Arts and Humanities Through the Eras--great for finding out what life was like in ancient cultures
Dictionary of American History--American history resources for students and history buffs alike
Gale Encyclopedia of Science--Detailed information about all branches of the sciences
Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia--Profiles and photographs
of hundreds of animals
West's Encyclopedia of American Law--American law defined and described for the layperson
These eBooks are accessible in all the public libraries in Marin, as well as from home with a library card number and PIN. For more information about the databases and eBooks offered for home access by the library, see our Databases and eBooks page.
The MARINet libraries are pleased to announce a new email notification service,
beginning mid-January, that will alert library patrons 2 days before an item
is due. This is an email-only service, available to all patrons who have a valid
email account listed in their record. Those who receive notices via US mail,
as well as those have specifically chosen NOT to get notices via email, will
not receive due date reminders.
Each reminder message will include a link allowing recipients to log into
their account and renew materials online (except those items which are not eligible
for renewal). If you check your email regularly you'll have time to return or
renew items before late fees have a chance to accrue.
Since your eConnect subscription is unrelated to your patron account,
you may wish to verify we have the correct email address on file before the
notification process begins. To access your account and verify your email address,
log into My
MARINet (linked from the Library
Catalog homepage).
Type in your last name and then press the Tab key.
Type in your Library card barcode that begins 2111100. Type the number completely
with NO spaces between the numbers and then press the Tab key again.
Once your record appears, click on the button to Modify Personal Info.
Add or edit your email address and click Submit.
If you’d like more information about due
date reminders or turning off this personal feature, renewing
materials or placing
holds online we have a number of FAQs
available. You can also visit any of our 11
Marin County Free Library branches. Our librarians would be happy to offer
you assistance!
When California was under Mexican rule, land grants were made to the early settlers
in the State, who were known as Californios. Some of these Californios
discovered today's Marin County, just across the bay from San Francisco, and petitioned
the Mexican government for land grants in the area, attracted by the abundant
natural resources.
To explore this early chapter of our County's history, visit the
interactive Marin County Rancho map on the California
Room Digital Archive. Click on the various ranchos in the map then, in the
box above, click on the link for more information about the original grantees
and the rancho itself.
Our new biographies were written by intern, Eric Ward, and have been edited
by the California Room staff. The map was graciously drawn for us by local artist,
Leila Joslyn.
The Corte Madera Library will close for re-carpeting from January 20 to February
6, 2006. The bookdrop will also be closed during this time and items from the
collection will be unavailable for loan. Due dates have been extended until after
February 6th for items from the Corte Madera collection. Materials owned by other
libraries must be returned according to the normal due date. Materials may be
returned to any public library in Marin, except the Corte Madera branch during
the temporary closure.
To accommodate for the closure, the Marin
City Library, at 164 Donahue Street, will extend open hours as follows:
Monday through Thursday: 10am-9pm
Saturday: 10am-5pm
Sunday: noon-5pm
Friday: closed
Everyone is invited to visit the Corte Madera Library after February 6th to
see this much-needed improvement!
Demonstrating sensitivity to literacy issues involves more than being aware and considerate of those with low literacy skills.
Someone with poor reading and writing skills may avoid reading and writing tasks by:
writing illegibly
not volunteering for any activities involving reading and writing
offering excuses for not completing forms or written tasks
When having to rely on written information they may:
have difficulty doing things based on written directions
ask to have information repeated verbally
watch what other people do before starting a task
speak up often, but be unable to follow up with written documentation when requested
The Marin Literacy Program offers a 1.5 hour orientation that explains 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 volunteering as a literacy tutor. For further information please call 485-3318.
Mark your calendars now! The Book Place will have a store-wide sale, January 26-29.
Almost everything in the store will be 50% off for the entire four days!
Sale hours
6-9 pm, Thursday, January 26
10 am-8 PM, Friday, January 27
10 am-4 PM, Saturday, January 28
12 noon-4 PM, Sunday, January 29 Due to the special sale, there will be no Bargain Sunday in January
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.
HOURS
and LOCATIONS
Marin County Free Library branches are located throughout East and West Marin.
Open days and hours of operation vary by branch. With 11 locations to choose
from as well as 24/7 access
on our website to reference
assistance, the online
catalog, databases,
and eBooks
you'll never be far from the information you need.
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, January 11th, 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 Corte
Madera Library, 707 Meadowsweet Drive.
Advisory Board Meeting
Tuesday, January 3rd, 7:00 to 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 mission of the Marin Literacy Program Advisory Board is to help support
the literacy program by supplementing the program's other sources of funding,
providing community advice to the program, and educating Marin County businesses
and residents of the need for adult literacy services in the community. For
further information, please call 485-3318.
Adult Literacy Tutor Orientation
Tuesday, January 10th, 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.
CIVIC CENTER 3501 Civic Center Drive #427, San Rafael, CA 94903 Directions.
(415) 499-6057. Open hours: M/W/F 10am-6pm; T/Th 10am-9pm; Sa 10am-5pm; Closed Sunday.
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, January 25th, noon to 1:00 pm
Each month the Book Club meets to discuss a new literary selection. The selection
for January is Treasure
Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson. 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.
CORTE MADERA 707 Meadowsweet Drive, Corte Madera, CA 94925 Directions.
(415) 924-3515.
Open hours: M-Th 10am-9pm; Sa 10am-5pm; Su noon-5pm; Closed Friday.
Computer Tutoring
Hourly sessions Monday, January 9th & 16th, 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, Wednesday, January 4th, 11th, & 18th, 10:00 to 10:30
am. Ages 2 to 3 with a parent or caregiver.
Preschool Storytime, Wednesday, January 4th, 11th, & 18th, 11:00 to 11:30
am. Ages 3 and up.
Morning Book Club
Wednesday, January 18th, 10:00 am
Please join the Morning Book Club for tea and a lively discussion. The only
requirement is that you read the book. Upcoming selections are:
January 18th: The
Line of Beauty, by Alan Hollinghurst.
February 15th: Gilead,
by Marilynne Robinson.
March 15th: The
Red Queen, by Margaret Drabble.
For further information, contact the reference desk at 924-6444.
Corte Madera Library Temporary Closure
Friday, January 20th through Monday, February 6th
The Corte Madera Library will be temporarily closed for recarpeting. The bookdrop
will also be closed during this time and items from the collection will be
unavailable for loan. Please visit the branch after February 6th to see this
much-needed improvement!
FAIRFAX 2097 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Fairfax, CA 94930 Directions.
(415) 453-8151. Open hours: M-Th 10am-9pm; Sa 10am-6pm; Closed Friday and Sunday.
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, January 5th, 7:00 to 9:00 pm
The Fairfax Library Book Discussion Group meets the first Thursday of each
month. The selection for January is Galileo's
Daughter, by Dava Sobel. 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, January 19th, 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.
Meeting Room Gallery
The art exhibit for January at Fairfax is: Photographs by Daniel Korson.
MARIN CITY 164 Donahue Street, Marin City, CA 94965 Directions.
(415) 332-6158. Open hours: M/T 1pm-9pm; W/Th 10am-6pm; Sa 10am-5pm; Su noon-5pm; Closed Friday.
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, January 7th, 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.
NOVATO 1720 Novato Blvd., Novato, CA 94947 Directions.
(415) 897-1141. Open hours: M-Th 10am-9pm; Sa 10am-5pm; Su noon-5pm; Closed Friday.
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
Pajama Storytime
Tuesday, January 31, 7:00 pm
Cozy Tales for a Winter's Night: Bring the family for an evening of stories,
songs and fun! Wear pajamas if you like!
Mystery Reader's Book Club
Thursday, January 12th, 10:30 to 11:30 am
The Novato Library Mystery Reader's Book Club meets the second Thursday of
every month. The selection for January is
The Black Tower, by P.D. James. 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.
Introduction to the Internet Class
Tuesday, January 17th, 1:00 to 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.
SOUTH NOVATO 6 Hamilton Landing, Suite 140A, Novato, CA 94949 Directions.
(415) 506-3165. Open hours: T/Th 1pm-8pm; W/Sa 11am-5pm; Closed Monday, Friday and Sunday.
Small Group Internet Tutoring
Free training with an experienced computer professional who will individualize
the training to meet your skill level. Tutoring sessions are by appointment.
Please sign up in advance by calling 506-3168.
Storytimes
Children's Storytime, Wednesdays, 11:00 to 11:30 am. Ages 3 to 5.
Bilingual Storytime, Saturday, January 7th, 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, January 26th, 6:30 pm
The South Novato Library Book Club meets the last Thursday of each month.
The selection for January is Mantrapped,
by Fay Weldon. Please check the library
catalog to borrow or reserve a copy. New members are welcome. For more
information, call Helen at 506-3168 or email hromero@co.marin.ca.us.
Bilingual Storytime
Thursday, January 12th, 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the
Point Reyes Station Library. Stories presented in English y en Español.
Crafts and refreshments included.
Internet Class at the Point Reyes Station Library
Friday, January 20th, 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, January 4th, 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).
Art Exhibits
Currently on exhibit at the Inverness
Library is a charming display of photographs provided by Maddie Moore,
titled "Growing Up in West Marin."
On display at the
Stinson Beach Library through mid-February is the artwork of Michael Knowlton,
Timmy Prael and Judy Molyneaux. Local artist, Knowlton, has curated a show
of his work & that of 2 of his mentors: Prael & Molyneaux. The works
are of vibrant images that celebrate the colorful light and life of West Marin.
The three artists created a friendship that fostered the exchange of ideas
traced through work, photos, notes and other memorabilia from the 70's through
out the 90's.
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.
Why Do
I Love These People? by Po
Bronson
In a profile of 17 families, this New York Times bestselling author lends
his wisdom to such issues as relationships, infidelities, substance abuse,
and teen pregnancy..
Brokeback
Mountain by Annie
Proulx
You've seen the motion picture, but have you read the book? A touching story
of the relationship between two ranch hands who work hard, marry, and have
kids - because that's what cowboys do.
American
Hostage by Micah
Garen and Marie-Hélène Carleton
A moving and suspenseful memoir of a journalist kidnapped in Iraq by a local
Shi'ite group alternates with the remarkable battle of Marie-Hélène
Carleton attempting to win his release.
The Sacred
Cut by David
Hewson
When Detective Nic Costa arrives on the scene of a murder he isn't prepared
for what he finds--nor for the ambush that sends his only witness vanishing
into the night. As the first murder leads to more grisly slayings, he uncovers
a trail of deception that may lead to the US government.
Are Men
Necessary?: When Sexes Collide by Maureen
Dowd
In an amusing look at the world of sexual politics, the author of Bushworld
explores the changing dynamics and complexities of gender relations in the
modern world, covering such topics as online dating, the American obsession
with aging and appearance, and why man may be biologically unsuited to hold
higher office.
Seas of
Crisis by Joe Buff
Learning that the Russians are providing weapons technology to Axis forces,
captain Jeffrey Fuller infiltrates a Russian military installation in an
effort to launch a risky nuclear strike that will force Russia to ally itself
with the United States.
Golden Boy by Martin Booth
The last work of this internationally known Booker-shortlisted writer is a memoir of growing up in 1950s Hong Kong.
Ash
and Bone by John
Harvey
Second in the Frank Elder mystery series, acold case has a devastating present
day impact with sinister implications for the Conwall crime squad. Once
again persuaded to set aside retirement, Elder must battle his own demons
before he can uncover the truth.
Elia
Kazan by Richard
Schickel
Few figures in film and theater history tower like Elia Kazan. By the 1950s
he was the most important and influential director in the nation, dominating
theater and film with productions such as A Streetcar Named Desire
and Death of a Salesman. This electrifying biography combines social,
political, and cultural history, with a critical evaluation of Kazan's varied
career.
The Constant
Princess by Philippa
Gregory
A compelling fictional portrait of Henry VIII's first wife, Katherine of
Aragon, and how she uses her faith, cunning, and utter belief in destiny
to reclaim her rightful title.
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.
New Audio Books
The following audio book titles have recently been added to our collection. A complete list of the MARINet libraries' audio CD & cassette holdings is available online via a quick search.
Consent
to Kill by Vince
Flynn [CD and Cassette Format]
The latest book in a series of heart-stopping thrillers featuring CIA operative
Mitch Rapp, who finds himself in the line of fire of a ruthless terrorist.
Mark Twain:
A Life by Ron Powers
[Cassette Format]
Pulitzer Prize–winning author presents the totality of Twain in his
many moods and phases of life, including acerbic son and brother, prank-prone
youth, competitive writer, demanding friend, loving husband and, eventually,
globe-trotting celebrity.
Dark Watch
by Clive Cussler [CD
Format]
Cabrillo and his crew aboard the clandestine spy ship Oregon have made a
comfortable but dangerous living working for high-powered Western interests.
Their newest clients are a consortium of Japanese shipping magnates whose
fortunes are being threatened by brutal pirates trolling the waters of Southeast
Asia.
The
Lost Painting by Jonathan
Harr [CD and Cassette Format]
Prizewinning author Jonathan Harr embarks on a spellbinding journey to uncover
the mystery of the long-lost masterpiece "The
Taking of Christ". The fascinating details of the Italian Baroque
artist Caravaggio's strange, turbulent career and the astonishing beauty
of his work come to life in these pages.
Ordinary
Heroes by Scott
Turow [CD and Cassette Format]
When retired newspaperman Stewart Dubinsky discovers letters his deceased
father wrote during his tour of duty in WWII, a host of family secrets come
to light.
It's time for New Year's Resolutions--why not let the Library help you on your way? Below are five eBooks from our NetLibrary Collection having to do with some common New Year's Resolutions. You can find more New Year's Resolutions books by searching the Library's Catalog! 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!
Below are featured selections highlighting the influence of Blues from its emergence
in the Mississippi to popular music today.
A complete list of the MARINet Libraries' music CD, cassette, & record holdings is available online via a quick search.
King of
the Delta Blues Singers by Robert
Johnson
Essential listening for every blues fan! Straight from the Mississippi River,
this 1938 classic was originally hailed as 'blues for the next generation.'
Songbird
by Eva Cassidy
Cassidy's clear, soulful voice and exquisite phrasing make her that rarest
of vocalists whose interpretations are a complement to any song. The posthumous
Songbird anthology includes Wayfaring Stranger, Over the Rainbow,
and People Get Ready.
The Birth
of Soul by Ray Charles
For those who love the innovative singer and pianist, this three volume
set of blues, rhythm and blues, and soul music highlights his work from
1952-1959.
Essence
by Lucinda Williams
A powerful contemporary, Williams presents 11 original works as a mix of
blues and country, pouring her soul into each and every song.
The Pizza
Tapes by Jerry Garcia, David Grisman, and Tony Rice
Reportedly stolen by a pizza delivery boy, this album was never intended
for public release. The magic of Grisman's mandolin is nevertheless enhanced
by occasional comments between the three artists.
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.
Sisterhood
Of The Traveling Pants [DVD Format]
A story about a special summer in the lives of four lifelong friends who
are separated for the first time. The young women find a pair of jeans that
fits each of them perfectly and they decide to use the pants as a way of
keeping in touch.
The Wild
Parrots of Telegraph Hill [DVD Format]
Follow the ups and downs of a flock of wild urban parrots within the green
niches of San Francisco. Along the way meet unforgettable characters like
Picasso and Sophie, the inseparable parrot lovers, and Connor, the lovable
outcast of the flock.
March of
the Penguins [DVD Format]
In the Antarctic, every March since the beginning of time, the quest begins
to find the perfect mate and start a family. This courtship will begin with
a long journey - a journey that will take them hundreds of miles across
the continent by foot, one by one in a single file. They will endure freezing
temperatures, in brittle, icy winds and through deep, treacherous waters.
They will risk starvation and attack by dangerous predators, under the harshest
conditions on earth, all to find true love
Millions
[DVD Format]
The United Kingdom decides to convert to the Euro in seven days. For the
Irish criminal world, it's the biggest opportunity as there ever was. When
a railway heist goes wrong and an enormous bag of money falls from the sky
into the hands of Damian and Anthony, there's only one thing the two can
do, spend it like there's no tomorrow. But Damian and Anthony have differing
views on what to do with the money. What they both discover is that money
can cause lots of problems.
The Ring
Two [DVD and Videocassette Format]
Six months after the frightening rampage and the cursed videotape that left
so much death and terror, Rachel and her son start a new life in a small
Oregon town. But when a crime scene includes an unmarked tape, she knows
the violence has not ended.
This past year the library acquired over 2,000 new children's book titles! Silly
stories, fulfilling fiction, and stunning science - our children's librarians
work year round selecting items to ensure there's always something new and interesting
on the shelf. Looking back on 2005, here are just a few of our most popular additions:
Criss Cross
by Lynne Rae Perkins
Teenagers in a small town in the 1960s experience new thoughts and feelings,
question their identities, connect, and disconnect as they search for the
meaning of life and love (ages 10-14).
Traction
Man is Here! by Mini
Grey Traction Man, a boy's courageous action figure, has a variety of
adventures with Scrubbing Brush and other objects in the house (ages 4-7).
Looking
for Alaska by John
Green
Sixteen-year-old Miles' first year at Culver Creek Preparatory School in
Alabama includes good friends and great pranks, but is defined by the search
for answers about life and death after a fatal car crash (ages 14 and up).
Shhhhh!
Everybody's Sleeping by Julie
Markes
In this lifting bedtime rhyme, a young child is encouraged to go to sleep
by the thought of everyone else sleeping, from teacher to baker (ages 3-5).
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.
