Marin County Free Library (MCFL) stands firmly in support of vulnerable communities living in a climate of fear and uncertainty. All people in the United States, regardless of immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the U.S. Constitution. We know our vulnerable community members may feel subject to the removal of policies that protect their rights. We stand with you during these challenging times, fully aligned with the mission and values of our Anti-Racism & Equity Strategic Plan.

Our commitment to MCFL’s mission — to provide welcoming, equitable, and inclusive opportunities for everyone — guides our efforts to build safe environments for the people we serve. We recognize that potential policies under the current administration — such as mass deportation, family separation, and reduced access to protections for those fleeing danger — could severely impact families, staff members, their families, and other vulnerable individuals. Therefore, we reaffirm our dedication to the essential work of solidarity and resources alongside immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients, and others affected.

Though we are present with current realities, our mission remains clear. We will continue to build our Library’s vision of an empowered, thriving community grounded in diverse voices and perspectives. We will reject fear-based misinformation and provide our community with access to factual resources, information, and services that promote well-being. We open dialogue and understanding to bridge divides in our communities, and we will continue to foster an environment where Marin’s incredible diversity is centered and celebrated in each of our branches across Marin County.

MCFL is here for you. You belong here. We stand with you.

Civic Reminder: The California Statewide Special Election is November 4, 2025.

Resources for Community

• Marin County Board of Supervisors Resolution Affirming Democracy and Community
• Marin County Office of Equity
• Marin Immigrant Rights & Justice
• iAmerica You Have Rights
• Immigrant Legal Defense (in English and Spanish)
• California Immigrant Data Portal
• Immigrant Legal Resource Center
• Support for LGBTQI+ Individuals
• Know Your Rights and What Immigrant Families Should Do Now
• Marin County Office of Education – Immigrant Supports and Resources
• California Statewide Special Election Information

Effective November 1, 2025

• Libby holds will go from 25 to 15 at a time.
• Libby checkouts will go from 25 to 15 at a time.

What does this mean for me?

If you borrow digital materials only sometimes, you likely will not notice a change. If you have more than 15 holds or checkouts, you will keep what you already have. You just will not be able to place new holds or borrow more items until your total is under the new limit.

Why the change?

The main reason is rising costs for library access to digital collections. For a quick and engaging explainer, NPR recently released a video that breaks it down.

By lowering the maximum number of holds and checkouts, we hope to:

1. Reduce wait times so popular titles move faster and more patrons enjoy them sooner.
2. Enhance the collection by managing digital resources, ensuring a more balanced and diverse collection.
3. Improve user experience by encouraging more selective borrowing for an efficient and satisfying experience.

Our community impact

Our community reads — a lot! In 2024, MARINet was recognized as one of 180 public library systems worldwide that surpassed one million Libby checkouts. Unfortunately, libraries are charged differently for digital books than individual consumers.

Why are digital books so expensive?

Libraries lend a single copy of an ebook to one patron at a time. Libraries purchase multiple copies to lower hold times, similar to physical materials. In addition, we pay more per limited license than a typical consumer price.

A single ebook license for a library can cost more than $75, and audiobooks are often higher, many over $100. For example, the 2024 Kristin Hannah The Women costs about $15 as an ebook or $33 as an audiobook for an individual consumer. In contrast, a single library license for either format is $60.

In addition, publishers only allow libraries to lease titles based on either time or total number of checkouts. After the defined amount of time or number of checkouts has passed, we must re-purchase the license.

I use my holds list as my to be read list. What else can I do?

If you place holds through the online catalog, try the Shelves feature to tag books you want to read later.

If you use OverDrive Libby, use Tags to create a wish list. See the Libby Help section for more information.

How can I find titles available now?

You can check out many titles right away through our Available Now and Skip The Line collections. These include a wide range of titles and the collection changes often.

How can I help reduce wait times?

If you finish a book early, please return it. If you forget, ebooks and audiobooks will auto return when the loan period ends.

I have more questions...

We understand that changes can be challenging, and staff is here to support you. If you have questions or need help managing holds, please contact us.

Thank you for your understanding and support. We remain committed to the best possible library experience and appreciate your help as we make these improvements.

Happy reading!

Many Americans suffer from a lack of connection with others.  The Surgeon General’s 2023 report Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation explains how loneliness is “far more than just a bad feeling—it harms both individual and societal health. It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death.”

How to combat loneliness and isolation?

One place to start is by viewing a past library presentation by Paul Mangal, PhD. In the presentation, Dr. Mangal discusses the health impacts of social isolation and provides practical tips for connecting with others.  The presentation may be viewed on YouTube.

Additionally, check out this list of books on Belonging and Connection, that you can put on hold to check out from the library. 

The list below provides further resources for older adults in Marin County to connect with others: at the Marin County Free Library; through other Marin organizations and services; and through social media and other computer technology.

Connect With Others at the Library

The Marin County Free Library offers many opportunities for connecting with others. Several of our programs take place on a regular basis, providing an opportunity for developing relationships with others in the community who also may attend regularly.

Please note that events listed below may change, so check our Events Calendar before coming to the library. You'll also find many other events listed there.

Stinson Beach Library Coffee Klatch
Join librarians and fellow patrons for coffee, tea, and conversation in both English or Spanish.  Meets every Friday from 10 a.m. – 1p.m. at the Stinson Beach Library.  For more information, call (415) 669-1288.

Fairfax Library Community Poetry Group
Bring your poetry and your creativity to the Fairfax Library’s monthly gathering to learn and to celebrate the written word. There you will collaborate with one another in a welcoming environment using in-class writing, positive feedback, suggested themes and review of poetic forms. Meets on the fourth Monday of each month 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Fairfax Library.  For more information, call (415) 924-3515.

Fairfax Library Fabric and Fiber Makers’ Club - Club de Aficionados de Telas y Fibras
Calling all Quilters, Sewing Sirens, Mending Divas, Knitters, Spinner and Crocheters - Bring your project(s) to work on in a fun and lively social environment. Share your knowledge and expertise! Group meets up at the Fairfax Library, in person, in the Community Room space from 6pm to 7:45pm on the 2nd Monday of each month. For more information, call (415) 924-3515.

Novato Library Knitfest
Meet others with the same interest, get help with patterns and stitches, and get some work done on your projects. Minimal instruction, but lots of knit-related chat. Bring in your own projects to work on in a fun, social environment. Meets the 4th Thursday of the month at 5:30 pm at the Novato Library. For more information, call (415) 473-2050.

Book Clubs
A great way to connect with people is through books! Several of our branches host Book Clubs that meet on a regular basis, both on-site and on Zoom. Check out the link to find a book club that is right for you!

Local Social Service Agencies and Groups

Several Marin County and California organizations offer free services in which one can connect with others by telephone for information, conversation, and emotional support, or through in-person social visits.

AARP Friendly Voice

“We may be isolated, but we don’t have to be alone. Sometimes, just hearing a friendly voice on the other end of the line can help in challenging times. Trained AARP Friendly Voice volunteers will provide a call to say hello.”

• Call us directly at 1-888-281-0145 and leave us your information and we will call you back
• Llámanos directamente al 1-888-497-4108

Friendship Line California  1-888-670-1360

From the Institute of Aging, calling this toll-free number will connect people to a trained team member. “The Friendship Line was created to challenge the idea that aging means isolation, and to provide warm, personal advice without bureaucratic restraints. We offer connection to those who need emotional support and welcome them into our extended community.“ In addition to English they offer services in: Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian, Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Korean.

• Adults age 60+
• Adults living with disabilities of any age
• Caregivers seeking emotional support and guidance

LITA (Love is the Answer): One-to-One Friends

This free program “matches volunteers with residents of long-term care facilities for weekly visits.” LITA’s “100 volunteers … work with 28 of the 55 long-term care facilities throughout Marin. These dedicated volunteers bring personal friendships to the residents, may bring their friendly dog, or even play music. With every visit and through every volunteer interaction, LITA strives to “bring the warmth and vitality of the Marin community directly to residents so that they feel seen, heard and cared about.” For more information, call 415-472-5482.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

“The 988 Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.”

Marin Health & Human Services: Aging and Adult Services
(415) 473-INFO (4636)

• Information and Assistance (I&A) social workers answer calls from the public regarding the full range of social services and related resources available to Marin County older adults, adults with disabilities and family caregivers.
• Assist callers in clarifying their needs and desires
• Language Translation Available: Social workers who speak Spanish are available during business hours.  All language translation services are also available.
• In-depth face-to-face meetings for more complex referrals

Volunteering

In addition to staying active and helping others, volunteering is a way to get to know people and develop friendships. Find volunteer opportunities on the following websites:

• Friends of the Marin County Free Library
• California Volunteers
• County of Marin: Volunteering
• Volunteer Now: Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership

Activities & Classes

Signing up for an activity or class is a great way to meet others. The following organizations offer recreational and educational opportunities for older adults. Some of these organizations may require a fee for membership or for enrolling in a class.

College of Marin: Community Education
“Discover our short-term, not-for-credit courses spanning from personal enrichment to career advancement. Our aim is to provide you with opportunities to develop your interests. We present an extensive selection of enriching classes, engaging events, and opportunities to rent our campus facilities.”

The Emeritus Students College of Marin (ESCOM)
“Emeritus Students of College of Marin (ESCOM) was designed to foster lifelong learning opportunities for adults of Marin County through educational, social, and cultural activities under the auspices of the College of Marin.”

Front Porch: Well Connected
Well Connected is a free “national phone and online community that brings people together to explore, learn, laugh, and share experiences.  Over 3,500 members from across the country join educational, fun, and engaging groups from the comfort of home.”

Marin Villages
Marin Villages is “reimagining aging and community for older adults. Our members and volunteers enjoy living in the places they already call home, coming together for events and celebrations, building new friendships, and supporting each other through the journey of getting older.”  The organization offers “a range of events each month to suit diverse interests, from coffees and meals to books, games, a men's group, needle arts, fine arts, speakers, training, walks, and hikes.”

Marin YMCA
“We provide various activities for Y-Adult ages 60+ years. From exercise classes to trips and lifelong learning programs, seniors will experience a strong sense of belonging and create a network of friends who provide support for sustained health and well-being.”

Osher Marin JCC
“From San Rafael, CA, the Osher Marin Adult Learning & Living program invites all—members, non-members, residents near or far, people of all backgrounds, faiths, ethnicities, fashion styles, chocolate preferences—to explore the arts, build a broader understanding of our world, taste a few treats together, and possibly pick up a new skill or two.”

San Rafael Goldenaires
The San Rafael Goldenaires Senior Citizen Organization "offers adults over the age of 62 the opportunity to meet and socialize with other people. Join us for classes, which include woodcarving, painting, bridge, and more. Our special events include monthly trips to fun destinations around the Bay Area, Broadway theater productions, and extended tours throughout the state. We also have a great time at our monthly themed luncheons, dinner dances and our annual craft fair." Events typically require purchased tickets.

Vivalon
Vivalon “helps Marin County’s older adults and vulnerable residents thrive through the power of human connection with rides, meals, classes, care, advice, and more.”  Check their website for a schedule of classes.

Computer Help

Vivalon: Tech Tutoring
"Schedule a free one-hour tutoring appointment with one of our tech wizards. Bring your questions about any device – computer, tablet, or smart phone. Call 415-456-9062 to schedule an appointment."

Computer Help at the Library

Please note that events listed below may change, so check our Events Calendar before coming to the library.

Marin City Library: Drop-In Tech Help
Need help with your phone or tablet? Want to set up an email account? Want to check out our digital resources? No need to schedule an appointment, just come on in. Saturdays, 12-4 pm. For more information, call (415) 332-6158.

Stinson Beach Library: Drop-in Tech Help and Tips
Do you have questions about your laptop, tablet, or smartphone? Are there programs, apps, or digital library services that you want to learn more about?  We are here to help!  Bring your devices and/or your questions to the Stinson Beach Library on Tuesday evenings and get one-on-one assistance from library staff. Tuesdays 5:30 – 7:30 PM. Call (415) 868-0252 for more information.

Civic Center Library: One-on-One Tech Help
Reserve a one-on-one, 30-minute session with a Library staff member to receive tech help. Learn how to navigate your laptop, tablet, or smartphone with ease and start to understand the programs, apps, and digital library services that you use in your everyday life. Most Wednesdays 11 am - 12 pm by appointment. Sign up in person at the Civic Center Library main desk or call 415-473-6057.

Chromebooks and Hotspots

All our branches have Chromebooks and Wi-Fi Hotspots you can borrow. Hotspots can be placed on hold and check out for 3 weeks. Chromebooks cannot be placed on hold and check out for 2 weeks. It is possible to check them out separately or together, depending on your preference and branch availability. Call your local branch for more information.

Writing and research: Tom & Dan

Why Are Books Being Banned?

In 2025 as well as in previous years, books have been targeted for including diverse perspectives. According to PEN America, books banned from the 2023-2024 school year “overwhelmingly featured stories with people or characters of color and/or LGBTQ+ people.” Also, likely due to the targeting of sexual content, books on recent removal lists often feature romance, women’s sexual experiences, and address rape and sexual abuse. An example of one such ban is the removal of the graphic novel version of The Diary of a Young Girl, which includes sections omitted on its first publication that feature Anne Frank’s discussion and exploration of her sexuality. Contrary to what many might assume, these current demands to rid school shelves of books are coming from state-sponsored organizations more often than concerned parents. In fact, in the state of Florida where book bans have been particularly aggressive, the state’s own board of education has been pressuring school districts to comply or face legal action.

What’s At Stake When Books Are Banned?

Whenever Banned Books Week comes around, I remember the day I walked into my high school library—a library located in a smalltown in the Ohio River Valley and that I visited seldomly since it contained few interesting books—and found our school librarian setting aside items for discard. While “weeding” or pulling books in poor shape and/or that no longer hold interest to patrons is a regular practice in a library, this felt different. I don’t recall a stack as much as a garbage can full of books. Either way, among the heap was Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five, another like Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye and Beloved to find itself yet again in the book banning spotlight. Strangely, the more I reflect on this memory, the more it morphs—had I gone to the card catalog looking for my favorite author, found an entry for one of his classics, and then inquired with the librarian when it was missing from the shelves? Was it that she responded that she had thrown it out?

Although it’s difficult to be sure of the particulars, I remember how I felt knowing my school librarian had tossed out one of my favorites. This was a book I would argue shaped who I am and how I think, an author whom I began reading in the fifth or sixth grade upon finding a yellowed, dogeared paperback of Cat’s Cradle in a dusty box among my mother’s storage boxes, an author I checked out regularly at the public library (after the librarians there, concerned by my reading such “mature” material, spoke to my father and—thank goodness—he told them I could check out and read whatever I wanted).

That day, in high school, I either clutched that copy of Slaughterhouse-Five tight in my hand or, at least, my heart and uttered only one word, “Why?” This librarian’s answer was not that it was old and grimy but that nobody read it. And do I remember a haughty lifting of her head, a scowl even? The only thing I remember beyond that is that a newer copy of that classic of the 20th century, a book regularly assigned in other high school and college courses, was never ordered. In my school, Slaughterhouse-Five stayed in the trash for nobody else ever to find.

In Honor of Banned Books Week 2025

The good news is that many librarians do not fit the outdated, harmful stereotype of the “evil” librarian who shushes everyone and polices what may or may not be read. Instead, they celebrate access to information. In that spirit, here are some staff-created book lists from some of your local librarians. These lists focus on banned classic and newer literature. Predictably, the first includes Kurt Vonnegut’s science-fictional, anti-war, semi-autobiographical Slaughterhouse-Five, or, The Children’s Crusade: A Duty-Dance with Death, which has been banned “because of its use of obscene language, depictions of sexual acts, lack of patriotism, and mentions of homosexuality” and championed for its exploration of the nature of free will, time, trauma, and war. Go ahead and check it out if you’d like. The American Library Association and our librarians know it’s your right to do so.

Classic Banned Books

Challenged Books by Black Authors

Banned and Challenged Book Ideas

Contributed by Sarah Broderick, Community Library Specialist

Sources
https://www.ala.org/bbooks/banned
https://www.ala.org/bbooks/frequentlychallengedbooks/top10
https://www.ala.org/tools/challengesupport/selectionpolicytoolkit/weeding
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/16/florida-new-book-bans
https://entertainment.time.com/2005/10/16/all-time-100-novels/slide/slaughterhouse-five-1969-by-kurt-vonnegut/
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/07/book-bans-pen-america-censorship
https://jweekly.com/2023/06/14/a-new-version-of-anne-franks-diary-is-being-called-pornography-and-getting-banned-from-schools/
https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/what-kurt-vonneguts-slaughterhouse-five-tells-us-now
https://pen.org/banned-books-week/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Librarians_in_popular_culture

Of course, you can see a hill covered in horses from the highway. It makes sense, and yet, I am charmed and thrilled every time I drive past Horse Hill. This glorious site, seen from the 101, is a pasture community of fourteen horses that connects Central Marin. The horses are privately owned, and the space is leased by Alto Bowl Horse Owners Association. Climb to the top of Horse Hill Fire Road for incredible views dotted with horses. Remember to give these amazing creatures plenty of space. Learn more about the space and its history at horsehill.org.

Then there is Blackie, a horse that was so epic, there is a pasture and statue in his honor! A beloved local, who could be seen when driving to and from Tiburon. Blackie lived to be 40 years old and was a retired military horse with a distinct sway back and a whole lot of swag! Read more about him in Blackie, the Horse Who Stood Still and at the Tiburon Peninsula Foundation’s website. 

Morgan Horse Ranch is home to horses that serve and protect. They patrol the Point Reyes National Seashore and assist with seal and tule elk counts. The ranch started 50 years ago as a centralized breeding program for the National Park Service. The last filly was born in 1999. Now, Morgan Horse Ranch focuses on supporting the National Seashore and education. Folks can visit, learn and volunteer at this Marin gem. For more information, visit the following sites: 

• Morgan Horse Ranch – ptreyes.org
• Morgan Horse Ranch – nps.gov  

To learn more about horses, check out these great books from the library:  

Staff Picks: Horses

Photo Credit: Photographer unknown, "Blackie, Greenwood Beach" [Tiburon, CA], undated. Anne T. Kent California Room, Marin County Free Library. 2052.001.006

Contributed by Laura Kennett, Corte Madera Staff

Get Movin’ & Groovin’ at the 2025 Marin Senior Fair

Marin County’s largest senior focused event returns with an abundance of offerings. The 2025 Marin Senior Fair will take place on Wednesday, September 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Marin Center Exhibit Hall in San Rafael. Admission, parking, and transportation are all free, making this an event hard to miss. This year’s theme, “A Day at the Disco – Get Movin’ & Groovin’,” will be a festive atmosphere with music, dancing, and disco themed decorations throughout the venue.

Why should you attend?

• 150+ Exhibitor Booths: Discover a huge range of services and resources covering everything from housing, health, and finance to hobbies, travel, education, and technology.
• All-Day Entertainment: Live performances, dancing, music, and more on the Main Stage.
• Health & Wellness: Limited free flu and COVID shots along with health and wellness education.
• Fun: Try new activities, learn about water coloring, get tech help, explore art and photography exhibits.
• Prizes & Giveaways: Enter the free raffle at the entrance or at the Info Booth (#160) to win exciting prizes. Many exhibitors are also holding giveaways!
• Quilt & Photo Shows: Admire beautiful quilts and have your portrait taken by the Marin Photography Club.

What to Expect

The Marin Senior Fair is a celebration of community, vitality, and active aging. It's designed not only for seniors but also for caregivers, family members, and anyone planning for the future. The event will feature over 150 exhibitor booths offering information, services, and interactive activities across a wide range of topics.

Transportation and Accessibility

The Fair is designed to be easy to access for everyone. Free parking is available at the Marin Center, and a parking lot shuttle runs continuously from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to take you to and from the venue entrance.

Free round trip shuttle service is also available courtesy of Vivalon. Shuttles depart from 930 Tamalpais Avenue in San Rafael approximately every 30 minutes. Service begins at 8:30 a.m., with the last shuttle leaving the Fair at 3:15 p.m. No reservations are needed.

All areas of the Fair are wheelchair accessible. There are a limited number of wheelchairs are available for free loan in the Wellness Center. Onsite emergency medical services will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

What the library offers for seniors?

The Marin County Free Library offers numerous resources for older adults and caregivers. We have books lists on Computing for Seniors, Gardening and Outdoor Exploration for Seniors, and many more topics. If you might not know what you want and are looking for recommendations, you can fill out this form for personalized picks and our librarians will pick out books specifically for you! Seach our catalog from our main website to find more! Additionally, the library has wide variety of ways to watch movies or TV shows from checking out DVD’s to streaming.

If you are looking for connection the library several regular offerings. There are numerous regular book clubs throughout the county which offers great conversations. Fairfax has a community poetry group that meets the fourth Monday of the month. The Novato Library offers a Knitfest program meeting on the fourth Thursday of the month and Fairfax offers a Fabric and Fiber Makers' Club. Check out the events page to explore all our offerings! As always, please reach out to your local branch to find more information and we hope to see you at the Senior Fair.

Contributed by Dan Oleson-Wheeler

Preparaciones y Metas Para el Año Escolar 

Preparaciones

• Lea las comunicaciones de la escuela: Revise las actualizaciones de su escuela, ya sea en persona, por correo, aplicación o correo electrónico. Es probable que incluyan días mínimos, cierres, listas de útiles y actividades especiales.
• Si su hijo asiste a una escuela pública y necesita útiles, pero no puede obtenerlos por razones económicas, comuníquese con su maestro antes de que comience la escuela o comuníquese con la Oficina de Educación del Condado de Marin.
• Asista a la Noche de Regreso a la Escuela: Esta es la reunión más importante del año. Recibirá información clave sobre las expectativas en cuanto a las tareas, las calificaciones, las políticas de los maestros y cómo obtener ayuda. Si solo puede asistir a una reunión, ¡que sea esta!
• Prepárese el día anterior: Prepare el almuerzo, empaque su mochila, revise dos veces la lista de útiles y elija su ropa. Lleve ropa de abrigo o una chamarra ligera por si cambia el clima.

Establecer Metas

El blog del Departamento de Educación de los Estados Unidos anima a establecer metas claras y realistas para mejorar el rendimiento y fomentar la confianza. Por ejemplo, si quiere mejorar sus habilidades matemáticas este año, establezca un plazo, escriba los pasos a seguir y realice un seguimiento periódico de su progreso.

Dato curioso: la Dra. Gail Matthews, de la Universidad Dominicana, descubrió que las personas que escriben sus metas tienen más probabilidades de alcanzarlos. Scholastic también recomienda elegir cada mes una palabra clave con su hija(o) para establecer sus intenciones.

Una Mentalidad de Superación

Un artículo de Harvard Business Review sobre la «mentalidad de superación» señala que el talento se desarrolla mediante el esfuerzo, las buenas estrategias y la retroalimentación. Las calificaciones altas no se obtienen solo con talento, sino con hábitos como estudiar con regularidad, descansar y llevar una alimentación saludable. Concéntrese en las acciones de aprendizaje, no solo en los resultados.

Cómo la Biblioteca le Puede Ayudar

• Ayuda con las Tareas: A partir de septiembre, nuestras sesiones individuales gratuitas (grados 3-10) están a cargo de voluntarios de secundaria en colaboración con la biblioteca. Encuentre ayudantes para los deberes escolares en las bibliotecas de Corte Madera, Fairfax, Civic Center y Novato. Póngase en contacto con su biblioteca para conocer las fechas de inicio y la inscripción.
• Book Place: ¿Necesita un libro escolar? Eche un vistazo al Lugar de los Libros: las ganancias apoyan directamente a la biblioteca. 
• Iniciativas Para la Equidad en la Educación:
  • El Bus del Aprendizaje es un programa preescolar móvil
  • Apoyo integrado a las bibliotecas en los distritos escolares de Sausalito-Marin City y Nicasio
  • Talleres de Creación en South Novato (The Shop) y Marin City (The Lab) 
  • Programas de alfabetización y educación fuera del horario escolar
  • Webstars: Desarrollo laboral juvenil basado en CTIAM/STEAM

¿Está Pensando en Continuar su Educación o Desarrollar Nuevas Habilidades?

Alcance su próxima meta con estos útiles recursos.

• Obtenga un título de preparatoria acreditado y un certificado profesional a través de Career Online High School, con tutoría personalizada y aprendizaje flexible, en cualquier momento y en cualquier lugar.
• Alcance sus metas personales y profesionales con LinkedIn Learning: cursos en línea impartidos por expertos en negocios, software, fotografía, diseño, marketing, tecnología y habilidades creativas. Disponibles para todos los niveles, desde principiante hasta avanzado.

¡Visite la biblioteca!

Nuestro personal puede proporcionarle libros, herramientas digitales, periódicos en línea y recursos de investigación para ayudarle a prosperar este año. Visítenos para explorar, aprender e inspirarse.

Le deseamos un año escolar 2025-2026 lleno de alegría, éxitos y curiosidad. ¡Feliz aprendizaje!

It’s almost time to head back to school! To help you and your family prepare, we’ve put together tips and resources to start the school year with confidence, curiosity, and a fresh set of goals. Grab your notebooks—and take note of your library’s many ways to support you.  

Preparations & Goals for the School Year 

Preparations 

• Read school communications: Check for updates from your school—whether in person, by mail, app, or email. These will likely include minimum days, closures, supply lists, and special activities. 
• Attend Back-to-School Night: This is the most crucial meeting of the year. You’ll receive key details about homework expectations, grading, teacher policies, and how to get help. If you can only attend one meeting—make it this one! 
• Prep the day before: Make lunch, pack your backpack, double-check your supply list, and pick out your outfit. Bring layers or a light jacket for changing weather. 

Goal Setting 

Encourage your student to set clear, achievable goals to boost performance and build confidence. For example, if you want to improve math skills this year, set a timeframe, write down steps, and track progress regularly. 

Fun fact: Dr. Gail Matthews of Dominican University found that people who write down their goals are more likely to achieve them. It is also recommended to choose a focus word each month with your child to set intentions. 

A Growth Mindset for the New Year 

A Harvard Business Review article on “growth mindset” notes that talent grows through effort, good strategies, and feedback. Higher grades don’t come from talent alone—they come from habits like regular study, rest, and healthy eating. Focus on learning actions, not just results. 

How the Library Can Help 

• Homework Helpers: Beginning in September, our free one-on-one sessions (grades 3–10) are run by high school volunteers in partnership with MCFL. Find Homework Helpers at Corte Madera, Fairfax, Civic Center, and Novato Libraries. Contact your library for start dates and registration. 
• The Book Place: Need a school book? Check out The Book Place—profits directly support MCFL. 
• Education Equity Initiatives:
  • The Learning Bus mobile preschool and early childhood programs 
  • Embedded school library support in Sausalito-Marin City and Nicasio School Districts 
  • Makerspaces in Novato (The Shop) and Marin City (The Lab) 
  • Out-of-School Time literacy and education programs 
  • Webstars: S.T.E.A.M.-based youth workforce development for teens 

Thinking of Continuing your Education or Building New Skills?

Reach your next goal with these helpful resources.

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Visit Your Library! 

Our staff can connect you with books, digital tools, online newspapers, and research resources to help you thrive this year. Stop by to explore, learn, and get inspired. 

We wish you a joyful, successful, and curious 2025–2026 school year. Happy learning! 

Since this observance is all about sharing the love of reading and practicing that love in whatever way you enjoy best, we at the library encourage you and other patrons to read in the fashion of your fancy. If it’s sitting at a table at your local library, come on down and visit us. If it’s taking a leisurely walk and listening to a book through your earbuds, that’s great, too. On a train, bus, boat, or plane... At a coffee shop or park bench... In a favorite comfy chair or late at night with the bedcovers over your head... All reading styles always go but especially on National Book Lovers Day!

And fear not, if you are at a loss for what to read, checkout some fun suggestions from the below lists. Or peruse our library stacks or a “Staff Picks” display. And if you still need a little help deciding, send us a message or give us a call. And if you don’t like the book you picked, that’s okay! Put it down. There’s always another waiting to be read that might suit you more.

Books About Books

The Neverending Story

Book Lovers

The Librarianist

Inkheart

The Secret Library

Labyrinths

The Library Book

The Bookshop

The Bookshop: A History of the American Bookstore

In the Stacks

How Can I Help You

Burning the Books

The Book of Stolen Dreams

The Book of Disquiet

Novels About Books and the Writing of Books

Seven Days in June

Yellowface

Misery

Taipei

Great House

The Ghost Writer

Pale Fire

The Plot

Commonwealth

Diary of A Bad Year

The Blind Assassin

Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter

And more!

Writers can never seem to get enough of writing about themselves just as bibliophiles can’t seem to stop adding more to their reading lists.

Confession: While drafting this blog, I added two more books to my stacks.

Enjoy, everyone.

Contributed by Sarah Broderick, Community Library Specialist

Sources:

https://usprogram.gatesfoundation.org/news-and-insights/articles/celebrating-national-book-lovers-day
https://www.fulcolibrary.org/blogs/post/national-book-lovers-day/

Many times over I saw impoverished people in wheelchairs, and I wondered, in a setting where we were out to be celebrating Pride, that we had an intersection here of humanity that needed our help, to help make their lives better. I saw no one coming to their aid, so where was the celebration of our disabled brethren in that? How do we go about lifting up their lives? How do we help to drop the barriers that are keeping those folks from living their best lives possible?

To help smooth out that frustration I visited the Arc of Marin in San Rafael, where I met Jeff, who works with his clients, his participants as he likes to call them, from around the region, helping them to find activities and volunteer duties to do outside of the walls of their very busy facility. I heard stories about his clients' successes, how they learned various skills, like filling commodity bags at the local food bank, or helped groom horses at a nearby equestrian center, or how they learned how to ride local transit independently, or how they would work with non-profit agencies who taught them how to keep facilities clean and tidy.

I had a chance to meet a number of his charges that day before I left. They were filled with smiles and a kind of peaceful energy that comes from a day filled with work well done. It had been a full day for them. They had a chance to sit with a member of Marin County Free Library's outreach team earlier in the day to listen to stories, on top of their other activities that had them working with a regional theatrical group on top of a bit of time at the park. I finally felt less restless with my assignment, as I finally found what I was looking for: a source of pride and joy of being put to work with people with boots on the ground, dedicated folks providing services and helping to build skills that their clients and their families could be proud of.

When planning a big event like Disability Pride Month, I thought it must be hard for organizers, with one Pride month following another, but after meeting with Jeff and his team at the Arc I saw things a bit differently. I found, like with celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, celebrating the disabled community is much in the same vein, much in the same spirit. As people we all want to live happy, productive, inspired, joy-filled lives. We want to have support, be understood, appreciated and cared for. We want government agencies to assist us, protect us, provide laws to ensure that others, who might not be so enlightened, leave us to our own devices, leave us to live our lives in a sort of quiet and peaceful bliss.

When I think of people in my life who have disabilities, people that I knew who just did their best to blend into their work worlds, their volunteer scenes and their public and private lives, I think of how lucky I have been to have known them, to have had them in my life. And that in itself is worthy of celebration, that is my source of pride on this month of Disability Pride month.

How to Celebrate Disability Pride Month

Disability Pride Month is observed in July each year. It commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26, 1990. This month celebrates the achievements, experiences, and challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. It also raises awareness about disability rights and promotes inclusion and accessibility for all.

• Connect  
  • Spend time learning from people with disabilities in real life and online.
  • Watch for disability-led stories in the news.
  • In everyday life, just say hi. Representation and connection start with visibility and respect.

• Learn Disability History and Culture  
  • Learn about key moments in the disability rights movement from UC Berkeley’s archive and The Arc’s history.
  • Learn from people with disabilities through media like Crip Camp, CODA, Demystifying Disability, and Disability Visibility.
  • Follow disabled activists on social media and listen to what they share year-round.
  • Explore books, events and resources at your local library.

• Advocate for Disability Rights and Inclusion  
  • Email your elected officials. Tell them disability rights are non-negotiable.
  • Donate to organizations led by and for people with disabilities such your local Arc chapter.
  • Talk to disabled people in your community. Ask what matters most—and back them up.
  • Challenge ableism. Push back on harmful language and outdated thinking every time you encounter it.
  • Teach the next generation. Use age-appropriate tools like this one from Cincinnati Children’s.

Contributed by Catarina de los Santos