Your friendly local Marin County Free Library librarians work hard to scout out the best fiction, non-fiction, audiobooks, and movies for you! The result is our Recommended Reading (and viewing, and listening...) webpage. We're adding new lists all the time! Our three most recently added or updated lists are:
“Three years ago, when I joined the Marin Literacy Program, it changed my life for good. Now the way I read and write and how I spend my time with my kids is different. Before the program, I didn’t know how to write or read English easily. I always thought I had no time to go to school and felt that the English I already knew was enough. But when my son started school and my daughter was born, I panicked! Who was going to help the kids with their homework? Not my husband, because he doesn’t speak enough English and hardly reads or writes Spanish. My inner voice answered, ‘You, the Mom.’” -- Vicky T, Marin Literacy student
Vicky’s story demonstrates the success literacy students experience working one-on-one or in small group settings with volunteer tutors. Vicky’s tutor describes her as a dedicated, enthusiastic, and receptive learner, whose ingenuity and love of family and friends make anything possible.
If you would like to learn more about adult literacy, volunteer and donor opportunities, please visit the Marin Literacy Program’s website or call 485-3318 for more information.
You can avoid overdue charges if you have access to the Internet. View and renew checked out materials online, before late fees have a chance to accrue!
Once your record appears, click on the link to Checked Out Items.
Select Sort by Due Date to view the list in the order items are due.
Click on the Renew All button to renew all items on loan or Check the box next to specific items and click on the Renew Selected button.
Scroll down to verify the renewal was accepted and note the new due date for each item. Renewals are not allowed if another person has requested the material or if you have exceeded the maximum number of renewals allowed for the item.
If you have questions, need a PIN number, or are having difficulty accessing your library record over the Internet, visit any of the 11 Marin County Free Library branches. Our librarians would be happy to offer you assistance!
The Heart of the Forest Renaissance Faire in Novato is welcoming library patrons to share in this year's festivities. Adults who show their library card will get $3 off admission! Magic, archery, games for all ages, jousters, dancers, sonnets, puppetry, pageantry, and delicious delicacies are presented for your pleasure in an Elizabethan setting, weekends at Stafford Lake, 11am to 7pm, through August 14th.
Last month the Marin County Free Library was one of twenty California public libraries to be awarded a Library Services and Technology Act grant targeted for local history digital projects. This grant will allow our California Room to add new materials to its digital archive and also to contribute to a larger statewide database known as the Online Archive of California.
During the course of the grant, July 2005 - June 2006, the State Library will train select staff in cataloging protocols and scanning primary source materials, such as historic photographs, maps, and pamphlets. The California Room will also receive $6,000 for support of its digital archive, which continues as a work in progress on the Library’s website.
Shop online with some of the Internet’s best merchants and a portion of the purchase price can help support the Marin County Free Library!
Barnes & Noble
Expedia
Macy’s
Office Depot
Target
and many others
Enroll in the program through the Shop for the Library website and be sure to specify us as the organization you wish to benefit. You can find the Marin County Free Library listed on the Shop for the Library website by searching under ‘State’ for California and then scrolling down the list alphabetically. Once you enroll and select the Marin County Free Library as your beneficiary, you can shop anywhere online. If the merchant is a program participant, the Library will automatically receive a portion of the sale.
In addition to shopping online, the Library encourages you to consider one of our other giving options. We welcome you to become a Friend or Volunteer and thank all of those whose continued support helps ensure our branches and outreach programs thrive in our community.
The Friends of the Marin County Free Library’s used bookstore, The Book Place, is having a storewide half-price sale. There are thousands of books in all categories for grown-ups and kids! Pocketbook-size paperbacks will be 4/$1, and most hardbacks $1.50. Our excellent selection of "better books" is also half-price. All profits support library programs and acquisitions.
When: July 30 to August 7 during regular store hours:
Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday 10-4
Wednesday 12-4
Friday 10-8
Sunday 12-4
Where: The Book Place
1608 Grant Avenue, Novato
Phone: 415-878-0212
Email: mcflfriends@pacbell.net
COMPUTER AND INTERNET CLASSES
The Marin County Free Library offers classes and one-to-one tutoring in computer basics, the Internet, email, Microsoft Word, and more. Please check our website for times, locations, and registration information.
STORYTIMES
The Marin County Free Library offers storytimes at each of the branches for children in various age groups. Please check our Storytimes page for times and ages.
SUMMER READING PROGRAM
Get out your library card, swoop down to a local branch, and grab some smoldering reads. Our Summer Reading Programs, “Just Joust” and “Dragons, Dreams and Daring Deeds,” continue through August 13th. The Reading Game is open to all young people, from preschoolers to teens, with free programs, prizes, drawings, and more. Visit our Summer Reading webpages for kids and teens to learn more about the programs, special events, workshops, and local performances.
BOOKMOBILE
The Marin County Free Library Bookmobile visits geographically isolated communities throughout the County. Most stops are made twice within a four-week period each month. Copies of the Bookmobile schedule are available at all County Library branches and on the web at http://www.co.marin.ca.us/depts/lb/main/bkmobile/bkm_schd.cfm.
Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, August 10th, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
The Library Commission serves as a resource body and liaison to the Board of Supervisors, the County Librarian, and the community, working to find ways and means of enlisting public interest in supporting and improving Library services. This month’s meeting will be held at the Marin City Library, 164 Donahue Street in Marin City.
Computer Tutoring
Explore the Internet and learn the basics of setting up a free e-mail account, sending and receiving messages, and accessing e-mail. Learn to use electronic information resources available through the Library for finding magazine and newspaper articles, books to match individual reading interests, business resources, and more. Get help with Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. Access Library information from the Web-based catalog. Ask a reference librarian or call 507-4049 for more information.
Sing-along with Just Kidding
Wednesday, August 3rd, 3:30 pm
Sing along with the terrific duo, Just Kidding, as they perform traditional American music. You'll participate too! Ages 3 and up.
Ventriloquist Steve Chaney and Cornelius Crow
Saturday, August 13th, 1:00 pm
Ventriloquist Steve Chaney and his buddy Cornelius Crow celebrate the last day of the Summer Reading Game! Raffle Prize and Guessing Game winners will be announced. Ages 3 and up.
The Brown Bag Book Club
Wednesday, August 24th, noon to 1 pm
Each month the Book Club meets to discuss a new literary selection. New members are always welcome! For more information, call Becky or Livia at 499-6058 or e-mail to llewin@co.marin.ca.us.
One-to-One Internet Tutoring
Hourly sessions every Monday, 11am to noon, 1-2 pm, 2-3 pm.
Bring your questions. Explore the Internet. Find information using Yahoo and Google. Learn the basics of setting up a free e-mail account and sending and receiving messages. Get help with Microsoft Word. Explore the Library's online resources including magazine and newspaper articles, books to match individual reading interests, business resources, and more. To reserve a tutoring session, speak with a librarian at the reference desk or call 924-6444.
Gary Lapow Entertains with Songs
Wednesday, August 3rd, 11:00 am
Well-known singer-songwriter Gary Lapow delights children and parents with his infectious good spirits. Gary's concert programs teach children to respect themselves and their communities, reach out to others, and celebrate the many joys of life. Whoopi Goldberg has said, "Gary's kids stuff is great! You're in for a good time."
Origami for Kids
Thursday, August 4th, 2:00 pm
Young Kiyoshi Okada will show children how to create lovely objects by folding paper in the ancient Japanese art of origami. Children age 8 and up are invited.
“Make a Scrapbook” for Teens
Tuesday, August 11th, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Teens, join Yvonne Stoffer of Attic Archives and learn how to create your own scrapbook to keep your special memories. Bring photos or drawings, stamps, colored pencils or pens, and scissors. Other supplies will be provided. This session is limited to 12 participants. Visit the Corte Madera Library or call 924-6444 to sign up.
Internet Tutoring
Free training with experienced computer professionals who will individualize the training to meet your skill level. Call 457-5629 to set up an appointment for a one-hour session.
Book Club
Thursday, August 4th, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
The Fairfax Library Book Discussion Group meets the first Thursday of each month. The selection for August is The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time, by Mark Haddon. Please check the library catalog to borrow or reserve a copy. If you'd like to purchase your book, BookBeat in Fairfax offers our members a 15% discount.
Writing From the Soul
Tuesday, August 9th, 6:30 – 8:45 pm
Explore writing for creative expression and spiritual growth in this experiential workshop facilitated by Susanne West, M.A. Cultivate your authentic writing voice. Free your imagination. Learn methods to overcome writing blocks. Prior writing experience is not necessary. Bring a notebook and a pen. Space is limited and preregistration is required. Call 457-5629 to register.
Puss in Boots
Saturday, August 13th, 11:00 – 11:45 am
Nick Barone Puppets presents a comic retelling of Puss in Boots. For ages 3 & up.
Friends of the Fairfax Library
Thursday, August 18th, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
The mission of the Friends of the Fairfax Library is to build a partnership between the library and the community, to encourage public support, and to advocate for quality library service for all patrons of the Fairfax Library. The Friends meet on the third Thursday of the month in the community room of the Fairfax Library. Call 453-8151 for more information.
One-to-One Internet Tutoring
Free training in computer, Internet, and e-mail basics individualized to meet your interests and skill level. Please call 506-3168 to set up an appointment for a one-hour session.
Friends of the Marin City Library
Saturday, August 6th, 10:00am – Noon
The mission of the Friends of the Marin City Library is to build a partnership between the library and the community, to encourage public support, and to advocate for quality library services for all patrons of the Marin City Library. The Friends meet on the first Saturday of the month in the adult seating area of the library. Call 332-6158 for more information.
Book Talk on Novato Cable Channel 27
Watch "Book Talk" every Monday, 2:30 and 8:00 pm on Novato Cable Channel 27. Show is repeated each Monday, with a new show every month!
La Hora de los Cuentos en Español
Saturdays at 10:00 am. Storytime in Spanish at the Novato Library for ages 3 and up.
Todos los sábados a las 10:00 am. La hora de los cuentos en español para niños a partir de 3 años.
Just Kidding
Wednesday, August 3rd, 11:00 am
Kids, clap your hands and tap your toes to the songs of America's past!
Murder Mystery Night for Teens
Thursday, August 4th, 7:00 pm
The crime: a body in the billiard room. The victim: Nathan Masters, champion billiards player. The scene of the crime: Skylark mansion. Teens, come prepared to review the evidence, question the suspects, and solve the mystery! Sign up at the Novato Library adult reference desk or call 897-1142.
Intermediate Internet — Beyond the Basics Internet class
Tuesday, August 9th, 1:00 - 3:15 pm
You've got the basics of Internet navigation down. Now what? Come to the Novato Library's Intermediate Internet class to go "beyond the basics." You will learn to use e-mail, manage bookmarks, and more. The class is lecture and demonstration on a large screen and is followed by a question and answer session. Call 897-1142 for reservations.
Children's Delight
Wednesday, August 10th, 10:00 am
Join us for a trip around the world in stories performed by Darryl and Gemma. For ages 4 and up.
One-to-One Internet Tutoring
Free training with an experienced computer professional who will individualize the training to meet your skill level. Call 506-3168 to set up an appointment for a one-hour session.
Sing Along with Nationally Famous Gary Lapow
Wednesday, August 3rd, 2:30 pm
Well-known singer-songwriter Gary Lapow delights children and parents with his infectious good spirits. Gary's concert programs teach children to respect themselves and their communities, reach out to others, and celebrate the many joys of life. Whoopi Goldberg has said, "Gary's kids stuff is great! You're in for a good time."
Barone Puppets' Puss in Boots
Saturday, August 13th, 2:30 pm
Wrap up your summer with Nick Barone Puppets' "Puss in Boots," a program for ages 2 to 92!
South Novato Reading Club
Thursday, August 25th, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
The South Novato Library Book Club meets the last Thursday of each month, 6:30-8:00 pm. New members are welcome. For more information, call Helen at 506-3168 or email hromero@co.marin.ca.us.
Internet Class at the Point Reyes Station Library
Friday, August 19th, 12:30-1:45 pm in Point Reyes Station
Volunteer Daniel Will-Harris conducts small group Internet tutoring on the third Friday of every month. Call 663-8375 during open hours to reserve a space.
Turning the Pages in the Library radio program on KWMR
Wednesday, August 31st, 10:00-11:00 am
The Library's own Dan Carr has a monthly radio program about the library. He and his guests share the inside scoop on what the library can do for you, local history, great books, music, and online services. Tune in to KMWR (live at 90.5 FM Point Reyes Station, 89.3 FM Bolinas).
E-Connect is an online publication distributed monthly by the Marin County Free Library. Alysanne Taylor, Administrative Services Associate, editor. Sarah Houghton, e-Services Librarian, webmistress.
