On September 21, 1932, the Petaluma Argus-Courier, noted “the death of Miss May Cooper on Wednesday at the age of 80 years brought to an end a useful life.”
When San Rafael’s Carnegie Library was opened on January 9, 1909, 57-year-old May Cooper was the first town librarian. Miss Cooper was a professional teacher who had worked at several schools throughout Marin County (Nicasio, Bolinas, Sausalito, and San Rafael), as well as schools in Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara. She was San Rafael’s librarian from 1907-1924.
May Cooper was born in Baltimore in 1852, to Franklin and Lavinia Steiger Cooper. The Cooper family moved to California when May was a year old, and after a short stay in San Francisco, her mother died. The Coopers relocated to Santa Cruz, where her father became one of the founders of the city’s first bank. Franklin’s nephews owned the Cooper Brothers Mercantile Store, and the family was involved in local government, building the county’s first courthouse, organizing the first Republican Party headquarters, and holding some elected offices. The family bragged that they were related to the famous writer, James Fenimore Cooper, author of The Last of the Mohicans.
May was a spirited child who loved books, music, and art. She attended a “select school for young ladies”. Her teacher was a trained artist who specialized in paintings of Spanish era relicts, and awakened May’s artistic and musical interests. At fifteen, May became the primary grade teacher at a two-room schoolhouse known as “the Beach School (later the Laurel School). She played the piano, sang for various musical groups, and organized a traveling children’s chorus. She earned a “life diploma” for teaching in 1880, attended art classes at the San Francisco Art Institute and won praise and prizes for her paintings and sculptural work.
In 1888, May became a teacher in Sausalito at their new primary school and was rapidly promoted to principal. After resigning from her duties in 1891, May spent two years studying art and music in Paris. When May returned from France, she relocated to East Oakland to care for her younger half-siblings and ailing father. When her father passed away, she found work as a teacher in Bolinas and Nicasio. She often lectured and provided demonstrations of art techniques. At a Teachers Institute in Olema, she created a sketch that was published in the Independent Journal.
In 1904, the City of San Rafael approached industrialist, Andrew Carnegie for funding to build a Public Library. In March of 1906, just prior to the earthquake that devastated San Francisco, the library lot was purchased, but construction was delayed. In 1907, May Cooper was hired as the town librarian and began collecting books for the new Public Library, while providing library services in a room at the High School.
Initially, the library was staffed only by Miss Cooper, a library assistant, Miss Dunbar, and a gardener/janitor. For the next sixteen years, May Cooper, petitioned for improvements to the library such as a typewriter and additional shelving, participated in fundraising for soldiers blinded during World War I, traveled and presented at conferences put on by the fledging California Library Association, and carefully recorded the library’s holdings in a set of ledgers still owned by the library today. After retiring, Miss Cooper started a small private lending library in San Anselmo and continued her life as an artist and supporter of charitable causes- always a “useful woman.”
¿Habrá estacionamiento gratuito en 1009 4th Street?
Lamentablemente, no podemos ofrecer estacionamiento gratuito en la ubicación pop-up. Entendemos que encontrar estacionamiento en el centro puede ser todo un reto. Le será útil lo siguiente para encontrar estacionamiento; utilizar el mapa de estacionamientos del centro downtown parking map, e información en la app ParkMobile App.
¿Habrá un servicio de devolución de libros drive-thru (auto-servicio) en el local de la calle 4th?
No, no tendremos un servicio de devolución de libros desde el coche. Nuestro servicio de “pedidos” estará situado en la entrada del edificio, en la calle 4th, y estará abierto para devoluciones las 24 horas del día, los 7 días de la semana.
¿Continuará la Hora del Cuento?
La hora del cuento continuará en su horario habitual y lo tendremos enfrente de la biblioteca pop-up, si el clima lo permite. Si no, será adentro de la biblioteca.
¿Continuarán los programas de Club de Matemáticas y Compañeros de Lectura?
El programa Compañeros de Lectura se llevará a cabo en las bibliotecas Pickleweed y Northgate, mientras que el Club de Matemáticas podría reanudarse en la biblioteca Pickleweed a finales de otoño.
¿Habrá computadoras para uso público?
Tendremos Laptops disponibles en la locación temporal.
¿Habrá Wi-Fi?
Sí, habrá acceso a Wi-Fi.
¿Cuál es el teléfono del local de la calle 4th?
Nuestro número de teléfono seguirá siendo el mismo durante nuestro traslado temporal. Puede llamarnos al 415-485-3323.
¿Continuarán los programas en línea durante el cierre y después?
Sí, los programas en línea de All things Apple, Zentangle, y el ESL Club de Conversación continuarán sin interrupción. Visite el calendario de eventos en nuestro sitio web para información actualizada de todos los eventos y programas.
¿Por qué remodelar esta biblioteca si se pretende construir una totalmente nueva?
Las renovaciones que se están llevando a cabo en la Biblioteca del Centro (1100 E Street) abordan necesidades críticas de seguridad e infraestructura; este proyecto garantizará que el edificio siga siendo seguro y operativo. Este proyecto no cubrirá la necesidad de una nueva y moderna Biblioteca para los habitantes actuales y futuros de San Rafael. Para obtener más información sobre los esfuerzos de la Ciudad para evaluar las opciones para una nueva/ampliada biblioteca en el centro de San Rafael, por favor consulte esta página.
¿Por qué cierra la biblioteca?
La Biblioteca del Centro cerrará para realizar las tan necesarias actualizaciones de seguridad e infraestructura, que incluyen reparaciones en el techo y en los sistemas de calefacción, ventilación, aire acondicionado, fontanería y electricidad; instalaremos un sistema de alarma contra incendios; mejoraremos la accesibilidad y realizaremos pequeñas mejoras de diseño.
¿Cuánto tiempo permanecerá cerrada al público la Biblioteca del Centro?
Se espera que las obras de la Biblioteca del Centro durarán entre seis y ocho meses. Tentativamente esperamos reabrir la Biblioteca del Centro en la primavera de 2025.*
* Aunque nos esforzamos por cumplir estos plazos, todas las fechas están sujetas a cambios. Por favor, siga consultando nuestra página web para cualquier cambio imprevisto y/o actualización.
All San Rafael Public Library branches will be closed December 23 – January 4. The Pickleweed Library will be closed starting December 21st and will also reopen on January 4.
Please note that the entire Albert J. Boro Community Center will be closed starting Saturday, December 21st, including the Pickleweed Library.
Q: Will the book drops be open?
A: The book drops at the Downtown and Pickleweed branches, along with the Lucas Valley Road book drop, will remain open during the closure. Please note it may take up to a few days for your items to be scanned in and taken off your record. SRPL has been fine-free since July 2021 – no late fees will be collected.
Q: What will happen to my holds?
A:All holds on the shelves when we close will be extended for the length of our closure. No holds will be transferred to or from our libraries during this closure.
Q: Are other MARINet libraries or book drops going to be open? When?
A: Please check the status of each MARINet library you plan to visit or return items to.
Las Bibliotecas de San Rafael permaneceráncerradasdel 23 de diciembre hasta el 4 de enero. La Biblioteca Pickleweed estarácerrada a partir del21 de diciembre y también reabrirá el 4 de enero.
Downtown Cierra: lunes, 23 de diciembre
Abre: sábado, 4 de enero
Northgate
Cierra: lunes, 23 de diciembre
Abre: sábado, 4 de enero
Pickleweed
Cierra: sábado, 21 de diciembre
Abre: sábado, 4 de enero
La Biblioteca Pickleweed y el Centro Comunitario Albert J. Boro cerrarán sus puertas a partir del sábado 21 de diciembre.
¿Estarán abiertos los buzones para devolver materiales?
Los buzones de las Bibliotecas Downtown y Pickleweed así como el de Lucas Valley Road estarán abiertos durante el cierre. Puede que tome más de un par de días para que sus devoluciones sean registradas en el sistema, ya que a partir de julio 2021 la biblioteca no cobra multas por regresar material atrasado.
¿Qué pasará con mis pedidos?
Todos los encargos permanecerán en los estantes durante el cierre de la biblioteca. Ningún pedido será transferido ni removido a otra biblioteca durante el cierre.
¿Estarán abiertas otras bibliotecas del consorcio de MARINet? ¿Cuándo?
Visite el sitio web de MARINet para consultar los horarios y planear su visita. Podrían cambiar los horarios.
On September 2nd, the Downtown Library closed for much-needed safety and infrastructure updates. On Monday, September 16th, we opened a pop-up location on 4th Street to continue providing library services in downtown San Rafael during construction.
Our pop-up library is located at 1009 4th Street, across from the Bank of America, in the home of the former Beauty Expo. Located in the heart of downtown San Rafael, we are excited to take advantage of what the new space has to offer. Our services include enriching public programs; space to sit, read, and relax; free public Wi-Fi and access to laptops; holds pick-up; and a variety of popular books, DVDs, audiobooks, video games, magazines, and other materials.
Expanded Hours! To offer more options to the community while the Downtown Library is closed, we have expanded our hours at all San Rafael Public Libraries. Check out our expanded hours here.
While the Downtown Library is closed… You can return your checked out items and pick-up your holds at our 4th Street Pop-Up during open hours.
El 2 de septiembre, la Biblioteca del Centro cerró por motivos de remodelación y actualizaciones de seguridad e infraestructura. El lunes,16 de septiembre, reabrimos en una sucursal temporal sobre la 4ta calle para seguir prestando servicios en el centro de San Rafael durante la construcción.
Nuestra biblioteca temporal (Pop-Up) se ubica en el 1009 de la 4ta calle, frente al Banco de América, en donde era la Beauty Expo. Situado en el corazón del centro de San Rafael, estamos muy contentos de aprovechar lo que el nuevo espacio tiene para ofrecer. Nuestros servicios incluyen programas públicos de enriquecimiento; espacio para sentarse, leer y relajarse; Wi-Fi público gratuito y acceso a computadoras portátiles; recogida de libros en reserva; y variedad de libros populares, DVDs, libros en CD, videojuegos, revistas y otros materiales.
Horario ampliado Para ofrecer más opciones a la comunidad mientras la Biblioteca del Centro está cerrada, hemos ampliado las horas de servicio en todas las Bibliotecas Públicas de San Rafael. Consulte la extensión de nuestras horas de servicio aquí.
Mientras la Biblioteca del Centro está cerrada… Puede llevar sus devoluciones y recoger sus pedidos en la biblioteca temporal durante horarios de servicio.
Para más información sobre el proyecto de construcción de la Biblioteca del Centro, visite esta página.
Unfortunately, we cannot offer free parking at our pop-up location. We understand that parking in downtown can be challenging; please visit our downtown parking map, and information about our ParkMobile App, to help manage your parking.
Where can I return my books during the closure?
Patrons can return their books at any MARINet library, including Pickleweed and Northgate. Due dates for items checked out from our Downtown Library will be extended and can be returned at the pop-up library at 1009 4th Street, beginning September 16th.
Will there be a drive-thru book return at the 4th St location?
No, we will not have a drive-thru book return. Our bookdrop will be placed at the entrance of the building on 4th Street and will be open for returns 24/7.
What happens if my holds arrive during the 2-week closure?
Your hold will be moved to our pop-up library at 1009 4th Street, and will be available for pick-up on Monday, September 16.
Will there still be Storytime?
Storytime will continue at its regular time and may be held in front of the pop-up library, weather permitting.
Will there be a Math Club and Reading Buddies?
The Reading Buddies Program will be held at both Pickleweed and Northgate libraries, while the Math Club may resume at Pickleweed Library in late fall.
Will there be public computers?
Laptops will be available for use at the pop-up location.
Will there be Wi-Fi?
Yes, access to Wi-Fi will be available.
What’s the phone number for the 4th Street location?
Our phone number will stay the same during our temporary relocation. We can be reached at 415-485-3323.
Will online programs continue during the closure and after?
Yes, our online programs such as: All things Apple, Zentangle, and ESL conversation club will continue. Please visit our events calendar for updated programming and events information.
Why remodel this library if you are trying to build a whole new one?
The renovations taking place at the Downtown Library (1100 E Street) address critical safety and infrastructure needs; this project will ensure that the building remains safe and operational. This project will not address the need for additional, modern library space to better serve the needs of San Rafael’s current and future residents. For more information on the City’s efforts to evaluate options for a new/expanded downtown library, please see this page.
Why is the library closing?
The Downtown Library will be closing for much-needed safety and infrastructure updates, which include repairs to the roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems; we will be installing a fire alarm system; improving accessibility; and making minor design improvements.
How long will the Downtown Library be closed to the public?
We anticipate that work on the Downtown Library will take between six to eight months to complete. We are hoping to re-open our Downtown Library in the Spring 2025.* Our pop-up library at 1009 4th Street opens September 16th.
*While we are working hard to meet these timelines, all dates are subject to change. Please continue to check our website for any unforeseen changes or updates.
On September 2nd, the Downtown Library will be closing for much-needed safety and infrastructure updates. On September 16th, we will be reopening at a pop-up location on 4th Street to continue providing library services in downtown San Rafael during construction.*
Our pop-up library will be at 1009 4th Street, across from the Bank of America, in the home of the former Beauty Expo. Located in the heart of downtown San Rafael, we are excited to take advantage of what the new space has to offer. Our services will include enriching public programs; space to sit, read, and relax; free public wifi and access to laptops; holds pick-up; and a variety of popular books, DVDs, audiobooks, video games, magazines, and other materials.
Expanded Hours!
To offer more options to the community while the Downtown Library is closed, we will be expanding hours at all San Rafael Public Libraries. Check out our expanded hours here.
While we’re closed… We will be unable to accept physical item returns downtown while we are moving to the temporary location. For items due to the Downtown Library between September 2nd and 15th, the due date will be extended to September 16th. We will be happy to accept the items at the pop-up location starting September 16th.
Holds that have not been picked up from the Downtown Library by Sunday, September 1st will be available at the pop-up location beginning Monday, September 16th. Requested items being held at the Downtown Library will not be accessible during the closure. Hold pick-up dates will be extended; requested items can be picked up at the pop-up on 4th Street, or you can select a different pick-up location.
For more information on the Downtown Library construction project, visit this page.
*While we are working hard to meet these timelines, all dates are subject to change. Please continue to check our website for any unforeseen changes or updates.
El 2 de septiembre, la Biblioteca Central cerrará por motivo de remodelaciones y actualizaciones de seguridad e infraestructura. El 16 de septiembre reabriremos en una locación temporal sobre la 4ta calle para seguir prestando servicios en el centro de San Rafael durante la construcción.*
Nuestra biblioteca pop-up estará ubicada en el 1009 de la 4ta calle, frente al Banco de América, en donde era la Beauty Expo. Situado en el corazón del centro de San Rafael, estamos muy contentos de aprovechar lo que el nuevo espacio tiene para ofrecer. Nuestros servicios incluirán programas públicos de enriquecimiento; espacio para sentarse, leer y relajarse; wifi público gratuito y acceso a computadoras portátiles; recogida de libros en reserva; y variedad de libros populares, DVDs, libros en CD, videojuegos, revistas y otros materiales.
Horario ampliado
Para ofrecer más opciones a la comunidad mientras la Biblioteca del Centro está cerrada, vamos a ampliar las horas en todas las Bibliotecas Públicas de San Rafael. Consulte la extensión de nuestras horas de servicio aquí.
Mientras estemos cerrados…
No podremos aceptar devoluciones de artículos físicos en la Biblioteca Central mientras nos trasladamos a la ubicación temporal. Por lo tanto, la fecha de entrega de todos los artículos de la Biblioteca Central que deban devolverse entre el 2 y el 15 de septiembre se extenderá hasta el 16 de septiembre. Aceptaremos gustosamente estos artículos en la ubicación temporal a partir del 16 de septiembre.
Los materiales reservados que no hayan sido recogidos en la Biblioteca del Centro antes del domingo 1 de septiembre estarán disponibles en la nueva locación a partir del lunes 16 de septiembre. Durante el cierre, no se podrá tener acceso a los artículos reservados que se encuentren en la Biblioteca del Centro. Las fechas de recogida se extenderán; los artículos solicitados se pueden recoger en la nueva locación en la 4ta Calle, 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.
To offer more options to the community while the Downtown Main Library is closed, we will be expanding hours at all San Rafael Public Libraries starting on September 16th. Our temporary hours will be:
Para ofrecer más opciones a la comunidad mientras la Biblioteca Principal del Centro esté cerrada, ampliaremos el horario en todas las Bibliotecas Públicas de San Rafael a partir del 16 de septiembre nuestro horario temporal será:
What is Drag Storytime? Drag Storytime (DS) is just what it sounds like—drag artists (Queens, Kings, Qwings and more) reading stories to children in libraries, schools, and other community spaces. Most events are 45 minutes and designed for children ages 3-7, though this may vary by location or event. A drag artist generally reads 3-4 children’s books, sings children’s songs, and leads children in a craft activity such as making crowns, wands, or paper bag puppets, or sometimes other activities like face painting or dress-up time.
Through a fun and fabulous literary experience, DS celebrates learning and play, encouraging kids to celebrate gender diversity and all kinds of difference, while building confidence in expressing themselves.
What is Drag? Drag is an artistic way of expressing yourself and showing the world who you are or who you want to be. Drag artists often express different aspects of their gender or personality through dressing up, performing, marching in parades, and volunteering in their communities. There are drag queens, drag kings, drag qwings, drag princes, and drag princesses—anyone can be any of the above, regardless of how they identify in everyday life! All that matters is that, when you dress up, you feel comfortable and creative.
Should I call the drag artist “he,” “she,” “they,” or something else? You can ask! It’s always OK to ask someone what their pronouns are. Examples of pronouns are “she,” “he,” and “they.” Some people have different pronouns at different times, like when they are in drag and out of drag. Others have the same pronouns all the time.
Does DS promote an agenda? Our agenda is simple: we believe that people of all ages should be free to express themselves however they want, free from the constraints of prescribed gender roles. In other words, there’s no such thing as “girl clothes” and “boy clothes,” or “girl toys” and “boy toys.” DS teaches children that there are many ways to express themselves and their gender, and they are all OK.
Of course, drag is an art form that is rooted in diverse LGBTQ+ communities, and we support equality, justice, and respect for all people—for us, that’s just a given. Given that LGBTQ+ people are present in every community, we believe that children deserve to be exposed to these aspects of our shared history and culture, in age-appropriate ways. Any insinuation that we have an agenda to indoctrinate children misunderstands LGBTQ+ experiences and is rooted in homophobia and transphobia.
Why is DS important? DS helps children develop empathy, learn about gender diversity and difference, and tap into their own creativity. DS can also be life-changing and ultimately life-saving for LGBTQ+ kids and teens, kids with LGBTQ+ parents or family members, and anyone who feels different because of their identity or interests or who may not otherwise see themselves reflected in the broader culture.
Should children be exposed to issues like gender fluidity? Most children naturally explore gender identity and norms through imaginative play. However, too often gender norms are socially enforced at all age: from the colors or clothes we’re supposed to wear, to the toys kids are allowed to play with, to the kinds of jobs we’re trained for. DS teaches children to follow their passions and embrace gender diversity in themselves and others. This helps to curb bullying of LGBTQ+ kids and kids who may be perceived as different in all kinds of ways.
Isn’t this confusing for children? What if my children have questions and I don’t know the answers? Adults don’t always have the answers, but we can ask questions and learn together. There are awesome organizations that provide education to everyone and resources for LGBTQ+ folks and their loved ones, such as Gender Spectrum and the Spahr Center located right in Marin! Like to learn through books? We’ve got you covered with a booklist full of titles to share with your little one!
Why do kids love drag so much? Children and drag artists have a lot in common. They love to dress up and use their imaginations to create awesome looks and express different sides of themselves. It’s no wonder they get along so well!
¿Qué es la Hora de Cuentos de Drag?
La Hora de Cuentos de Drag es un programa divertido e importante que celebra la diversidad, la forma en que los niños pueden vestirse y actuar. Anima a los niños a mirar más allá de los estereotipos de género y a abrazar la exploración sin las trabas de sí mismos. Programas como La Hora de Cuentos de Drag fomentan la aceptación de la diferencia y ayudan a prevenir la intimidación, a la vez que proporcionan una experiencia literaria agradable.
La Hora de Cuentos de Drag (Drag Storytime en inglés) es exactamente lo que parece: personas vestidas de una manera que exagera el género y que leen cuentos a los niños. Esta lectura de cuentos captura la imaginación y el juego de la fluidez de género desde la niñez y les da a los niños modelos de rol glamurosos y positivos sobre las diferencias de género. En espacios como estos, los niños pueden ver a personas que desafían las rígidas restricciones de género e imaginan un mundo en el que la gente pueda presentarse como quiera y en el que el disfraz sea real.
You must be logged in to post a comment.