March is Women’s History Month, a time to honor the remarkable women whose courage, creativity, and perseverance have shaped our world. From pioneering scientists and groundbreaking artists to tireless activists and visionary leaders, women’s contributions have left an indelible mark on history — even when those contributions went unrecognized for far too long. Their stories remind us that progress is built on the shoulders of those who dared to challenge the status quo, break barriers, and imagine a better future.
This month, we invite you to explore our library’s curated collection of books, films, and resources that highlight women’s stories across cultures and throughout the ages. Whether you’re discovering a new biography, revisiting a classic by a beloved author, or introducing a young reader to a role model who inspires them, there’s no better place to celebrate these legacies than your library. Our staff has handpicked a diverse selection of titles that span genres and generations, ensuring there’s something meaningful for every reader.
Stop by to browse our Women’s History Month display and let these extraordinary stories spark curiosity, conversation, and inspiration. Because when we learn from the women who came before us, we empower the women — and the communities — of tomorrow.
Check out our librarians curated booklists for all ages:
¿Sabías que existe una forma gratuita de recibir libros y audiolibros que no están disponibles en los catálogos de tus bibliotecas locales en Marin ni a través de LINK+?
La Biblioteca del Estado de California ayuda a las bibliotecas públicas de todo el estado a poner más libros directamente en manos de los lectores a través del programa Zip Books, ¡incluyendo aquí mismo en la Biblioteca Pública de San Rafael! Zip Books hace que obtener los títulos que deseas sea rápido, fácil y conveniente. Simplemente solicita un título y lo pediremos por ti. El artículo se envía directamente a tu hogar para que puedas comenzar a leer de inmediato. Cuando termines, devuélvelo a la biblioteca, donde pasará a formar parte de nuestra colección para que toda la comunidad pueda disfrutarlo. ¡Puedes encontrar los libros devueltos del programa Zip Books en nuestras colecciones en cada una de nuestras tres sucursales! ¿Listo para comenzar? ¡Visita nuestro sitio web para obtener más información y conocer los detalles y requisitos del programa hoy mismo!
Las barreras del idioma, el transporte limitado y las exigencias de la vida diaria pueden dificultar el acceso de los usuarios a los recursos de la biblioteca. Para hacer frente a estos desafíos y ampliar el acceso a la información, la Biblioteca del Estado de California se asocia con bibliotecas públicas de todo el estado para ofrecer el programa Zip Books.
En 2025, Califa amplió el programa Zip Books para incluir libros electrónicos y audiolibros digitales, brindando a los usuarios aún más acceso a los títulos digitales que desean. Además de los Zip Books físicos, las solicitudes digitales elegibles se adquieren y se ponen a disposición a través de la aplicación Palace Project. Los títulos deben estar publicados, disponibles en Palace Marketplace y no ser propiedad de la biblioteca ni formar parte de la colección estatal de Palace. Visita nuestra página de Zip Books para obtener más información sobre esta opción digital ampliada.
Zip Books es un programa probado y de alto impacto que fortalece las bibliotecas con mayores necesidades de financiamiento. En promedio, las bibliotecas participantes operan con un 24% menos de financiamiento por persona y presupuestos de materiales un 28% más reducidos. Lanzado en 2011 como un proyecto piloto de tres bibliotecas, el programa fue un éxito inmediato, reduciendo el tiempo de procesamiento del personal en dos tercios y el tiempo de entrega a solo unos días, en lugar de las semanas habituales con el préstamo interbibliotecario tradicional. Con el respaldo de los fondos de la Ley de Servicios Bibliotecarios de California y una asignación estatal anual continua de $1 millón desde 2021–2022, Zip Books sigue ampliando el acceso a materiales para las comunidades de todo California.
Did you know there is a free way to get books and audiobooks delivered to you that are not available in the catalogs at your local libraries in Marin or through LINK+?
The California State Library helps public libraries across the state to bring more books directly into the hands of readers through the Zip Books program, including right here at the San Rafel Public Library! Zip Books makes getting the titles you want fast, easy, and convenient. Simply request a title, and we’ll order it for you. Your item is shipped straight to your home, so you can start reading right away. When you’re finished, just return it to the library, where it becomes part of our collection for the entire community to enjoy. You can find returned Zip Books in our collections at each of our three library locations! Ready to get started? Visit our website to learn more and explore program details and guidelines today!
Language barriers, limited transportation, and the demands of daily life can make it harder for library users to access resources. To address these challenges and expand access to information, the California State Library partners with public libraries statewide to offer the Zip Books program.
In 2025, Califa expanded the Zip Books program to include eBooks and eAudiobooks, giving patrons even more access to the digital titles they want. In addition to physical Zip Books, eligible digital requests are purchased and made available through the Palace Project app. Titles must be published, available in the Palace Marketplace, and not already owned by the library or offered through the statewide Palace collection. Visit our Zip Books page to learn more about this expanded digital option.
Zip Books is a proven, high-impact program that strengthens libraries with the greatest funding needs. On average, participating libraries operate with 24% less funding per person and 28% smaller materials budgets. Launched in 2011 as a three-library pilot, the program was an immediate success, cutting staff processing time by two-thirds and reducing delivery to just a few days instead of the weeks typical with traditional interlibrary loan. Supported by California Library Services Act funds and backed by a $1 million ongoing annual state appropriation since 2021–2022, Zip Books continues to expand access to materials for communities across California.
The Year of the Horse will be ushered in on February 17 with the new moon and continues until the full moon on March 3. There will be two special events to celebrate at the San Rafael Downtown Library, one for teens & adults and one for children. Chinese calligrapher Li Yuan will come on Friday, February 20 to do a calligraphy event with children where participants will explore Chinese traditions, learn about festive symbols such as red envelopes, lanterns, and gold ingots, and create their own “Lucky Bottle.” They will practice and write the character 福 (fu, “blessing” or “good fortune”) with a calligraphy brush. Adults will have their own workshop on Sunday, February 22, where participants will learn basic Chinese calligraphy, write auspicious words for the New Year, and design a personalized calendar. Registration is required and space is limited.
PBS’ Independent Lens Launches Twentieth Season with Three Screenings at the San Rafael Public Library.
On Saturday evenings in the new year, the community can enjoy screenings and conversations of select films from Indie Lens Pop-Up at the San Rafael Public Library. The San Rafael Library is excited to join over 325 communities across the country in this opportunity to learn and engage.
The award-winning PBS documentary series, INDEPENDENT LENS, announced today the launch of the upcoming season of Indie Lens Pop-Up. The long-running community screening series celebrates its twentieth season, which has brought together nearly half a million people for conversations inspired by thought-provoking documentaries. This season, the screening series will feature both in-person and virtual events in more than 200 communities across nearly all 50 states.
Indie Lens Pop-Up will engage communities on a range of topics, from the debate over book collections in libraries and the legacy of a groundbreaking Congresswoman, to representation within the Little People community and exploring world cultures through the local grocery store. These community events empower audiences to deepen their understanding of themselves and each other.
These documentaries also premiere on INDEPENDENT LENS, PBS’ award-winning documentary anthology series, and stream on the PBS app and YouTube.
The 2026 Indie Lens Pop-Up lineup includes the following documentaries:
The Inquisitor highlights the legacy of Barbara Jordan, unraveling how her public influence shaped U.S. politics, while exploring the complexities of her personal identity.
Librarians across the U.S. examine how book review policies are shaping their communities in The Librarians.
Filmmaker Julie Forrest Wyman, who will join us for a Q&A, searches to find her place within the Little People community, exploring dwarfism within her own family and the diverse experiences of other Little People in her film The Tallest Dwarf.
Valentines for Older Adults in Skilled Nursing Facilities
Often, elders in skilled nursing facilities face social isolation and loneliness. Holidays are particularly difficult when recollecting happy celebrations of the past. This year, the Children’s Room of the Library will try to brighten up the day for many older adults by creating one-of-a-kind valentines. In collaboration with non-profit Love is the Answer (LITA), beginning on Saturday, January 31 through Tuesday, February 9, children will craft cheerful, love-filled cards that will then be distributed by LITA to their partner organizations. Kids excel in joyful creation that will benefit others—a perfect example of meaningful giving and receiving!
This February marks the 100th anniversary of the movement to honor Black History in America. We welcome you to the San Rafael Public Library to recognize this centennial of resilience, creativity, and community. Throughout the month, we will explore the Black experience through a curated series of films, discussions, and music. We are dedicating these programs to amplifying Black voices, from the sharp intellect of political pioneers to the creative visions of local filmmakers, continuing a century-long tradition of bringing these vital stories to the forefront.
We invite you to join us for the following free events at the Downtown Library:
Presented in partnership with the California Film Institute, teens and tweens are invited to a screening of this unique short film, followed by a discussion with director Benjamin Mulholland. This event offers young creatives a rare chance to engage with a Bay Area filmmaker known for turning small budgets into imaginative movies.
Directed by Zanah Thirus, this illuminating documentary explores the double-edged sword of racial and gender oppression. Thirus, named one of Diversity in Cannes’ Top 10 Filmmakers of the Decade, sheds light on the lack of intersectionality that has often plagued liberation movements and the everyday lived experiences of Black women.
Join us for a celebration of rhythm and roots. Carl Winters will guide us through the African origins of jazz, demonstrating the kalimba (thumb piano). He will not only perform but also offer instructions on how to make your own instrument, connecting us directly to the genesis of American music.
We close the month with a special Indie Lens Pop-Up screening, a neighborhood series featuring documentaries from PBS’s Independent Lens. This film focuses on the groundbreaking Barbara Jordan. From the Nixon impeachment to civil rights battles, we will witness how her sharp intellect and moral clarity transformed U.S. politics and reshaped our democracy.
Beyond our programming, our librarians have also curated booklists for all ages that honor Black history and stories, ensuring that these vital narratives remain accessible to everyone long after the month ends.
Ama tu Biblioteca consiste en reconocer las múltiples formas en que las bibliotecas públicas de San Rafael enriquecen y sirven a nuestra comunidad cada día, desde colecciones diversas y programas inclusivos hasta recursos vitales y un servicio acogedor y de alta calidad. Para ayudar a captar y compartir ese impacto, estamos participando en Cada Historia Cuenta, una iniciativa estatal para comprender mejor cómo y por qué la gente utiliza las bibliotecas.
Cada Historia Cuenta se desarrollará en todo el estado de California del 25 al 31 de enero. La Biblioteca Pública de San Rafael le invita a compartir su historia a través de una encuesta disponible durante toda la semana. La encuesta estará disponible en línea a través de un enlace y también se podrá completar en persona en cualquier sucursal de la biblioteca: Biblioteca Central, Pickleweed y Northgate.
Ya sea que asista a la hora de cuentos, utilice las computadoras o el Wi-Fi, explore la colección, participe en programas o simplemente disfrute de un espacio acogedor, queremos saber su opinión. Al compartir su historia, usted ayuda a destacar el valor cotidiano de nuestras bibliotecas y apoya los esfuerzos para demostrar su impacto en nuestra comunidad, ahora y en el futuro. ¿Le gusta su biblioteca? Haga que su historia cuente.
Love Your Library is about recognizing the many ways San Rafael’s public libraries enrich and serve our community every day, from diverse collections and inclusive programs to vital resources and welcoming, high-quality service. To help capture and share that impact, we’re participating in Every Story Counts, a statewide effort to better understand how and why people use their libraries.
Every Story Counts runs statewide from January 25–31, San Rafael Public Library invites you to share your story through a survey available throughout the entire week at all locations: Downtown, Pickleweed, and Northgate. The survey will be available online via a link and can also be completed in person by patrons visiting any library location.
Whether you’re attending storytime, using computers or Wi-Fi, exploring the collection, participating in programs, or simply enjoying a welcoming space, we want to hear from you. By sharing your story, you help highlight the everyday value of our libraries and support efforts to demonstrate their impact on our community, now and into the future.
San Rafael Downtown Library is proud to announce the grand opening of our new community Seed Library on National Seed Swap Day, January 31st between 10am and noon. Marin Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer gardening questions and illustrate methods of seed starting and planting. You will be able to choose seed packets and learn about edible and pollinator planting. They will also provide a seed strip workshop for all ages to be able to take home and plant in your own garden. Attendees are invited to bring and exchange seeds, but donations are not required to attend. Learn more about this event here.
What is a Seed Library?
A seed library collects and stores seeds that allows gardeners to “borrow” donated seeds for free. Choose from a variety of vegetables, herbs, and flower seeds, as well as native plant seeds. Plant them in your garden and at the end of your growing season you can save seeds from the plants you grew and return those seeds to the library. Once donated, seeds are labeled and packaged so they can be “checked out” for the next growing season.
Thanks to the UC Marin Master Gardeners, especially Marie Steckmest and her team, for helping to launch our program. Marie has helped start seed libraries across Marin County since 2023. For Marie, getting seed libraries up and running is about “being able to help people learn about gardening, get native seeds and other varieties that they normally wouldn’t have access to.” Check our Seed Library webpage for resources provided by UC Marin Master Gardeners.
Want to get more involved?
Join us each 2nd Wednesday of the month at 2 PM at the Downtown Library when we have a Marin Master Gardener talk on various gardening topics. Learn more here.
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