Services

Your Account

• Get a Library card
  • Follow this link to submit an online application form. IMPORTANT: Once you have your card number, you’ll need to set up a password before you can use it. You can do that here.
• Get an Institutional Library Card
• Renew items
• Checkout rules

Personalized Reading Recommendations

• Now that our libraries are open again for walk-in service, we have discontinued this service. We are always happy to make book recommendations at any of our locations, over the phone, via email (library@cityofsanrafael.org), or via Chat.

Pint-Size Storytime Online

• Short and sweet stories, songs, and rhymes for kids 0-6. We post a new one every Tuesday at 9:45am to our Facebook and YouTube.

Digital Materials

• Read online or download thousands of eBooks and eAudioBooks with Libby Overdrive, Hoopla, Enki Library, or O’Reilly Learning (formerly Safari Tech)
• Read online or download cover-to-cover digital editions of popular magazines with Libby Overdrive. We also have accounts to access Marin IJ, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and scholarly journals.
• Stream or download movies with Kanopy, and access movies, TV shows, and music with Hoopla Digital

Technology Services

• Library computers can be used on a first come, first served basis for 2 hours – no reservations required.
• Free gigabit wifi at Downtown and Pickleweed libraries.
• Memory Lab – Create digital copies of your treasured family photographs, slides, negatives, and documents.
• 3D Printing
  We are now offering 3D Printing appointments at our Northgate Branch on Saturdays!
  • Read our 3D Printing FAQ
  • Read our 3D Printing Policy
• Drop-In Tech Support
  • Pickleweed (English and Spanish): Weds & Thurs, 4-6pm
  • Northgate (English): Sat, 12-4pm
  • Downtown (English): Sat, 10-4pm

Physical Materials

We are open for browsing. Masks are required for service.

• Visit the Marinet Catalog to find books, music CDs, books on CD, DVDs, Blu-ray, and more. Place a hold on items online using your library log-in or call us to place holds for you at 415-485-3323.
• Book Club Kits  for Adults – a bag full of books, a reading guide, discussion questions, and more.
• Book Club Selections for Adults – multiple copies of popular book titles for your group.
• Book Club Kits for YA – for educators, parents and leaders who work with middle school aged youth.
• Storytime Anytime Kits – We have 10 themed storytime totes for young kids containing 5-8 picture books, a puppet, and Share Sheet.
• Zip Books is a California State Library program to have an item that is not in the MARINet catalog delivered to your home address via Amazon (only for books, large print books and books on CD).
• Link+ is available to place holds on books that are not in the Marinet Catalog from participating libraries in California and Nevada.
• Library Park Pass Program – Day-use passes for both the Marin Municipal Water District at Sky Oaks Gateway, Bon Tempe Lake, and Lagunitas Picnic Area; Marin County Parks at Black Point Boat Launch, Miller Point Boat Launch, Stafford Lake Park, Paradise Beach Park, McNear Beach Park, and Mt. Tamalpais State Park.
• Adventure Kit – Hiking – Day-use passes for both the Marin Municipal Water District at Sky Oaks Gateway, Bon Tempe Lake, and Lagunitas Picnic Area, as well as the Marin County Parks at Black Point Boat Launch, Miller Point Boat Launch, Stafford Lake Park, Paradise Beach Park, and McNear Beach Park.
  This kit also includes guide books, compass, and maps.
• Ukulele Experience Kit – Provides all materials necessary for learning to play the ukulele.

Research and Information Assistance

Our staff can answer your questions. Call us at 415-485-3323, email us library@cityofsanrafael.org or click on the blue Chat tab at the top left of this page.

Events for All Ages

Although limited to online Zoom programming, our events calendar features classes and programs–in English and Spanish.

Museum Passes

• • Discover & Go online printable free and discounted museum passes
    Discover & Go provides FREE or discounted passes to local museums and cultural institutions. In order to make a reservation, you must be 16 years of age or older, a resident of Marin County, and have a valid library card.

The following services have been suspended until further notice:

Technology

• Book-a-Librarian
  Reserve a 30 minute help session with a librarian for assistance with library eResources, such as eBooks, databases, the online catalog, or your online account.  Call us at  415-485-3321 to schedule your appointment.
  Or, drop-in anytime at the Reference Desk for help…there’s almost always someone who can help you.
• One-on-One Computer Tutoring
  1-hour sessions at the San Rafael Downtown location with our volunteer tutors for help with PC or Mac computer basics, or help with email, software, searching the Internet, or job search. For an appointment contact library@cityofsanrafael.org

Reading Buddies

Reading Buddies pairs adult and teen volunteers with elementary school aged youth in grades 1-3 for either 15 or 30 minute appointments. During the appointment, the child will practice reading with the volunteer one-on-one, and receive help and guidance with difficult words, comprehension, and other reading skills. We have bilingual volunteers available who can help in both English and Spanish. Appointments are available at the both the Downtown and Pickleweed Library locations.

For more information and to schedule an appointment, visit or call the Downtown Library’s Children’s Reference Desk (415-485-3322) or the Pickleweed Library (415-485-3483).

Bicycle Outreach

• Mobile Bike Library Outreach Vehicle

Outreach Services to the Home-bound

• Outreach services for home-bound persons has been suspended. If you need this service, please contact 415-485-3323 or library@cityofsanrafael.org