About the Exhibit

Sound Advice shares the stories of 15 individuals—ranging in age from 6 to 95—living with hearing loss. Through personal interviews and photographic portraits, Rubin captures the everyday challenges and triumphs of navigating a world where communication is often taken for granted.

These stories reflect deeply human themes: resilience, frustration, and the desire to be understood.

Each MCFL branch features exhibit panels and staff-curated booklists that extend the conversation beyond the walls of the gallery.

Learn more about the artist and project: nancyjrubin.com/sound-advice.

Explore More: Our Disability Pride Booklists

In addition to the exhibit, MCFL has curated a collection of books and resources in honor of Disability Pride Month. From memoirs and fiction to children's titles and graphic novels, these lists celebrate disability identity, activism, creativity, and community.

View our full Disability Pride collection encompassing events, staff recommendations, films, blog posts and more!

Why It Matters

Through Sound Advice and our Disability Pride Celebration, MCFL is committed to honoring diverse experiences and expanding how we represent and reflect our community. This exhibit brings visibility to experiences that are often overlooked and invites us to consider how we show up for one another—with empathy, openness, and a willingness to learn.

More than a year later, our On the Wall collection is getting a bit of a refresh. We have redistributed pieces to each of the five participating branches so patrons can admire and check out pieces they may not have had the chance to see before.

Every MCFL branch (whether they have an On the Wall collection or not) has an On the Wall binder featuring the artwork at the different branches, as well as information regarding the size of the work. You can also view them on our website.

Holds cannot be placed on these items, so check them out while you can!

In the future, will be expanding the On the Wall collection to include the Bolinas, Stinson Beach, Civic Center, Novato, and Fairfax branches. Application submissions will begin late 2025. Be sure to check the website for more information when the time comes!

The On the Wall Community Art Lending collection is generously supported by the Marin County Library Foundation, Tomales Bay Library Association, Friends of the Marin City Library, and Friends of the Novato Libraries.

What is induction cooking?

Induction cooking runs electricity through a copper coil to produce a magnetic field. Induction cooking is more efficient than conduction (electric) heat or gas because the magnetic field passes the heat directly to your pots and pans. With gas or electric stoves, only 40-50% of the energy goes to heat your food. Induction cooktops also heat up faster, are safer to use, and are easier to clean.

What kind of cookware do I need?

Because induction cooking is creating a magnetic field, this means the pots and pans you use need to be magnetic: either cast iron, stainless steel with a magnetic bottom, or magnetic iron. The easy test is to hold a magnet to the bottom of your pan: if it sticks, the pan will work with the induction cooktop. Cooktop borrowers will need to provide their own cookware.

Why are we doing this?

Induction cooking provides an energy efficient cooking experience that is better for indoor air quality and the environment. Because induction cooking is a relatively new way to cook for most people, checking out an induction cooktop gives you an opportunity to get comfortable with the technology before investing in an induction replacement for your gas or traditional electric stove.

Visit BayREN’s Induction Cooking page for more information and resources on induction cooking and other residential efficiency programs: https://bayren.org.

We're so excited about this April in the library, with the launch of our new Anti-Racism & Equity Strategic Plan, the On the Wall Community Art Lending program, Primaveras, and Día celebrations. 

Our new Anti-Racism & Equity Strategic Plan was presented to the Marin County Board of Supervisors on April 2, 2024. This plan was created through listening sessions with staff and community members from across Marin County. Our communities clearly expressed the need for Marin County Free Library to be a convener, racial equity advocate, information champion, and a necessary resource for every individual living in Marin.

At the heart of this strategic plan lies our unwavering commitment to creating joyful learning pathways and environments, providing equitable service to all in Marin, working collaboratively with partners for the greatest impact, and centering community power in our spaces and services. The Marin County Free Library has a solid roadmap for programs and services over the next five years thanks to all of you. Find out more about the Anti-Racism & Equity Strategic Plan.

The On the Wall Community Art Lending collection is now available at the Marin County Free Library! Join us for events celebrating the local artists featured in the collection at our branches. Check out a piece of art for up to 4 weeks to enjoy in your own home. Artwork is free to check out. All you need is your library card! Find out more about On the Wall Community Art Lending program.

You are invited to a celebration of Primaveras, on Saturday, April 20, from 11:30 am - 4 pm at the Novato Library. Everyone is welcome! Enjoy storytime with Cascada de Flores, The Learning Bus, and Mr. Brian. There will be a Capoeira show and demonstration by the school Abadá-Capoeira-Marin. Enjoy music by Chulita Vinyl Club. From 11:30 am – 1 pm, Marin County Supervisor Eric Lucan and his team will be partnering with First 5 Marin and Help Me Grow Marin to host a table with giveaways and educational materials in Spanish. Community organizations will also be on hand to provide visitors with information about their services. Learn more about this free event and see the schedule for the day.

Join us in April as we celebrate Día Del Niño/Children’s Day, a day honoring the lives of children, their well-being and happiness. Providing the gift of reading and books is a big part of how we share joy with the community! There will be several events throughout the month at our libraries to celebrate Día, kicking off on April 6 in Pickleweed Park.

Our spring Children's & Teen Literature Review booklists curate the best new books for kids and teens. Browse the lists to find great reads for your child. Then check out more staff lists for all ages on our Explore page - discover all that your library has to offer!

There are also many exciting events happening in our branches and online - check out our online calendar for all the details.

We hope to see you during National Library Week, and beyond!

We are honored to receive this award and to work together with all the libraries in Marin to serve the community.  Our library teams are committed to providing excellent customer service and top-notch resources with understanding and expertise.  Together, we work to make the library a special, welcoming, and empowering place that helps our community thrive.

Thank you to our community for recognizing the value of our libraries and to our Friends and Foundation for supporting our programs and services.

The events aim to foster awareness and appreciation through diverse mediums such as books, films, art, public discussions, and various programming, all dedicated to promoting community engagement and celebrating Black history and culture. Find a detailed list of events at marinlibrary.org/BHM.

“Our theme this year "Strength in Striving" highlights the countless contributions and achievements of Black individuals past and present through dance, music, film, and visual arts,” said Raemona Little Taylor, MCFL’s Assistant Director. “Through sharing history, culture, and lived experiences, some joyous and others challenging, we aim to advance equity and justice and foster a deeper connection and understanding among our communities. We invite the community to engage with MCFL year-round in celebrating Black History and Culture in Marin County.”

Here are a few upcoming events:

Civic Center Library - 3501 Civic Center Drive, Suite 427, San Rafael

• 11 AM, Thursday, February 8: Civic Center Morning Mystery Book Club: ‘Down the River Unto the Sea’ by Walter Mosley.

Marin City Library - 164 Donahue Street, Marin City

• 6 PM, Thursday, February 1: Film Screening: Hitsville: The Making of Motown.
• 6 PM, Tuesday, February 6: Film Screening: The Last Dragon.

Corte Madera Library - 707 Meadowsweet Drive, Corte Madera

• All day, Sunday, February 11, to March 14: Exhibit of Marin-based artist: “OBSIDIAN: New Artworks by Doctor Orin Carpenter Mixed Media Artist.” Carpenter will discuss his work and process on Saturday, February 17, at 3 PM.
• 6 PM, Thursday, February 15: Film Screening: One Voice: The Story of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir. Members of the choir will be present for a Q&A after the film.

Stinson Beach Library - 3521 Shoreline Highway, Stinson Beach

• 2 PM, Saturday, February 24: Film Screening and Discussion: EARTH MAMA in collaboration with SURJ Marin (Showing up for Racial Justice Marin Chapter).

Fairfax Library - 2097 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Fairfax

• 3 PM, Wednesday, February 28: Stories and Crafts: Gee’s Bend Quilts (quilt patching activity with cloth scraps and paper).
• 5 PM, Thursday, February 29: Film Screening: Against All Odds: The Fight for the Black Middle Class.

Novato Library - 1720 Novato Boulevard, Novato

• 3 PM, Saturday, February 24: Black banjo and fiddle performance.
• 5 PM, Thursday, February 29: Film Screening: Against All Odds: The Fight for the Black Middle Class.

Point Reyes Library – 11431 State Route 1, Point Reyes Station

• 10:30 AM, Saturday, February 17: Music Listening Party (playing a variety of music that celebrates Black history and culture).
• 5 PM, Thursday, February 29: Film Screening: Against All Odds: The Fight for the Black Middle Class.

For those unable to attend the County's events in-person, an online screening of the documentary "Against All Odds: The Fight for the Black Middle Class" is scheduled for Thursday, February 29, at 5 PM. Writer Bob Herbert and producer Sally Roy will participate in a Q&A session following the film. Access is available online.

The County of Marin African American Employees Association (COMAEA) is also hosting two virtual events beginning at noon that are open to the public, including a Black History Month trivia on February 7 featuring special prizes, and a Selfcare & Wellness event on February 14 centered around techniques for managing stress in work and personal life.

Furthermore, the COMAEA extends an invitation to the community to join the Board of Supervisors in-person at the Civic Center (Board chamber, Suite 330) on February 6 at 9 AM to observe the adoption of the 2024 Black History Month resolution.

For disability accommodations, please phone (415) 473-6358 (voice), CA Relay 711, or e-mail library@marincounty.org at least five business days in advance of the event. The County will do its best to fulfill requests received with less than five business days’ notice. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats, upon request.

Visit the Newsroom to view all County news releases.

“The first thing my mother did when we moved to a new city was to say, ‘Let’s go find the library!’” she remembered. “All these years later, I cannot visit without bringing her a sack of books. My brother and I both inherited that gene. In our homes, there are always one or more books at the ready.”

For the past 13 years, Madrid has been the volunteer manager of The Book Place, a used bookstore on Novato’s Grant Avenue run entirely by part-time volunteers. Barbara operates the retail store with its 70-plus volunteers as if it were her full-time paid job. But as if that were not enough, she has also found time to serve as an elementary school classroom aide, and serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Marin County Free Library. Past positions included leadership roles in Soroptimist International of Novato, and acting as Novato’s representative on the Marin County Library Commission.

For those reasons, Madrid was honored at the city’s 64th birthday party January 20 at Marin Country Club as the 2023 Spirit of Novato award winner. A local resident since 1987, she received a raucous ovation along with the 2023 Novato Citizen of the Year, the annual Novato Chamber businesses of the year, and the employees of the year from the Novato Police Department and the Novato Fire Protection District.

The Spirit of Novato award, presented by the Paint the Town Red Board, recognizes a Novato resident whose selfless, enthusiastic, helpful volunteer efforts over several years have enriched our community.

Madrid said receiving the honor is “a humbling experience.”

“I do not really like to be in the limelight, although I feel very proud that the efforts I put forward are being recognized,” she said. “If it inspires someone else to lend a hand in the community, that would mean a lot. Everyone has something to offer, and why not have fun in the process?”

Madrid has devoted most of her time since retiring from corporate communications to making books accessible for all, especially children. She started volunteering at the shop’s previous location in Pacheco Plaza before it migrated to Grant Avenue in 2003. Jennifer Goldfinger, a 12-year volunteer at The Book Place nominated her for the award.

“Barbara is the embodiment of the Spirit of Novato, someone who devotes an extraordinary commitment of time and energy to our community,” Goldfinger said.

Guiding the store through the COVID-19 pandemic was a challenge, Madrid said. The shop was initially closed, but the masked and socially distanced staff capitalized on the down time by rearranging the store’s layout, cleaning the carpets, and refreshing the shop’s look. Noting that some businesses arranged for purchases at entry ways without allowing customers inside, Madrid and her team developed a process so that The Book Place could partially reopen. 

“We had people pressing their noses on the windows wishing they could get inside,” Madrid said. “We posted our email address and phone on the door asking people for their requests, and we’d do our best to find the book for them.”

The staff filled grocery bags with books and would write “James Bond,” “cowboy novels” and other themes on them and lined them up in the windows. The shut-out customers would point to request a bag. A table blocked the store’s entrance and a staffer would provide customer service behind that table “sort of like when you’re picking up dry cleaning” with all honoring social distancing rules, Madrid said. Later in the pandemic, customers were allowed inside a few at a time while wearing masks. Currently many visitors are masking again with the new virus variations and medical uncertainties of 2024.

A strong holiday season helped The Book Place quite a bit, but it still hasn’t rebounded to pre-COVID popularity. January through March is usually a slow season but the rent and utilities must still be paid.

“I’d love to get more people back in, but it’s too easy to point and click,” she said. “One thing we like to say here is that nothing compares with taking time for yourself to hang out, browse, and buy something you didn’t expect to find. Some people come in saying they need a change from online shopping, and I just love that. Time and time again, I hear our volunteers tell someone, ‘We don’t have that book, but try this one.’ Customers find real personalized service, like receiving alerts when books that they’ve requested come into the store.”

The Book Place profits are a major funding source for the Friends of the Marin County Free Library which has allocated roughly $50,000 per year, to fund programs for teens and children, focuses assistance via Spanish-speaking outreach, adult lifelong learning, and free book giveaways at the Marin County Fair in partnership with First 5 Marin (aka the Children and Families Commission), and the Marin County Jail. The Book Place also donates books to the SF Veterans’ Hospital and Marin County Jail.

Stop by and browse around The Book Place at 1608 Grant Avenue, near 7th Street, then buy low-priced books that you have always wanted to read.

Originally posted to the Novato Patch: https://patch.com/california/novato/spirit-novato-award-goes-literacy-ambassador-barbara-madrid-nodx

Harvey Abernathey, Maalak Atkins, Richard Blair, Cathy Bowman, Molly Brown, Rick Budde, Miranda Chen, Steve Disenhof, Bob Hemstock, Jennifer Isaac, Toni Littlejohn, Barbara McLain, Susan McMudie, Victoria Mimiaga, Nancy Nichols, Anne Pelletier, Mary Pieper-Warren, Carlos Porrata, Meg Reilly, Noel Ryan, Wendy Schwartz, Tom Soltesz, Stephanie Thwaites, Amanda Tomlin, Tim Walker, Marnie Walters, Ayumi Kie Weissbuch, Kathryn Whitten, Thomas Wood, and Jane Zich.

Over 400 artworks were submitted.  After a lengthy jury process, final selections were made by a committee from the Marin Cultural Association Board.  Thank you to all who participated.

Art lending will begin in early 2024. In the initial phase of this program, art works will be placed in the South Novato, Point Reyes Station, Inverness, Corte Madera, and Marin City libraries with plans to expand the program to all ten Marin County Free Library branches in the future.  Art will be available to borrow with a library card, just like a book or a magazine.

An exhibit of works by these artists will open on October 26th at the Civic Center Galleries.  Don’t miss the opening of the On the Wall art show to view exceptional work by Marin artists and celebrate this exciting new program. 

The On the Wall Community Art Lending collection is generously supported by the Marin County Library Foundation, Tomales Bay Library Association, Friends of the Marin City Library, and Friends of the Novato Libraries.

Marin library maker space reinvented to explore woodworking, crafts

A recent article in the Marin IJ describes the reinvention of the maker space next to the South Novato Library as The Shop, offering space to explore woodworking, crafts, and community. 

Marin library maker space reinvented to explore woodworking, crafts

By Krissy Waite

September 13, 2023

When Dianna Chung walked by the open doors of The Shop with her 4-year-old daughter, Aria, she was instantly drawn in.

Housed in Hamilton by the South Novato branch of the Marin County Free Library, the free-to-use public space for building and creating at 931 C St. was reimagined in June. Formerly Marin Makerspace, The Shop now boasts the equipment and capacity for woodworking, knitting, crocheting, sewing, painting, bicycle maintenance and more.

“We stumbled into this place. It looked very cool,” said Chung, a Marinwood resident. “It has a chill, artist collective feel to it here, and everyone is so nice. I’ve never seen a place like this. I didn’t even know it existed.”

Open to all — no library card needed —the space was previously tech-focused, offering tools and programs geared toward coding and 3D printing, said coordinator Brandon Barragan. Changes were made in response to a community feedback survey. Requests poured in for more hands-on, rustic programs and tools, specifically geared toward woodworking and sewing.

Read the complete article