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, September 20, 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.
¡El equipo de la Biblioteca está muy emocionado de invitar a la comunidad a la Gran Celebración de Reapertura de la histórica Biblioteca Central en E Street! El evento se llevará a cabo el sábado 20 de septiembre de 2025, de 12 p. m. a 5 p. m., marcando el regreso oficial de este querido espacio comunitario.
La celebración comenzará con una ceremonia inaugural al mediodía, seguida de una tarde llena de actividades para todas las edades. Será una gran oportunidad para recorrer las renovadas instalaciones, disfrutar de programas para toda la familia y reencontrarse con uno de los lugares más apreciados de San Rafael.
Con nueva mobiliaria, mejoras estéticas y espacios actualizados, la Biblioteca Central vuelve a estar lista para servir como un punto de encuentro para el aprendizaje, la conexión y la creatividad. El equipo de la Biblioteca espera darles la bienvenida y celebrar juntos este emocionante nuevo capítulo.
San Rafael’s Downtown Library to Host Grand Reopening Celebration
The Library team is excited to invite the community to the Grand Reopening Celebration of the historic Downtown Library at 1100 E Street. This free event will take place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 12 PM to 5 PM, marking the official return of this beloved community space.
The celebration will begin with a ribbon cutting ceremony at noon, followed by an afternoon of activities designed for all ages. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the library’s refreshed facilities, enjoy family-friendly programs, view exhibits by local artists Terra Linda Ceramic Artists and Evri Kwong, and reconnect with one of San Rafael’s most cherished landmarks. View our event page for a full schedule of activities.
With new furniture, aesthetic improvements, and upgraded features, the Downtown Library is ready to once again serve as a hub for learning, connection, and creativity. The Library team looks forward to welcoming residents back and celebrating this exciting new chapter together.
¡La Biblioteca Pública de San Rafael ahora tiene su propia suscripción a Kanopy! Si has estado usando Kanopy a través de nuestra cuenta compartida, ahora deberás acceder mediante este enlace nuevo enlace específico de SRPL: https://sanrafael.kanopy.com/
¿Qué cambia?
Las personas con tarjeta de SRPL reciben 12 créditos mensuales para ver películas y series.
¿Eres nuevo/a en Kanopy?Solo necesitas autenticar tu tarjeta de la biblioteca, crear una cuenta en Kanopy y comenzar a disfrutar.
¿Ya usas Kanopy?Solo inicia sesión y agrega la Biblioteca Pública de San Rafael a tu cuenta existente.
San Rafael Public Library now has its own Kanopy streaming subscription! If you’ve been using Kanopy through our shared account, you’ll now access it through this new SRPL-specific link: https://sanrafael.kanopy.com/
What’s new?
SRPL cardholders get 12 tickets per month to stream films and series.
City of San Rafael Announces Reopening of Downtown Library After Renovations
San Rafael, CA — The City of San Rafael is excited to announce the reopening of the historic Carnegie Library on August 4 following extensive renovations. The revitalized facility will feature programs and collections for all ages, a restored historic reading room, dedicated areas for public programs and computer access, and much more, all within a refreshed and welcoming environment.
To celebrate, a grand reopening event will be held on September 20 from 12 PM to 5 PM. The event will feature activities that highlight the library’s role as a vibrant hub for learning, connection, and community engagement. The 4th Street Pop-Up Library, which served the community during the renovation, permanently closed on July 21 as part of the transition back to the Carnegie Library.
“The reopening of the historic Carnegie Library is more than just a restoration – it’s a reinvestment in our community’s future. After a necessary closure for long-overdue maintenance and repairs, we’re so grateful for the community’s patience over the past months. This space will once again be a welcoming hub for learning, connection, and culture, open to everyone in our city,” said Mayor Kate Colin.
The renovations emphasize accessibility, inclusion, and flexibility. The beloved Carnegie building has been transformed into a community-focused space that welcomes everyone.
“We’re excited to welcome everyone back into a space that has been thoughtfully updated to support our community and create sense of belonging,” said Catherine Quffa, Library and Recreation Director. “This renovation is about more than just the building. It is about creating opportunities for everyone to thrive.”
The Downtown Library renovation project was made possible by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library.
All community members are encouraged to visit the Downtown Library (1100 E Street), Northgate Library (5800 Northgate Drive Ste. 083), and Pickleweed Library (50 Canal Street) to explore the full range of the services offered by your San Rafael Public Libraries.
El 2 de septiembre de 2024, la Biblioteca Central cerró para remodelar y realizar actualizaciones de seguridad e infraestructura necesarias. Después de varios meses de trabajo, estamos muy contentos de volver al edificio Carnegie. La Biblioteca Temporal cerrará permanentemente al público el lunes, 21 de julio. La reapertura de la Biblioteca Central está prevista para el lunes 4 de agosto*.
Mientras estamos cerrados… No podremos aceptar devoluciones de artículos físicos mientras nos trasladamos de nuevo a la Biblioteca Central. Por lo tanto, la fecha de entrega de todos los artículos que deban devolverse entre el 21 de julio y el 3 de agosto se extenderá hasta el 4 de agosto. Aceptaremos gustosamente estos artículos en la Biblioteca Central a partir del 4 de agosto.
Los materiales reservados que no hayan sido recogidos en la Biblioteca Temporal antes del domingo 20 de julio estarán disponibles en la Biblioteca Central a partir del lunes 4 de agosto. Durante el cierre, no se podrá tener acceso a los artículos reservados que se encuentren en la Biblioteca Temporal. Las fechas de recogida se extenderán; los artículos solicitados se pueden recoger en la Biblioteca Central, o se puede seleccionar un lugar de recogida diferente.
Para más información sobre el proyecto de construcción de la Biblioteca del Centro, visite esta página.
*Aunque estamos trabajando duro para cumplir estos plazos, todas las fechas están sujetas a cambios. Por favor, siga visitando nuestro sitio web para cualquier cambio imprevisto o actualizaciones.
Libby is a library reading app for e-books, audiobooks and magazines that is available from the App Store or Google Play. If you’re new to Libby you can find some tips here to help you get started.
Download before you go
When you’re traveling and want to read or listen to books on the go, we recommend having your books downloaded before you set off.
Many users have the Libby app set to automatically download titles when they are borrowed (it’s the default). To check that your loans are downloaded, you can go to your library shelf and view your loans.
When your item is downloaded you will see a checked box next to your loan.
If you’re not set up to download titles automatically, you will see this next to your borrowed loan. To download the title, tap on the icon to download it manually.
Don’t forget you can also send e-books to a Kindle device (or use the Libby app if you have a Kindle Fire tablet) for lighter packing on the go. To send your book to Kindle via your Amazon account, you’ll need access to WiFi to complete the process. There’s more information on how to use Libby on your e-reader here.
How to manage holds before you go
Too many books and not enough time?? If you’re waiting for some titles and don’t want them to arrive when you’re not ready to borrow them, you can suspend your holds. Suspending a hold lets you move up a title’s waitlist without the title becoming available for you. If you reach #1 in line, you’ll be in the first position to get the title once your suspension ends. To suspend a hold, go to your Shelf > Holds > Manage Hold > Suspend Hold. Use the slider (drag the slide bar left or right) to determine how long you want to suspend your hold for, then tap Suspend Hold.
If you want to remove the suspension, go to your Shelf > Holds > Manage Hold > Suspended Hold, then use the slider and drag the slider bar all the way to the left until it shows ‘Active’. Save the change by tapping ‘Update Hold’.
