Download audio and text eBooks from home!

Have you tried the Library's Digital Books collection yet?

Digital Books is one of four collections of eBooks the public libraries in Marin County subscribe to for you to use. Read or listen to bestseller books on your personal computer, portable audio player, PDA, or other portable device. You can get mystery, horror, romance, travel books, graphic novels, self-improvement, finance, and more! Books are offered as audio eBooks, Adobe PDF titles, and Mobipocket titles (for PDAs).

To download these books you need four things:
· A valid library card from a public library in Marin County
· A personal computer
· Free reader software for your PC, PDA, or audio device (available on the website)
· Brief access to the internet

Please note that the audio books will not work on Macintosh computers or devices, including iPods. There currently does not exist an audio eBook vendor who will both sell to libraries and whose product will work with Macs.

Brown Bag Book Club August Selection

Bring your lunch and join the Brown Bag Book Club on August 24, from 12-1, at the Civic Center Library, for a discussion of The Sweetest Dream by Doris Lessing. The Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month. For more information, email Livia at llewin@co.marin.ca.us, or call (415) 499-6059.

Sing-Along Time for Kids @ Your Library

Sing Along with Just Kidding
Sing along with the terrific duo as they perform traditional American music. You'll participate too! Ages 3 and up.
Novato Library: Wednesday, August 3rd, 11:00 am
Civic Center Library: Wednesday, August 3rd, 3:30 pm

Sing Along with Gary Lapow
Sing along with Gary to a program that teaches children to respect themselves and their communities, reach out to others, and celebrate the many joys of life.
Corte Madera Library: Wednesday, August 3rd, 11:00 am
South Novato Library: Wednesday, August 3rd, 2:30 pm

Teens get Creative at the Library

Save your summer memories in a scrapbook! Learn how to incorporate photos, artwork, and cool graphics into a personal scrapbook at the Corte Madera Library on August 11, 6:30 ~ 8:30 pm. This program is for teens only. Sign up at the Corte Madera Library or call 924-6444.
What to bring: images, stamps, colored pencils/pens, scissors/decorative scissors, mementos, etc.


Corte Madera teens enjoyed the first scrapbooking evening on July 19th.

Mystery night for Teens at Novato Library!

The crime: a body in the billiard room.
The victim: Nathan Masters, champion billiards player.
The scene: Skylark Mansion.
The date: Thursday, August 4th.
The time: 7 pm.
The place: Novato Library.
The master detective: You!
Teens, come prepared to examine the evidence, question the suspects and solve this mystery! Sign up in person for this free program at the Novato Library adult reference desk or call 897-1142.

Volunteer at the Library!

Contact your local branch for volunteer opportunities! Some of the things our volunteers are currently doing include:

• Mending books and cleaning book covers
• Staffing the information table at the annual Super Sale booksale
• Cleaning CDs and DVDs
• Assisting with displays
• Shelving library materials
• Tutoring Internet and PC beginners

The Library greatly appreciates all the hard work of our volunteers!

Get a Library Card!

With your Marin County Free Library card, you can borrow books, CDs, DVDs, and other materials from our branches; access our online databases from home, work, or school; and access the Internet using our Public Use Computers.

Application forms are available online, in English and Spanish.

Go for it!

Dazzling flower baskets at the Corte Madera Library

Flower baskets hanging at the entrance to the Corte Madera Library are at their glorious height. The baskets are a gift from the Friends of the Marin County Free Library and are a part of a town-wide project sponsored by the Corte Madera Beautification Committee. Their brilliant blooms are impossible to miss as you enter the library!

Bubbles and Acrobats

Join us at the library for some wonderfully fun events--just for kids!

	The Bubble Lady See what a true bubble artist can do! For ages 4 and up. Novato Library: Monday, July 25th, 11:00 am Civic Center Library: Monday, July 25th, 3:00 pm
	Dan Chan's Acrobatics and Magic Dan Chan the Magic Man performs magic, juggling, acrobatics, balloon sculpture, escapes, and more. Marin City Library: Thursday, July 28th, 11:00 am Corte Madera Library: Thursdsay, July 28th, 2:00 pm Fairfax Library: Thursdsay, July 28th, 7:30 pm

Exercise @ the Library!

Physical Therapist Amy Hayes will be speaking at the Civic Center Library on Thursday, July 28th from noon–1pm on creating the best exercise for the individual.

Finding the type of exercise that feels great and matches one’s own personality and lifestyle contributes to healthy mind and mood benefits. Amy will work with participants to help them identify the exercise categories that are a match for long-term health benefits and enjoyments.

Look in a book!

Singer/Songwriter Gary Lapow will wow you with his wonderful music and lyrical approach to books during two programs this week at Marin County Free Library Branches. Children ages 4 and up are invited to join Gary for a musical celebration of the written word as he presents "Look in a Book!" at the Fairfax Library this Tuesday, July 19th at 11am. He will also appear at the Marin City Library on Wednesday, July 20th at 11am. Come and enjoy the joyful sounds that await when you look in a book!

On the edge of the world...

Wedesday, July 20th, at 7pm at the Novato Library, Tacy Dunham, I.J. columnist and travel writer, presents great slides and fascinating stories about her recent 9-day hike to Machu Picchu. Built high in the Peruvian Andes, the "lost city of the Incas" is a mysterious and spectacular legacy of the Inca people. Come join us!

What should I read next? Or listen to, or watch, or...

Every month, the library sends out its e-mail newsletter stacked to the gills with good information. You can subscribe too by going to the newsletter webpage and clicking on the "Subscribe to this page" link.

July's newsletter featured the debut of our expanded "Featured Selections" section. We have lists of upcoming bestsellers (quick--place your hold now!), new audio books, downloadable audio eBooks, new DVDs & videos, orchestral music CDs, and books for teens! Check it out!

Looking for a good summer read?

There's a summer's worth of book lists, and more, on our Readers Corner page, including Recommended Reads for Adults, Teens and Kids. Two of the latest lists for adults are Chicklit: Hip, Sassy Literature for Today's Woman and Dying of Laughter: Humorous Mysteries, both created by librarians at the Corte Madera Library. If you see a book that looks interesting, you can check if it is available by going to the library's online catalog. You can also call the library and we'll be happy to help you find a copy. Don't forget, the library also has paperback books, perfect for taking on a trip. Check us out....

Going to the dog!

Dana Smith and his wonder dog Lacey will be performing daring deeds and fabulous feats this Wednesday, July 13th, at several Marin County Free Library branches! Dana performs fire juggling and makes magic while Lacey sings and leaps over willing volunteers. This exciting event is for children ages 3 and up. See Dana and Lacey at the Corte Madera Library at 11am, the Civic Center Library at 3:30pm and the Novato Library at 7pm. They will amaze and amuse you with a doggone great show!

Acting up at the Library!

If you are a teen between the ages of 11-17 who is interested in learning acting and improv skills, a golden opportunity awaits you at the Novato Library on Monday, July 11th or the South Novato Library on Thursday, July 14th when Hollywood actor Jeff Weissman will be offering his popular Acting and Improv workshop! At each library, this free workshop will begin at 4pm with an actual performance scheduled later in the evening at 7pm. For the July 11th workshop, stop by the Novato Library reference desk to sign up or phone 897-1142 for more details. For the July 14th workshop, sign up at the South Novato reference desk or phone 506-3168.

Renaissance Faire Discounts (but only with your library card!)

It pays to have a library card this Summer!

The Heart of the Forest Renaissance Faire in Novato is welcoming library patrons to share in this year's festivities, Saturdays and Sundays from July 9 through August 14. Adults who show their library card will get $3 off admission!

In addition, the creators of the Faire have developed a new interactive online activity called Timegames, which combines history & theatre through virtual reality, allowing patrons to explore different eras. Students aged 6-16, who play Timegames and participate in our Summer Reading Program will qualify for FREE entrance to the fair by following simple rules on the Timegames website.

Ernest Lehman

Renowned screenwriter Ernest Lehman died yesterday, at the age of 89. Celebrate his career by checking out one of the many films he authored, including The King and I, The Sound of Music, West Side Story, and North by Northwest.

If you are interested in screenwriting, the library has many materials that can help you improve your craft, and screenplays you can study.

And remember - if you ever want to view a list of all the DVDs or videos available system-wide, or on a branch level, see our Quick Searches page.

If you'd like to read more about Mr. Lehman, take a look at our Biography Resource Center and Literature Resource Center databases. Both of these databases, and many others, are accessible from home, as well as in all of the branches of the Marin County Free Library.

"Turning the Pages in the Library" July show now online!

The July edition of the Library's radio show, "Turning the Pages in the Library," is now online!

Listen to your host, Dan Carr, discuss the state of American libraries and share some great clips from audio books with you.

You can listen to the entire show through the streaming audio file on our website!

Looking For a Summer Job?

Are you a teen seeking a job for the summer? Check our Teen site for links to Job and Career Resources for Teenagers, the Five Worst Teen Jobs 2005, and more. The Teen site also features lists of recommended books, cds, and videos; things to do if you're bored; and reviews written by teens (if you are a teen, we want to hear from you!).

Royal Rumpus right this way!

Hear Ye, Hear Ye!
We do here proclaim that a Royal Rumpus shall be held this very week for such young members of our kingdom fair who dare to join in fun and festive times with us! The talents of storyteller Pam Brown will be shared with the first 40 children of school age that do appear at our Fairfax Library this Thursday, July 7th at 11am. She will also appear anon at the Civic Center Library on that same date at 3pm to regale her audience with the most wonderous of tales and instruct them in the fine art of stamp craft! Come one and all to these programs free!

Computer Tutoring at the Civic Center Library

The Civic Center Library offers free, one-on-one tutoring on using the library catalog and databases, Microsoft Word, Excel, searching the Internet, and email. Previous experience with computers is not required -- for more information, or to schedule a session, call Tom at 507-4049.

Email Basics Class

Join a hands-on class at the Civic Center Library in setting up a free email account, sending and receiving messages, and accessing email. Space is limited to two people per class. For more information, call Tom at 507-4049.

Brown Bag Book Club July selection

Join the Brown Bag Book Club on July 27, from 12-1, for a discussion of Jane Austen's Emma. The Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month, at the Civic Center Library. For more information, email Livia at llewin@co.marin.ca.us, or call (415) 499-6059.