Ross, California: the People, the Places, the History

The authors of the recently published history of Ross, Ross, California: the People, the Places, the History, will discuss their book and research at the Corte Madera Library on Thursday, November 13, 2008, at 7 p.m.

All facilities are wheelchair accessible. To request sign interpretation or other accommodation, call 415/499-3220 (voice) or 711 (California Relay Service) three working days prior to the event.

Listen In

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR “LISTEN IN!”

The Corte Madera Library is launching a new program called “Listen In!” Librarians and volunteers will visit assisted living and senior homes to read aloud to interested residents. We are starting on December 4 at Aegis in Corte Madera. Initially, readings will take place every other Thursday at 2 p.m., for about 30 minutes. If the program is successful and enough volunteers are found, we will increase the readings to once a week and perhaps extend the time.

Librarians will assist in the selection of readings, based on suggestions from the audience.

If you would like to participate by reading aloud in local assisted living or senior homes, please contact the library at 924-6444 or 924-6219. Simple application forms for volunteers are available in the Library, or we would be happy to send you one.

An Evening of Music with Joseph Bacon

You are invited to attend a special musical performance by classical guitarist Joseph Bacon at the Fairfax Library on Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 7:30-8:30 p.m. During this concert, Mr. Bacon will play a selection of classical guitar music from the 16th-20th centuries. In addition to guitar, Mr. Bacon will also play a Spanish Renaissance instrument called the Vihuela. An accomplished musician, Mr. Bacon has studied with Andres Segovia, Ida Presti, Alexander Lagoya and Julian Bream, in addition to an extended study of Indian music with Ustad Ali Akbar Kahn. He has performed in London, New York, San Francisco and Italy. For more information on this free concert, please contact the Fairfax Library at 457-5629.

Civic Center Library Book Club - Dec. Selection

Join the Brown Bag Book Club on December 3, from 12-1, for a discussion of Margaret Atwood's Oryx and Crake. The club meets monthly at the Civic Center Library and new members are always welcome! For more information, call 499-6102.

Getting Started with Digital Photography!

Come to the Novato Library on Thursday, Oct. 23rd, to learn how to get started with digital photography! This free workshop for adults will be led by Chris Willis, an accomplished local photographer and experienced instructor. The workshop will be held from 7-8:30 pm. For additional information, contact the Novato Library at 897-1142.

Civic Center Library Book Club - Oct. Selection

Join the Brown Bag Book Club on October 22, from 12-1, for a discussion of the play Under Milk Wood, by Dylan Thomas. The club meets monthly at the Civic Center Library and new members are always welcome! For more information, call 499-6102.

American Folk Music program

Author Tim Holt returns to present a fascinating program on the history of American folksongs at the Marin City Library on Tuesday, Oct. 14th from 7-8:30pm. Tim will talk about folk music from Appalachian ballads to Woody Guthrie songs from the days of the Great Depression. He will discuss trace American folk music origins in the British Isles and West Africa. Tim will be also sing American folksongs that represent various aspects of our history and culture. For more information about this musical program, please call the Marin City Library at 332-6157.

Catalog Shortcuts

Here's a tip for searching the library's catalog: if you want to find out what DVDs the library has, or what audiobooks, or large type books, or music, or just browse what's new... there is a shortcut. Use the Quick Searches on our website to look for those items in the whole county, or in a particular branch of the Marin County Free Library System. The Quick Searches for each branch are also available on each branch page. Questions? You can always ask us a question-- librarians live for questions! We're happy to help you find the information you see

Exercise Your Mind

The Morning Book Discussion Group at the Corte Madera Library meets the third Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. The book group is the perfect place to find an engaging conversation, explore new perspectives gained from the world of literature, and share insights with fellow readers. On October 15th we will be discussing The Tortilla Curtain by T. Coraghessan Boyle. Please join us for tea and a lively discussion.

History of Nicasio

Author, Anne M. Papina, gives an illustrated talk on the history of Nicasio where five generations of her family have lived and worked. Nicasio, forms part of Arcadia’s Images of America series. A book-signing will follow the talk.

When: Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Time: 12 – 1 p.m.
Where: Board of Supervisors Planning Chambers
Room 330, Civic Center Administration Building

Sponsored by the Anne T. Kent California Room

For more information call: 499-7419

Woody Guthrie & the Great American Folk Song

Corte Madera Library hosts author and singer Tim Holt on Wednesday, October 15, 2008, at 7 p.m. Come listen to a presentation of the history of American folksong, from the old-time ballads of Appalachia to the ramblin', Depression-era songs of Woody Guthrie. He will also discuss the origins of our folk music and sing a variety of American folksongs.

All facilities are wheelchair accessible. To request sign interpretation or other accommodation, call 415/499-3220 (voice) or 711 (California Relay Service) three working days prior to the event.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Marin County Free Library.

New Consumer Health database

Consumer Health Complete is a new database providing access to medical encyclopedias, reports and magazine articles about health topics. Using this new database, you can find up-to-date information about medical conditions, drugs and alternative medicine. You can email articles or reports from this database and even view videos on health topics. Access this informative new database in the library by clicking on the “Reference Databases” option in the catalog or from a work, school or home computer by visiting our website at http://marinlibrary.org (you will need your library card for remote access).

Frequently Asked Questions About the Library

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 Frequently Asked Questions page.

Closing Books Shuts Out Ideas

Celebrate the Freedom to Read during Banned Books Week! Visit your local library and check out a book.

Curious about banned books? Here's a list of the Top 100 Banned/Challenged Books in 2000-2007, courtesy of the American Library Association.

Banned Books Week was started by the Office for Intellectual Freedom of the American Library Association.

Bicycling in Marin

Kim Baenisch, Executive Director of the Marin County Bicycle Coalition, will discuss the state of bicycling in Marin County. She will highlight the efforts of MCBC to improve bicycle and pedestrian programs and facilities in the county over the last ten years. She will also provide information about free MCBC bicycle safety classes, recreational biking opportunities and the environmental benefits of biking.

When: October 15, 2008

Time: 12 noon to 1 pm

Where: Civic Center Library, Room 427

3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903

This is a free event.

If you have any questions, please contact the Reference Desk at 499-6058.

Marin Master Gardeners - Colorful Gardens

Colorful Gardens

Fall is a great time to plant in Marin. Learn from the Marin Master Gardeners how to create colorful gardens using deer-resistant, drought-tolerant perennials.


When: October 17, 2008
Time: 12 noon to 1 pm
Where: Board of Supervisors Chamber, Room 330
Marin County Civic Center

This free event is sponsored by the Civic Center Library.

If you have any questions, please call the Civic Center Library Reference desk at 499-6058.