San Rafael Public Library

Library Updates

Teen Film Screening: Ayer Te Vi

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Tweens and teens! Join us for a screening of Ayer Te Vi, a 2025 short film by local filmmaker Miguel Rodriguez.

A young musician struggles to finish a song as grief, memory, and a mysterious presence begin to blur the line between the real and the surreal. Presented by CAFILM Education as part of the Filmmakers Go To School Program (Stories by the Bay).

After the screening, Miguel will discuss the film in a conversation facilitated by Diana Sánchez Maciel from the California Film Institute.

 

 

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Kids’ Poetry Workshop

Posted by bonnie on

 

Are you a budding poet? Come bloom with us in a spring break workshop led by librarian and California Poets in the Schools teacher Lea Aschkenas. We’ll engage our creativity as we play with words and poetic techniques to create a one-of-a-kind poem to take home. 

For children ages 8-11. 

For more information, email Lea at lea.aschkenas@cityofsanrafael.org. 

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AI Basics: Part 2 – Workshop Series Presented by ESCOM

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Curious about artificial intelligence but not sure where to start? Join us for a free, beginner-friendly two-part workshop series presented by ESCOM (Emeritus Students of the College of Marin). Learn what AI actually is, how it works, and why it’s suddenly everywhere in the news. No experience necessary. Bring your own device or use one of ours. All adults welcome to drop-in. Questions or want a reminder? Contact Javier Morales at Javier.Morales@cityofsanrafael.org

1. Friday, March 13 at 2-3:30 pm – Introduction to AI Part 1: 

This workshop covers the basics of Artificial Intelligence (AI)—what it is, how it works, and how you can use it in your daily life. We’ll explore both generative AI (tools that can write, summarize, and help you brainstorm) and predictive AI (the “behind-the-scenes” AI already used in many apps and services). We will work the more common AI applications with practical examples, learn common terms in plain language, and leave with a clear foundation of some of the forms of AI.

2. Friday, April 3 at 2-3:30 pm – Introduction to AI Part 2: 

This workshop continues with a focused overview of AI that includes using AI tools wisely and safely. We will learn how to get more accurate results from generative AI, how to check answers, and how to spot common mistakes (including “confident-sounding” misinformation). We’ll also cover privacy basics—what to share, what not to share—and simple habits that help us stay secure while using AI in daily life.

 

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AI Basics: Part 1 – Workshop Series Presented by ESCOM

Posted by davagy on

Curious about artificial intelligence but not sure where to start? Join us for a free, beginner-friendly two-part workshop series presented by ESCOM (Emeritus Students of the College of Marin). Learn what AI actually is, how it works, and why it’s suddenly everywhere in the news. No experience necessary. Bring your own device or use one of ours. All adults welcome to drop-in. Questions or want a reminder? Contact Javier Morales at Javier.Morales@cityofsanrafael.org

1. Friday, March 13 at 2-3:30 pm – Introduction to AI Part 1: 

This workshop covers the basics of Artificial Intelligence (AI)—what it is, how it works, and how you can use it in your daily life. We’ll explore both generative AI (tools that can write, summarize, and help you brainstorm) and predictive AI (the “behind-the-scenes” AI already used in many apps and services). We will work the more common AI applications with practical examples, learn common terms in plain language, and leave with a clear foundation of some of the forms of AI.

2. Friday, April 3 at 2-3:30 pm – Introduction to AI Part 2

This workshop continues with a focused overview of AI that includes using AI tools wisely and safely. We will learn how to get more accurate results from generative AI, how to check answers, and how to spot common mistakes (including “confident-sounding” misinformation). We’ll also cover privacy basics—what to share, what not to share—and simple habits that help us stay secure while using AI in daily life.

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Bookagami Workshop with Adrienne Biggs

Posted by bonnie on

Learn the art of BOOKAGAMI with award-winning artist Adrienne Biggs! It’s like making origami but with books. No glue, no scissors, no stress. It’s fun and relaxing. Make-and-take your art home with you. Warning: Can be addictive (in a good way) 🙂

Come meet crafty book-loving people and make cool art together. You’ve never seen books like this before! “Bookagami” brings the wow factor: Neuroscientists say the human brain experiences an “a-ha moment” the instant it translates 2-D objects (like books) into 3-D “art”.

Anyone age 14+.
Workshop limited to 12 participants so pre-registration is required. Sorry, no drop-ins.
To register, please email Bonnie Groshong:  bonnie.groshong@cityofsanrafael.org
BYOB: Bring your own 1″spine book to the workshop or we’ll provide one for you.
You could use books rescued from local free piles, landfill, or your living room. Newer hardcovers or paperbacks with a minimum 1” spine work best.

BONUS: This workshop coincides with Adrienne’s Bookagami exhibit at this library, “Black and White and READ All Over”, viewable daily during open hours. Check it out upstairs before you come to the workshop.

San Rafael resident Adrienne Biggs is a former book publishing professional, and lifelong violinist. She holds a BA in Humanities and Violin Performance from Pepperdine University and has lived in Marin County since 1995. She has always been in love with books, especially when re-envisioned as literary artwork.

Adrienne has created more than 600 unique “Bookagami” (as she calls them). In 2024, her Atlas, 1963: You Are Here won First Place Blue Ribbon at the Marin County Fair and in 2025 her Bug-a-Gami totem won Third Place. Past two-month public art shows: Marelli Gallery and ArtWorks Downtown in San Rafael (2025); Town Books in San Anselmo (2024); and an on-going ever-evolving installation can be seen at Pint Size Lounge, 1615 Fourth Street (at G Street), in downtown San Rafael’s West End. Her art is her way of rescuing books from landfill by repurposing these common two-dimensional objects into three-dimensional works of art that people of all ages can enjoy, create, and share.

Here’s a September 2025 Pacific Sun article on Adrienne and her art form: Into the Fold: Bookagami Transforms Pages into Sculpture

Follow Adrienne on Instagram @IntoTheFoldBookagami for pre-workshop ideas, plus other workshops and exhibits.

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Kalimba King: Carl Winters and the African Roots of Jazz

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Join Carl Winters, the Kalimba King, for a special Black History Month event. Winters will present and play the kalimba, also known as a thumb piano, as well as talk about the genesis of American jazz from African roots. There will be an opportunity to try out the kalimba and even printed instructions for making one yourself!

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The College Ready Series

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This step-by-step workshop series helps juniors understand the admissions process, build a strong college list, and prepare competitive UC applications.

College Admissions Overview

Wednesday, March 11 @ 5:30pm
Audience: Parents & Juniors

  • Learn about college timelines, requirements, and key strategies for success!

Building your BEST College List

Wednesday, April 8 @ 5:30pm
Audience: Juniors

  • Learn how to create a balanced college list and discover resources to help you find schools that truly fit you.

Breaking Down UC PIQs & Activities

Wednesday, May 13 @ 5:30pm
Audience: Juniors

  • Learn what UC’s look for in PIQs & how to stand out in the activities section.

Presented by Carol Morales, Founder of College Success Partners

Carol Morales is a college admissions expert with a passion for coaching students to their highest potential. She founded College Success Partners with one singular goal—to empower students to achieve their college dreams. While parent involvement is essential, we believe students should take the lead, empowering them to self-advocate, build autonomy, and gain skills critical to success in college and beyond.

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Film Screening: Black Feminist

Posted by bonnie on

February is Black History Month. To acknowledge this, we’re showing a film written, directed, and produced by Zanah Thirus.

Black Feminist is a lively and illuminating documentary that explores the double-edged sword of racial and gender oppression that Black women face in America. Frustrated by the lack of intersectionality in the women’s movement and the misogyny plaguing the Black liberation movement, filmmaker Zanah Thirus set out to shine a light on the complexities and power of Black feminism. Featuring interviews with a wide range of scholars, writers, business owners, veterans and comedians, the film lays bare the everyday lived experiences of Black Women everywhere.

The film is rated PG and 52 minutes long.

Named one of Diversity in Cannes’ Top 10 Filmmakers of the Decade and honored with the Master of Storytelling Award by the Druk International Film Festival, Zanah is committed to crafting narratives that resonate with diverse audiences and push culture forward.

Her films have earned widespread recognition, premiering at three Academy Award qualifying festivals: Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival, Bronze Lens Film Festival, and St. Louis International Film Festival. She has also earned accolades from festivals in France, Nigeria, Toronto, and across the United States. Her documentaries are part of over 30 academic library collections, including Harvard University, and have been screened at events like the American Public Health Association’s national conference.

She believes stories should challenge, disrupt, and imagine new ways of being.

Check out our other film in February, honoring Black History month:
Feb 28: The Inquisitor

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