There’s some stunning new art in the first-floor lobby of the Downtown Library created by students from Coleman Elementary School. It is an honor to collaborate with a local school and their young artists. Coleman Elementary art teacher Caroline Sequeira explains the art piece and how it came to be:
Every student at Coleman Elementary, ranging in age from four to eleven, contributed to a collaborative mural inspired by Faith Ringgold’s celebrated quilt and children’s book, Tar Beach. As part of this project, students studied Ringgold’s work, learned about the concept of a “tar beach,” and discussed the powerful narrative behind this iconic image.
Faith Ringgold (1930–2024) was an influential American artist and activist, widely recognized for her intricate story quilts that explore African American history and the experiences of marginalized communities. Through her work, Ringgold challenged racial and gender stereotypes while elevating stories that have often been excluded from traditional museum and gallery spaces. Tar Beach tells the story of a young Black girl who dreams of flying above her Harlem neighborhood, symbolizing imagination, freedom, and the inherent right to envision a better future.
Inspired by Ringgold’s perspective and signature floral borders, Coleman students created their own rooftop view of San Rafael, surrounding it with a vibrant flower border that pays tribute to her original design. Students across grade levels contributed in unique ways to bring the mural to life. Transitional Kindergarten, Kindergarten, second, and third grade students imagined and illustrated what they would want in their own homes. First and fourth grade students designed and created the floral border surrounding the scene. Fifth grade students added additional elements to the composition—including cars, trees, bushes, stars, houses, and imaginative details such as a fiery baseball and a walking duck—enhancing the mural with dreamlike touches.
Artwork will be available to view at the San Rafael Downtown Library throughout March ’til April 15th, 2026.
More examples of our students’ artwork can be viewed on Instagram at @ms.sequeirasartclass, and any donations to the art room or inquiries can be directed to csequeira@srcs.org.
San Rafael Public Library Usage Report Shows Strong Community Engagement
San Rafael Public Library Usage Report | FY 2024–2025 Highlights
This past year was one of change, creativity, and deep community connection, and it showed in how you used your library. According to the Public Library Survey, collected annually by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to understand how library services are evolving nationwide, San Rafael Public Library remained a vital part of daily life across our city during fiscal year 2024–2025.
Even as the Downtown Library operated from our temporary 4th Street Pop-Up location, our Pickleweed and Northgate branches continued to serve as active community hubs. Together, all three locations logged more than 6,200 open hours and welcomed over 162,000 in-person visits, ensuring library services stayed accessible and welcoming throughout San Rafael.
In a city of nearly 60,000 residents, more than 32,000 library cardholders borrowed, learned, and explored with us. You checked out over 379,000 items across physical and digital collections, including books, audiobooks, movies, and e-materials, and made use of a collection of over 90,000 physical items. Our reach extended far beyond city limits, too, with over 41,000 interlibrary loan transactions, connecting San Rafael readers to resources from libraries across the region and beyond.
Programs brought people together in powerful ways. Library staff offered 503 programs, from storytimes and early-learning activities to author talks, workshops, and virtual events, drawing more than 17,400 attendees of all ages. Hundreds more participated in self-directed activities such as: Video Game Club, Lego Club, VR Saturdays, Mystery Maker Bags, Letter to My Future Self, and Valentine’s Day Card Making.
Behind the scenes, these services were made possible by a team of dedicated staff, supported by 52 volunteers who contributed more than 6,800 hours of service. Staff answered over 39,000 questions, provided free public internet access, and supported more than 119,000 virtual visits to our website.
Taken together, these numbers tell a powerful story, one shared by public libraries across the country and captured each year through the Public Library Survey. Whether you visited us at the 4th Street Pop-Up, stopped by Pickleweed or Northgate, joined a program, or connected with us online, you showed that the library is more than a building. It’s a shared community space powered by curiosity, learning, and connection. Thank you for being part of that story and for continuing to love your library.
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.
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