¡La ciudad de San Rafael tiene la suerte de contar con una comunidad muy activa de personas que apoyan a la biblioteca! Para celebrar el cariño que nuestra comunidad siente por la biblioteca, lanzamos un concurso de arte en el que las obras ganadoras se utilizarán para los premios del programa de lectura de verano. Este concurso rinde homenaje al valioso papel que desempeña nuestra comunidad en la labor de la Biblioteca Pública de San Rafael.
Se invita a artistas de todas las edades a presentar sus obras originales en el concurso de diseño de calcomanías. Además, ¡se invita a los artistas mayores de 13 años a presentar sus obras originales en el concurso de diseño de bolsas!
Para participar, complete y envíe el formulario de solicitud, que puede descargarse a continuación o recogerse en cualquier sucursal de la Biblioteca Pública de San Rafael. En el formulario hay detalles adicionales, así que léalo atentamente para asegurarse de que su obra cumpla los requisitos. Solo se aceptarán entregas en persona en las bibliotecas del centro, Northgate y Pickleweed de residentes, estudiantes o trabajadores de la ciudad de San Rafael.
El concurso finaliza el lunes 27 de abril. El personal de la biblioteca votará los diseños y los ganadores se anunciarán el lunes 4 de mayo.
Los artistas ganadores seleccionados deberán firmar un acuerdo con la ciudad para la exposición de la obra, y las imágenes de las obras no seleccionadas se desecharán, así que asegúrate de enviar una copia de alta calidad si deseas conservar la obra original.
SWANA es un término amplio e inclusivo que refleja la diversidad de culturas, historias y comunidades del suroeste de Asia y el norte de África. Aunque este mes conmemorativo se ha conocido con otros nombres, como el Mes de la Herencia Árabe-Estadounidense, «SWANA» ofrece una forma más amplia de reconocer las numerosas identidades, lenguas y tradiciones de toda la región.
El Mes de la Herencia SWANA es un momento para aprender, reflexionar y celebrar estas ricas contribuciones culturales a través de historias, arte, música y experiencias compartidas. También es una oportunidad para explorar las voces y perspectivas que han moldeado nuestro mundo de manera significativa. Visita la biblioteca para descubrir libros, películas y recursos que destacan a autores y creadores de SWANA, y únase a nosotros para celebrar la diversidad de nuestra comunidad global.
SWANA is a broad, inclusive term that reflects the diverse cultures, histories, and communities of Southwest Asia and North Africa. While this commemorative month has been known by other names, including Arab American Heritage Month, “SWANA” offers a more expansive way to recognize the many identities, languages, and traditions across the region.
SWANA Heritage Month is a time to learn, reflect, and celebrate these rich cultural contributions through stories, art, music, and shared experiences. It’s also an opportunity to explore voices and perspectives that have shaped our world in meaningful ways. Stop by the library to discover books, films, and resources that highlight SWANA authors and creators, and join us in celebrating the diversity of our global community.
Check out our librarians curated booklists for all ages:
Cada Historia Cuenta es una iniciativa de encuesta a nivel estatal que ayuda a las bibliotecas a comprender mejor cómo las personas usan y valoran sus bibliotecas locales. A lo largo de una semana, miembros de la comunidad compartieron sus opiniones tanto en línea como en persona, brindándonos una visión significativa de cómo la biblioteca forma parte de la vida cotidiana. Esta información nos ayuda a orientar la planificación, fortalecer nuestra labor y garantizar que los servicios sigan reflejando las verdaderas necesidades y experiencias de la comunidad.
Los resultados confirman lo que más nos gusta de nuestra biblioteca: la Biblioteca Pública de San Rafael es un recurso esencial y cotidiano para nuestra comunidad. Más del 95% de las personas encuestadas dijeron que usan la biblioteca para pedir materiales prestados, desde libros y películas hasta libros electrónicos y pases para parques. Muchas también dependen de la biblioteca para encontrar información, utilizar espacios acogedores para leer, estudiar o trabajar en silencio, y asistir a programas y eventos. Otras compartieron cómo la biblioteca apoya el aprendizaje de nuevas habilidades, la salud y el bienestar, el acceso a servicios esenciales y tareas cotidianas como imprimir o revisar el correo electrónico. En conjunto, estas historias muestran cómo la biblioteca forma parte de la vida diaria de muchas maneras.
Cuando se les preguntó qué es lo que más les gusta de la biblioteca, las personas encuestadas destacaron de manera constante que es gratuita, acogedora y accesible para todos, y que ofrece un lugar tranquilo y cómodo lleno de libros, información confiable y personal amable y capacitado. Muchas también celebraron los programas y colecciones infantiles, el ambiente pacífico y la facilidad para acceder a los materiales tanto en persona como en línea, lo que subraya el papel de la biblioteca como un espacio apreciado para el descubrimiento, el aprendizaje y el juego.
Gracias a los 170 miembros de la comunidad que participaron. Cada historia compartida ayuda a dar forma al futuro de la Biblioteca Pública de San Rafael y nos recuerda por qué hay tanto que amar de su biblioteca.
Every Story Counts is a statewide survey initiative that helps libraries better understand how people use and value their local libraries. Over the course of one week, community members shared their feedback both online and in person, giving us a meaningful snapshot of how the library shows up in everyday life. This input helps guide planning, strengthen advocacy, and ensure services continue to reflect real community needs and experiences.
The results affirm what we love about our library: San Rafael Public Library is a vital, everyday resource for our community. More than 95% of respondents said they use the library to borrow materials, from books and movies to eBooks and park passes. Many also rely on the library to find information, use welcoming spaces for reading, studying, or quiet work, and attend programs and events. Others shared how the library supports learning new skills, health and well-being, access to essential services, and everyday tasks like printing or checking email. Together, these stories show how the library fits into daily life in so many ways.
When asked what they love most about the library, respondents consistently highlighted that it is free, welcoming, and accessible to everyone, offering a calm, comfortable place filled with books, trusted information, and friendly, knowledgeable staff. Many also celebrated children’s programs and collections, the peaceful atmosphere, and the ease of accessing materials both in person and online, underscoring the library’s role as a cherished space for discovery, learning, and play.
Thank you to the 170 community members who participated. Every story that was shared helps shape the future of San Rafael Public Library and reminds us why there’s so much to love about your library.
The City of San Rafael is gifted with a vibrant community of library supporters! To celebrate our community’s love of the library, we are launching an art contest which will feature the winners work on our Summer Reading Prizes. This contest celebrates the invaluable role our community plays in shaping the work of the San Rafael Public Library.
Artists of all ages are invited to submit their original works in the sticker design contest. Additionally, Artists 13+ are invited to submit their original works in the tote bag design contest!
To apply, please complete and submit the application form, which is available to download below or can be picked up at any San Rafael Public Library branch. There are additional details on the form, so please read it carefully to ensure your artwork will be eligible. Submissions will only be accepted in-person at the Downtown, Northgate, and Pickleweed Libraries from City of San Rafael residents, students, or workers.
The contest closes Monday, April 27th. Library staff will vote on the designs and winners will be announced on Monday, May 4th!
Selected winning Artists will need to enter into an agreement with the City to display the art, and images of the art not selected will be discarded, so please make sure to submit a high quality copy if you would like to keep the original art.
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.
