Our reference librarians are constantly scouring the web for great websites to help you in your information seeking online. Our Recommended Web Resources page gets a lot of use from both librarians and residents alike!
Looking for good websites in a category we don't have listed yet? Ask a librarian! We're available to answer questions in-person, on the phone, via e-mail, website chat, or instant messaging!
The Marin County Free Library's Spanish Services Committee is happy to report
the expansion of our collection of English as a Second Language (ESL) material,
designed to assist Spanish speakers interested in learning English. Thanks to
a State Library grant, branches throughout the County were able to acquire popular
multimedia ESL sets called Inglés
sin Barreras. We now have a wide variety of books, audio, and video
titles perfect for self-instruction.
The Library invites patrons of all ages and backgrounds to visit their local
branch and explore our expanded collection of Spanish materials. To learn more
about library services available to Spanish speakers please visit our Servicios
en Español webpage.
The three-way partnership that was formed eight years ago between Bank
of Marin and Book
Passage to benefit the Marin
Literacy Program is thriving. Several times a year Bank of Marin sponsors
author events at Book Passage to generate awareness and increase visibility
for the Marin Literacy Program. A donation is then made to the Marin Literacy
Program by the Bank and Book Passage based on the total number of books sold
at these events. We have had three successful author events so far in 2005 and
are planning one more before year's end.
Our last event of 2005 will be on December 6th at 7pm at Book Passage. Brandt
Goldstein will speak about his new book, Storming
the Court. The book describes how a group of young Yale undergraduates
took the Presidency to court over the injustices done to inmates held at Guantanamo
Bay, Cuba. It gives one an appreciation of the freedoms and rights that the
common person in America enjoys; something not present in many societies in
the world.
In addition to the popular author events, Bank of Marin presents all customers
who open a new account a coupon for a 10% discount on their next purchase at
Book Passage. The coupons are then returned to the bank and for every coupon
used, Bank of Marin donates $5.00 to Marin Literacy.
Bargain Sunday is December 4th from noon to 4:00 pm. On sale this month, all at
50%:
Holiday books (we have lovely books for children and adults)
Biography
History/Military
And paperback mystery books will be 4 for $1!
We've also been running special sales, both on weekends and weekdays.
Come in to see if your favorite category is on sale!
We have a large selection of wonderful gift books suitable for all ages! We
also have gift certificates, so your special person can come into the store
and choose his or her own reading material. Remember, by shopping at The Book
Place you are helping to support our Marin County libraries.
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) and 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, December 14th, 7:00 to 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 the Commission will meet at the Marin
City Library, 164 Donahue Street, in the Gateway Shopping Center.
Adult Literacy Tutor Orientation
Tuesday, December 6th, 7:00 to 8:30 pm
The Marin Literacy Program is looking for individuals to volunteer as tutors
for adults who need to improve their reading, writing and English speaking
skills. Attend this 1.5-hour orientation to find out more about the need for
adult literacy instruction in Marin, the programs offered, what it is like
to tutor an adult, and how you can make a difference in someone's life by
tutoring. Please call 485-3318 to sign-up.
Author Event
Tuesday, December 6th, 7:00 pm Brandt
Goldstein will speak about his new book, Storming
the Court. The book describes how a group of young Yale undergraduates
took the Presidency to court over the injustices done to inmates held at Guantanamo
Bay, Cuba. It gives one an appreciation of the freedoms and rights that the
common person in America enjoys; something not present in many societies in
the world. The Bank of Marin in partnership with Book Passage is sponsoring
this event as a benefit for the Marin Literacy Program.
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 with a parent
or caregiver.
Preschool Storytime, Wednesdays, 3:30 to 4:00 pm. Ages 3 and up.
The Brown Bag Book Club
Wednesday, December 7th, noon to 1:00 pm
Each month the Book Club meets to discuss a new literary selection. The selection
for December is World’s
Fair, by E.L. Doctorow. Please check the library
catalog to borrow or reserve a copy. New members are always welcome! For
more information, call Livia at 499-6058 or e-mail to llewin@co.marin.ca.us.
Holiday Treats Puppet Show
Tuesday, December 13th, 7:00 pm
Celebrate the winter holidays with Nick Barone and his puppet friends. Ages
2 and up.
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.
Storytimes
Toddler Storytime, Wednesdays, 10:00 to 10:30 am. Ages 2 to 3 with a parent
or caregiver.
Preschool Storytime, Wednesdays, 11:00 to 11:30 am. Ages 3 and up.
Temporary Closure
Corte Madera Library staff anxiously await the arrival of new carpeting anticipated
sometime in late January. The branch will close temporarily to allow for the
installation. Please watch for futher information as it becomes available.
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
Preschool Storytime, Tuesdays, 11:00 to 11:30 am. Ages 3 to 5. (Sep-May)
Children’s Storytime, Saturdays, 11:00 to 11:30 am. Ages 3 and up.
Book Club
Thursday, December 1st, 7:00 to 9:00 pm
The Fairfax Library Book Discussion Group meets the first Thursday of each
month. The selection for December is The
Plot Against America, by Philip Roth. 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, December 15th, 7:00 to 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.
Annual Holiday Open House
Saturday, December 17th, 2:00 to 4:00 pm
Celebrate the season at the Fairfax Library's 7th Annual Holiday Open house. Bring your friends and family to a free performance by local singer/songwrtier, Corrine West. She will be joined by two outsandting Bay Area musicians, Joshua Zucker and Peter Kaukonen. Corrine's sound is a blend of Americana and folk, country and bluegrass. Her performances and CD have received glowing reviews.
Meeting Room Gallery
Mixed media by Frank Gonzalez, on display through the month of December.
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 am. 11:00 am, and 3:30 pm. Ages 3 and up.
Friends of the Marin City Library
Saturday, December 3rd, 10:00 am to 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 & Wednesdays, 10:00 to 10:30 am. Ages 18 to 36
months with an adult.
Preschool Storytime, Wednesdays & Saturdays, 11:00 to 11:30 am. Ages 3-6.
Please arrive early to get a nametag.
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)
Mystery Reader's Book Club
Thursday, December 8th, 10:30 to 11:30 am
The Novato Library Mystery Reader's Book Club meets the second Thursday of
every month. The selection for December is
The Narrows, by Michael Connolly. A limited supply of books for the
next month’s title will be available at the meeting prior. You may wish
to check the
library catalog to borrow or reserve a copy. Librarians at any reference
desk can also assist interested readers with placing holds on books, large
print copies or audio formats.
Intermediate Internet Class - Beyond the Basics
Tuesday, December 13th, 1:00 to 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 email, manage bookmarks, and more. The volunteer instructor will present
a lecture and demonstration on a large screen, followed by a question-and-answer
session. Stop by the reference desk or call 897-1142 to reserve a space.
Craft Day
Thursday, December 22nd, 2:00 to 4:00 pm
Members of the Novato Teen Library Officers will be leading a fun day of holiday
craftmaking for kids in grades K-5 and their parents! Stop by the reference
desk or call 897-1142 for more information.
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
Children's Storytime, Wednesdays, 11:00 to 11:30 am. Ages 3 to 5.
Bilingual Storytime, Saturday, December 10th, 11:00 am. Sing-along with Chicha
in a Bilingual Storytime at South Novato Library for ages 3 to 7.
South Novato Reading Club
Thursday, December 29th, 6:30 to 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.
Bilingual Storytime
Thursday, December 15th, 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the
Point Reyes Station Library. Stories presented in English y en Español.
Crafts and refreshments included.
Wireless Access
The
Point Reyes Station Library is excited to announce it now offers wireless
access to the Internet. Bring in your own laptop and surf the web in comfort.
Please call the library at 663-8375 if you have questions.
Internet Class at the Point Reyes Station Library
Friday, December 16th, 12:30 to 1:45 pm at the
Point Reyes Station Library
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, December 7th, 10:00 to 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).
"Homegrown" Author Series
Monday, December 12th, 7:30 pm at the
Stinson Beach Library. Hear Geri Digiorno, poet, author of White Lipstick,
organizer of the yearly Petaluma Poetry Walk, and current Poet Laureate of
Sonoma County.
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.
Two
Lives by Vikram
Seth
From the author of A Suitable Boy comes a tapestry of India, the
Third Reich and the Second World War, Auschwitz, and the Holocaust, Israel
and Palestine, post-war Germany and 1970s Britain. Part biography, part
memoir, Two Lives is both a history of a violent century seen through
the eyes of two survivors as well as an intimate portrait of their friendship,
marriage and abiding yet complex love.
Forever
Odd by Dean Koontz
Odd Thomas (whom readers first met in Koontz's 2003 novel of the same name)
has some very unusual powers, chief among them his ability to see the dead.
Coupled with his intelligence and self-effacing humor, Odd's strange gifts
make him one of the most quietly authoritative characters in recent popular
fiction.
S is for
Silence by Sue Grafton
In Kinsey Millhone's 18th excursion into the world of suspense and misadventure;
a daughter wants the solace of closure in the mystery surrounding her mother's
absence. Thirty-four years earlier, Violet Sullivan put on her party finery
and left for the July 4th fireworks display. She was never seen again.
Turning
Angel by Greg Iles
"New York Times" bestselling author Greg Iles brings the secrets
of the South alive in this vibrant novel of infatuation, murder, and sexual
intrigue set in his hometown of Natchez, Mississippi.
Changelings,
Book 1: The twins of Petaybee by Anne
McCaffrey
When a visiting scientist gets wind of the shapeshifting ability of the
Shongili twins, the twins are soon in danger of kidnapping. They're sent
away from their beloved Petaybee just as that world begins to undergo its
own wonderful--or disastrous--transformations.
Japanese
Women Don't Get Old or Fat : Secrets of my mother's Tokyo kitchen
by Naomi Moriyama
The Japanese approach to diet and nutrition is not about self-deprivation,
but about celebrating food. This practical guide to good eating that is
filled with familiar, delicious, and easy to make recipes based on "seven
pillars"—fish, vegetables, rice, soy, noodles, tea, and fruit.
A
Grave Mistake by Stella
Cameron
Former police officer Guy Gautreaux is looking for a fresh start in Toussaint,
Louisiana. When a New Orleans murder is linked to his new girlfriend's bad-news
stepfather, he's drawn into a network of deceit that jeopardizes his life--and
hers.
On the
Run by Iris Johansen
For eight years, single mother Grace Archer has lived a picture-perfect
life raising her daughter on a horse farm. When the ghosts of Grace's past
violently shatter her peace, she must resume an identity she thought cast
off forever, joining forces with a man she thought she'd never see again.
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.
This time of year can be quite stressful. Unwind with some downloadable audio books about relaxation from the Library's Digital Books Collection! The Library offers a number of different e-book collections, all available from the Databases & eBooks webpage. For more information about these books, ask your friendly local librarian!
What I Believe and Deep Relaxation by Louise Hay
Learn how we create our experiences as a result of our accepted thinking patterns, and how we can switch them to ones of love and success. Soothing and peaceful, this deeply relaxing meditation gently calms every part of our bodies and is ideal for those who are having difficulty falling asleep.
Creating Your World the Way You Really Want It to Be by Wayne W. Dyer and Deepak Chopra
Dr. Dyer and Dr. Chopra begin by teaching you how to reduce the time between when you decide what you really, really, really, really want, and when it actually manifests: (1) Wish for it—be willing to ask for it; (2) desire it with all your heart; (3) have the will or intention to go after it; and (4) be passionate about what you want, ignoring the doubts of others.
Inner Peace for Busy People by Joan Borysenko
Joan has created a wealth of inspirational yet practical information that will help you develop and maintain a sense of inner peace. Through stories encompassing spirituality, science, and humor, you'll be given easy-to-learn skills to help you change your attitude and regain a sense of balance and harmony!
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.
Below are featured selections highlighting some of our most popular New Age music
CDs.
A complete list of the MARINet Libraries' music CD, cassette, & record holdings is available online via a quick search.
An Introduction
to...New World Music by various artists
Contemporary instrumentals and relaxing compositions by artists such as
Mike Rowland, Medwyn Goodall, and Stephen Rhodes.
A Day Without
Rain by Enya
The most recent release from this gifted Irish vocalist and keyboardist.
One World
by John Tesh
A celebration of music and dance from around the world.
Picture
This by Jim Brickman
A good introduction to a great pianist, whose easy-going melodies are sure
to lift the spirits.
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.
The following DVD/video titles have recently been added to our collection. Complete lists of the MARINet libraries' DVD and video holdings are available online via a quick search.
Cinderella
Man [DVD format]
Russell Crowe stars in this dramatic account of the life of Jim Braddock,
a devoted family man and journeyman boxer who came out of nowhere to win
the heavyweight crown during the Great Depression. Renee Zellweger and Paul
Giamatti costar.
Born Into
Brothels [DVD format]
Academy Award winning documentary feature by New York-based photographer
Zana Briski. While living in the red light district of Calcutta, Briski
embarked on a project by which she gave cameras to the children of prostitutes
and taught them photography, awakening within them hidden talent and creativity
and giving them a means to transform their lives.
Batman
Begins [DVD format]
Batman sets out to protect Gotham City from dangerous individuals such as
mafia don Falcone, the twisted doctor/drug dealer Jonathan 'The Scarecrow'
Crane, and a mysterious third party that is waiting to strike when the time
is right .
El
Callejon De Los Milagros / La Nina De Tus Ojos [DVD format]
Two Spanish films featuring stars that later became internationally famous--Penelope
Cruz and Salma Hayek--are collected together here: In The Girl of Your
Dreams Germany invites a group of Spanish filmmakers to Berlin in order
to make two film versions of an Andalusian hit musical production. The
Alley of Miracles tells the story of three neighbors whose lives are
intertwined in the old downtown section of Mexico City.
The Children
of Chabannes [DVD format]
During World War II many Jewish children were sent out of occupied countries
in search of safety. Chabannes, France housed about 400 such refugees in
a local chateau used as a school. This documentary presents the accounts
of some of the students, teachers and townspeople of the efforts to protect
the children in 1942 when the war came to Chabannes
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.
Brown paper packages all tied up with string, here are a few of our favorite things
-- selected by Miss Kitty from the Civic Center Library. Wrap up a shiny
new library card for your loved one too and give the gift of reading.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Read the book before you see the movie! Four English schoolchildren find their way through the back of a wardrobe into the magic land of Narnia and assist Aslan, the golden lion, to triumph over the White Witch, who has cursed the land with eternal winter (chapter book ages 9 and up).
Polar Bear Night by Lauren Thompson
After wandering out at night to watch a magical star shower, a polar bear cub returns home to snuggle with her mother in their warm den (picture book ages 2 and up).
Snowmen at Christmas by Caralyn Buehner
On Christmas Eve, snowmen hold a party in the center of town and celebrate with food, music and dancing, and presents (picture book ages 2 and up).
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.
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.
