What's new on the website is What's New @ the Library!
You may have noticed a new button at the top of the Library's Homepage that looks like this . This button leads to the Library's blog. "What's a blog?", you might be asking yourself... A blog, and there are literally millions of them on the web, is simply a webpage that is frequently updated with news stories, links, or news.
Have you ever wanted to recommend a movie you borrowed from the library, but couldn't remember the title? Have you ever forgotten which books in a mystery series you've already read? If so, you could have used My Reading History. Reading history is a new online service where patrons can choose to keep a historical list of titles borrowed from any of the MARINet libraries. Patrons can turn this personal feature on or off at any time.
Pack a picnic & help celebrate Marin Literacy's 20th anniversary and the 2005 publication of Different Worlds Many Voices, a wonderful book of writings and stories by Marin Literacy students. This special event will be held in Gerstle Park, Sunday, October 2nd from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Soft drinks and dessert will be provided. There will be a supply of Different Worlds Many Voices to give away as well as gift books for children!
*Gerstle Park is located at San Rafael Avenue near Clark Street in San Rafael. The park offers a large redwood grove picnic area, tennis courts, and a children's playground.
The Marin County Free Library has offered free public use computers at all of our branches for years. We're pleased to announce that now, in addition to Internet access and Microsoft Word, we also offer Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint at all of our locations!
We're working hard to bridge the digital divide in Marin, and we hope that these new software offerings will help us do just that. If you'd like to reserve a computer in advance, you can do so from our Reserve a Computer webpage.
Thanks to all of those whose continued support helps ensure our branches and outreach programs thrive in our community! At their August Board of Directors meeting, the Friends of the Marin County Free Library voted to allocate $49,000 to County Library services in the following categories:
Children's programming: $23,000
Teen programming: $3,000
Health database: $7,000
Audiobooks: $5,000
Children's science and animal books: $5,000
Literacy services: $1,500
Computer equipment*: $4,500
*Computer equipment has been designated for a public training and demonstration project, which will allow reference librarians to expand free instruction to patrons in areas of computer and Internet use, e-mail basics, Library databases, and other online resources.
The Friends are VERY excited to support programs and needs as requested by the various library branches! Where do the funds come from? See the article below…
Sundays are great days at The Book Place! The shop is open every Sunday from 1:00 to 4:00 pm (except on Bargain Sunday, the first Sunday of every month, when we are open from noon to 4). Some category of books is on sale every Sunday, and people age 65 and older get a 20% discount on everything they purchase on Sunday.
Bargain Sunday is September 4 from noon to 4:00 pm. Sale categories, all at 50%, include:
Science Fiction/Fantasy
Psychology
Philosophy/Religion
In addition, science fiction/fantasy and mystery paperbacks (not including trade size) will be 4 for $1.
The Book Place is operated by the Friends of the Marin County Free Library, a nonprofit volunteer organization devoted to raising funds for the libraries. You can help by volunteering at the store (call Nancy Montgomery, 883-5628), by becoming a member of the Friends (call Ginny Schultz, 883-5488) or by donating books and buying books at The Book Place.
COMPUTER AND INTERNET CLASSES
The Marin County Free Library offers classes and one-to-one tutoring in computer basics, the Internet, e-mail, the Library’s online resources, Microsoft Word, Excel, and more. Please check our website for times, locations, and registration information.
BOOKCLUBS
Marin County Free Library branches host a wide variety of monthly reading groups. Club members meet each month for a lively discussion about a particular book or theme. Please check our bookclub listing for locations, times, selections, and contact 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.
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 Bookmobile’s webpage.
Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, September 14th, 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 Corte Madera Library, 707 Meadowsweet Drive in Corte Madera.
Advisory Board Meeting
Tuesday, September 6th, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
The Marin Literacy Program Advisory Board meets the first Tuesday of every other month at the San Rafael Public Library, 1100 E. Street, in San Rafael. The Board serves to supplement funding, provide community advice, and educate Marin County businesses and residents of the need for adult literacy services in the community. For further information, please call 485-3318
Tutor Orientation
Tuesday, September 13th, 7:00 – 8:30 pm
The Marin Literacy Program is looking for individuals to volunteer as tutors for adults who need to improve their reading and writing skills. Find out more about the need for literacy tutoring in Marin, the programs offered, and how you can make a difference in someone's life by attending this 1.5 hour orientation at the San Rafael Public Library, 1100 E. Street in San Rafael. Call 485-3318 to register.
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.
Storytimes
Toddler Storytime, Wednesdays, 10:30 to 10:50 am. Ages 2 to 3.
Preschool Storytime, Wednesdays, 3:30 to 4:00 pm. Ages 3 and up.
The Brown Bag Book Club
Wednesday, September 28th, 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.
Computer 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. To reserve a tutoring session, speak with a librarian at the reference desk or call 924-6444.
Preschool Storytime
Wednesdays, 11:00 to 11:30 pm. Ages 3 and up.
Morning Book Club
Wednesday, September 21st, 10:00 am
Please join the Morning Book Club for tea and a lively discussion. The only requirement is that you read the book. Selections for the fall series are:
September 21: Birds without Wings, by Louis de Bernieres.
October 19: Kim, by Rudyard Kipling.
November 16: The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters, by Elisabeth Robinson.
For further information, contact the reference desk at 924-6444.
Internet Tutoring
Free tutoring 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.
Storytimes
Children’s Storytime, Saturdays, 11:00 to 11:30 am. Ages 3 and up.
Preschool Storytime, Tuesdays, 11:00 to 11:30 am. Ages 3 to 5. (Sep-May)
Book Club
Thursday, September 1st, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
The Fairfax Library Book Discussion Group meets the first Thursday of each month. The selection for September is Reading Lolita in Tehran, by Azar Nafisi. Please check the library catalog to borrow or reserve a copy. If you'd like to purchase your book, BookBeat in Fairfax offers our member a 15% discount.
Friends of the Fairfax Library
Thursday, September 15th, 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.
Meeting Room Gallery
Paintings by Mina Bauer are on display through the month of September.
Computer 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.
Preschool Storytimes
Wednesdays, 10:30 to 11:00 am. Ages 3 and up. (mid-Sept to mid-May)
Wednesdays, 11:00 to 11:30 am. Ages 3 and up.
Wednesdays, 3:30 to 4:00 pm. Ages 3 and up.
Friends of the Marin City Library
Saturday, September 3rd, 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!
Storytimes
Lapsit Storytime, Tuesdays, 10:00 to 10:30 am. Ages 18 to 36 months.
Lapsit Storytime, Wednesdays, 10:00 to 10:30 am. Ages 18 to 36 months.
Preschool Storytime, Wednesdays, 11:00 to 11:30 am. Ages 3 and up.
Preschool Storytime, Saturdays, 11:00 to 11:30 am. Ages 3 and up.
La Hora de los Cuentos en Español, Sábados a las 10:00 am. Para niños a partir de 3 años. (Spanish Language Storytime, Saturdays at 10:00 am)
Introduction to the Internet Class
Tuesday, September 13th, 1:00 - 3:15 pm
Have you been wanting to drive along the great "information highway" but don't know where to get your "license"? Come and join us at the Novato Library for a free one-session lecture and demonstration Internet class taught by volunteer instructor Peter Haas. You will learn how to get connected, how to use search engines, how to find online tutorials for "hands-on" practice and much more. Stop by the reference desk or call 897-1142 to reserve a space.
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.
Storytimes
Preschool Storytime, Wednesdays, 11:00 to 11:30 am. Ages 3 and up.
Bilingual Storytime, 2nd Saturday of each month, 11:00 am. Ages 3 to 7.
South Novato Reading Club
Thursday, September 29th, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
The South Novato Library Book Club meets the last Thursday of each month. 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, September 16th, 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, September 28th, 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).
Art Exhibits
Color photographs are on display at the Inverness Library highlighting the garden of Inverness Library staff member, Pam Kroner.
Current art displays at the Point Reyes Station Library include paintings by children's book illustrator Karen Barbour, "Flying Books" by Stuart Chapman, and Time Graveson's "View from Point Reyes Hill with a Book".
The meeting room at the Stinson Beach Library hosts a display of beautiful Japanese kimonos and artifacts from the collection of Karly Zeno of Bolinas.
Place your request early and be one of the first to check out these new releases.
Annotations adapted from publishers' advance materials and the MARINet catalog.
Talking Back...to Presidents, Dictators, and Assorted Scoundrels by Andrea Mitchell
Like Hillary Clinton, Mitchell never wanted to stay home to bake cookies. Instead, she has reported on world events, covered politicians and campaigns, and built a career as one of the premier women in broadcast news. This memoir traces Mitchell's professional and personal development from her start covering Philadelphia politics for radio to her current position as NBC-TV's chief foreign affairs correspondent.
It's Called a Breakup Because It's Broken: The Smart Girl's Break-Up Buddy by Greg Behrendt
The co-author of the smash two-million copy bestseller He’s Just Not That Into You, Greg Behrendt knows that the one thing harder than realizing he’s not that into you is finding the courage to walk away from the relationship. But Greg and his co-author and wife, Amiira, also know that there’s a flip side to every breakup: As dark as everything seems right now, this could be the single best thing that’s ever happened to you.
At First Sight by Nicholas Sparks
Nicholas Sparks brings back two characters from his beloved bestseller, True Believer, in this continuing saga of extraordinary love. There are few things Jeremy Marsh was sure he'd never do: he'd never leave New York City; never give his heart away again after barely surviving one failed marriage; and most of all, never become a parent. Things change.
The Myth of You and Me by Leah Stewart
Stewart peers into the complicated heart of friendship in a moving second novel (after 2000's Body of a Girl). The book is heartfelt and its characters believable jigsaw puzzles of insecurities, talents and secrets, and if Cameron's carefully guarded anger makes her occasionally disagreeable, readers will nevertheless welcome her happy ending
The Last Days of Dogtown by Anita Diamant
In a radical departure from the biblical setting of her best-selling The Red Tent (1997), Diamant turns her attention to the windswept shores of Cape Ann, Massachusetts. In the early days of the nineteenth century, a declining hamlet nicknamed Dogtown by detractors houses a pack of semi-feral dogs and an eclectic group of residents too stubborn, too poverty stricken, too worn down, or too old to relocate. Basing this novel loosely in fact, Diamant adeptly manages to evoke the minutiae of everyday living in an all but forgotten place and time in history.
The March by E.L. Doctorow
Sherman's march through Georgia and the Carolinas produced hundreds of thousands of deaths and untold collateral damage. In this powerful novel, Doctorow gets deep inside the pillage, cruelty and destruction—as well as the care and burgeoning love that sprung up in their wake.
The Hunt Ball by Rita Mae Brown
The most appealing characters in Brown's new mystery are the animals. Septuagenarian "Sister" Jane Arnold, the Master of the central Virginia Jefferson Hunt Club, returns from Brown hunt titles like Outfoxed to solve the murder of a local prep school teacher.
Without Mercy by Jack Higgins
Higgins picks up where his last novel (Dark Justice) featuring top-level British intelligence officer Gen. Charles Ferguson and his right-hand agent, former IRA enforcer Sean Dillon, left off, three weeks after a shootout killed Russian billionaire Josef Belov and his agents Yuri Ashimov and Maj. Greta Novikova. But hold on, not all of the above are really dead, and those left alive have sworn to destroy the general and his band of spies, who are also grieving for their colleague Supt. Hannah Bernstein, another casualty of the confrontation.
101 Ways to Transform Your Life by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
On this powerful and inspirational audio, Dr. Dyer offers you 101 ways to make your life more fulfilling and enjoyable. You'll love listening to Dr. Dyer's transformational thoughts at home, in your office, and in your car!
Dr. Phil: Getting Real by Dr. Phil McGraw
In his trademark "down home," tell-it-like-it-is style, Dr. Phil McGraw presents an enlightening and entertaining lecture on how to "get real"-in relationships and in life.
Finding Your Passion by Cheryl Richardson
Life makeover coach Cheryl Richardson, who has been featured frequently on Oprah, brings her strategies for finding passion to this exciting and inspiring audio program.
Life is Short: Wear Your Party Pants! by Loretta LaRoche
Loretta's techniques are a brilliant blend of old-world common sense and the most contemporary research in brain chemistry, psychology, and mind-body studies. In her work, Loretta has seen tens of thousands of people who live their lives as if they're sitting in a waiting room, hoping that their turn will come up next. This program will show you that life is not something to be endured, but something to be truly appreciated.
Morning & Evening Meditations by Louise Hay
Includes an uplifting meditation that helps you start the day with a positive outlook and a meditation that closes the day with gratitude.
Here are some classic Jazz selections plus a contemporary recording with a classic feel.
A complete list of the MARINet Libraries' music CD, cassette, & record holdings is available online via a quick search.
Getz/Gilberto by Stan Getz
Bossa Nova music with Antonio Carlos Jobim on the piano. Includes the memorable hit Girl From Ipanema.
Careless Love by Madeleine Peyroux
If you’re not familiar with this contemporary vocalist, she has a sound like Billie Holiday with a bit of Norah Jones. She’ll be appearing with Scott Amendola at the Nob Hill Masonic Center on September 16th.
Bitches Brew by Miles Davis
Originally released in 1970, this sound recording by Miles Davis is one of the most popular titles in our collection.
A Love Supreme by John Coltrane
Like Davis, Coltrane is one of the giants in jazz and this is an essential recording.
Have a suggestion for a title that you think the library should purchase? You can offer your suggestion via the form on the MARINet website at http://marinet.lib.ca.us/acquire.
Kid's Corner
It’s Fall!
Time to dust off backpacks, sharpen pencils, and slide a library card on to the wrist. Miss Kitty, Civic Center Children’s Librarian, has a few titles to help ease first-day-of-school jitters and celebrate the lovely days of autumn.
…and remember September is Library Card Sign-up Month, so don’t let your children back to school without one. Kids also receive a curly keychain to hold their spiffy new card! If you would like to apply for a library card for your child or request a replacement card, just visit one of the 11 Marin County Free Library branches.
Looking for fiction, non-fiction, mysteries, local authors, audio books, or DVDs? Check out some of our most popular recommendations for adults, teens, and kids.
E-Connect staff:
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.
