request here:

Things to Know

  • We can only purchase titles that we don’t already own and that aren’t available in the California statewide Palace collection
  • The book must already be published (sorry, no pre-orders!)
  • Once you receive your notification email, be sure to check out your item promptly—it won’t be held specifically for you

Need More Information?

Visit califa.org/zipbooks for complete program details, or check out our How-To guide for step-by-step instructions.

Have questions? Ask any library staff member, and we’ll be happy to help!

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SRPL at the Feria International del Libro de Guadalajara

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FIL 2025

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.

FIL 2025 FIL 2025 FIL 2025

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

To see more photos from this event, click here.


Photos: © Courtesy FIL Guadalajara / Rafael del Río, Melinda Paulina Llamas Polanco, Carlos Zepeda, Natalia Fregoso, Nabil Quintero

 

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Exploring the Library’s Digital Resources

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User using Hoopla app on phone

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:


January 31 | Read, Watch, & Listen

Libby, Hoopla, Kanopy

March 28 | Your Digital Newsstand

The New York Times, NewsBank for Marin IJ & SF Chronicle, Libby Magazines

May 30 | A Cultural Passport

San Rafael Creates, ProQuest Music & Performing Arts, Discover & Go

July 25 | Learn & Create

BrainFuse Adult Learning, Mango Languages, O’Reilly Learning

For a full list of E-Resources by Subject, click here.

For more information on this event, please call (415) 485-3323.

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Create a Little Winter Magic at the Library

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Winter Reading Display and Craft

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.

 

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  • Downtown Library

    Hours
    Sun: 10 AM–5 PM
    Mon: 10 AM–7 PM
    Tues: 10 AM–7 PM
    Weds: 10 AM–7 PM
    Thurs: 10 AM–5 PM
    Fri: 10 AM–5 PM
    Sat: 10 AM–5 PM

    Contact
    (415) 485-3323

    Address
    1100 E Street
    San Rafael, CA 94901

  • Pickleweed Library

    Hours
    Sun: Closed
    Mon: Closed
    Tues: 9 AM–5 PM
    Weds: 9 AM–5 PM
    Thurs: 9 AM–5 PM
    Fri: Closed
    Sat: Closed

    Contact
    (415) 485-3483

    Address
    50 Canal Street
    San Rafael, CA 94901

  • Northgate Library

    Hours
    Sun: Closed
    Mon: Closed
    Tues: 12 PM–7 PM
    Weds: 10 AM–5 PM
    Thurs: 10 AM–5 PM
    Fri: 10 AM–5 PM
    Sat: 10 AM–5 PM

    Contact
    (415) 890-5670

    Address
    5800 Northgate Drive, Ste. 083
    San Rafael, CA 94903


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