Fall for Books at Corte Madera

The Morning Book Discussion Group at the Corte Madera Library will be kicking off the season by reading The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. If you'd like to read the book and join in a lively exchange, come to the Corte Madera Library on Wednesday, September 15th, at 10 a.m. The rest of the line-up for fall includes Hanna's Daughters by Marianne Fredriksson on October 20th, and Daisy Miller by Henry James on November 17th. For more information, please call 924-6444.

Homework help just one click away!

School has started and we're here to help with special databases like Biography Resource Center, CQ Researcher, Literature Resource Center, Opposing Viewpoints, an online version of World Book Encyclopedia and much more! Remember to check the Student Resources section on our Databases webpage when you need help with a homework assignment.

How Do I?

Do you have questions about library cards, renewals, branch locations, obituary requests, wireless access, or other library services? Find answers to these and other questions on our How Do I? page.

Eat Lunch and Talk Books

The Civic Center Brown Bag Book Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month, from 12 noon to 1. Up for discussion in September is Annie Proulx's novel about a Newfoundland fishing town, the Shipping News. For more information, call Becky or Livia at 499.6058, or e-mail ldimare@co.marin.ca.us.

Libros en Español ~ Books in Spanish

New at the Corte Madera Library is a growing collection of books in Spanish. Fiction will make up the majority of the collection but some biographies and other high interest nonfiction books can also be found. Several magazines and a Spanish/English newspaper will be coming soon. Visit the Corte Madera Library or the online catalog to
see the ever expanding list of titles.

Consumer Information on the Web

ConsumerReports.org (the website of the well-known Consumer Reports magazine) has recently added e-ratings to its website. What are e-ratings, you might ask? Well, they're a pre-selected group of consumer-related websites that "help consumers navigate the web efficiently, effectively, and with confidence." With categories like auctions, auto insurance, electronics, pet supplies, and travel, there's something for everyone. The Library also has a list of consumer-related web links on its Reference Links page. Between these two resources, you should be able to find any kind of consumer information that you are seeking!

Let us buy it for you!

Is there a book, magazine, music CD, movie, or audiobook you'd like the Library to buy? Just fill out our suggestion form! While we can't promise to purchase all recommended items, we certainly welcome all suggestions!

Senior Links

Looking for a list of local senior services? Interested in information on Eldercare resources and associations? Seeking a searchable directory of federal sites that focuses on senior issues and needs? Just go to the "Senior Services" section of our "Reference Links" page to find these helpful links and more!

Historical Marin Photo Albums Online!

We invite you to explore two new photo albums documenting the history of Marin County, now available on the California Room Digital Archive:

San Rafael Illustrated: Lithographs of early San Rafael including views of homes, businesses, churches, trains, ferries and the Marin County countryside.

The Country Club at Bear Valley: One of the oldest hunting clubs in Northern California, The Country Club in Bear Valley was established in 1890 by members of the Pacific Union Club in San Francisco who were seeking a bucolic spot with plenty of fish and game for their sporting activities. It was located in Point Reyes, near what is now the Bear Valley picnic area. This album, probably one of a limited number put together for club members, dates from circa 1890-1895.

Ooh, pretty flowers!

Come to the South Novato Library Tuesday, August 31st at 6:30 pm for a class on drying flowers--for gifts, for decorations, or simply for yourself! Master Gardener Clara Arvai will present techniques for drying some of the beautiful Summer flowers we have here in Marin. For more information, call (415) 506-3164.

Readers, Read This!

A recent addition to our Web site, the Readers Corner provides links to Marin County Free Library book clubs, databases, electronic books, and booklists.

Free Tutoring at the Civic Center Library

The Civic Center Library offers free, one-on-one tutoring on using the Library Catalog, the databases in the library, Microst Word, Excel, and the Internet. Basic computer skills -- familiarity with using a mouse and keyboard -- required. For more information, or to schedule a session, call (415)507-4049.

Clowning Around

Owen Baker-Flynn tickles everyone’s funny bone with his inspired silliness at Corte Madera Library on Wednesday, August 18th at 11 am and at Fairfax Library on Thursday, August 19th at 11 am. Owen's clowning around and juggling talents are sure to delight children ages 3 and up so come and enjoy the laughter this week at these Marin County Free Library branches!

AstroWizard Antics!

Kids and adults alike are invited to the South Novato Library for the AstroWizard Telescopes and 3D Slide Show on Thursday, August 19th at 6:30 pm. The AstroWizard, Dave Rodrigues, teaches at the Morrison Planetarium & assisted in the rescue of Apollo 13! Ages 8+.

New Library Website

The Marin County Free Library's website has a new look! Direct links on the homepage to our databases, Spanish-language services, the California History Room Digital Archive, holds, & renewals will make finding what you need on our website that much easier! Let us know what you think by e-mailing the webmaster at shoughton@co.marin.ca.us

Links to Marin History

Have you ever wondered about the history of fire lookout stations on Mount Tamalpais? Are you interested in photographs of the "Crookedest Railroad in the World"? Have you tried to find a list of California State Historical Landmarks in Marin? Answers to all these questions are just a click away in our new "Local History" category on our Reference Links webpage. Our reference librarians are constantly on the watch for interesting and informative websites to add as Reference Links so don't forget to check this page whenever you visit our website.

Riding the Railroad in Marin County, circa 1900

Experience what it was like to take the train through Marin County at the turn of the last century, via the current exhibit in the Anne T. Kent California Room at the Civic Center Library. You will begin your journey at the San Francisco Ferry Building and end in the West Marin town of Tomales. Along the way you will pass such landmarks as the Hotel Larkspur, Pastori's resort in Fairfax and Taylorville. The exhibit will remain up until the middle of September. Subsequently, it will form part of the California Room Digital Archive where you can experience more of Marin County's past: http://co.marin.ca.us/library/crm/kentmain.html

Epic Fantasies for Kids (& Adults!)

Have you enjoyed the Harry Potter series? Our children's librarians have five epic fantasies that they recommend for kids of all ages--all of them over 450 pages too! Pick one, pull up a beach chair, and enjoy a nice long fantasy read this summer...

Watercolor Exhibit at the Corte Madera Library

On exhibit through August 29 at the Corte Madera Library are watercolors by local artist Christel Flueter. The display features paintings of poppies along with a poem, and is located in the space across from the Circulation Desk.

Lights, Camera, Bubbles!

Come to Fairfax Library on Tuesday, Aug.3 at 11am and prepare to be amazed by Louis Pearl, The Bubble Man! Louis Pearl has been "bubbling professionally" since 1980, authoring books on bubbling and creating 21 bubble inventions. He will not only amaze, amuse and astound you but also teach you about the science of bubble-ology. This fun program by a truly bubbly performer is sure to delight children ages 4 and up.