Services
Community Resources
A list of phone numbers and websites that provide various forms of support in Marin.
Your Account
Submit an application via this online form and pick up your physical library card next time you visit us in person. If you are under 13, your parent or legal guardian must come with you to the library, and bring their photo I.D. The parent or legal guardian is responsible for items checked out on the child’s card and any related fines and fees.
If you are a staff member at a school, non-profit, or community service organization, you can apply for an institutional library card.
To change your PIN/Password on your account, do that here.
Student MyCard/ MiTarjeta de Estudiante
The San Rafael Public Library is proud to partner with the Marin County Free Library and San Rafael City Schools to expand student access to educational and entertaining books, homework help, movies and more. Librarians from the San Rafael Public Library and Marin County Free Library will provide every TK-12th grade student with a free library card. (If your child already has a card, both cards may be used and will work.) Elementary students will receive them at school and middle and high school students can use their student ID as a library card.
Our local libraries are places for children, families and caregivers to connect, learn and grow together. Research indicates:
- Children who have library cards and visit the library perform better in school.
- Public library staff help students learn how to do age-appropriate Internet searches and participate in online tutoring and using resources for homework help using free, public-access computers.
- A library card is the most important school supply.
To opt out, print and sign this opt-out form (español) and return it to your school office.
Once you log in with your library card number and password, you can see a list of everything you have checked out, renew your items, and place holds as well as search the catalog.
Smartphone users can download the MARINet app for easy account access – and the app will store a virtual library card, so no need to bring the real thing in with you!
Events For All Ages
We offer events for patrons of all ages in English and Spanish! Check our calendar of events to see all our offerings, including virtual programs, book clubs, monthly art talks, ESL conversation club, and more.
Digital Materials
eBooks, Magazines, Movies, Music
Find a huge selection of eBooks, eAudiobooks, movies, music, and magazines online.
Newspapers, databases, and learning resources all accessible with your library card.
Digital collections featuring local art, history, music, and writing. Submissions are welcome!
Books
Explore booklists created by MARINet staff in the online catalog by selecting “Lists” in the “Search by” field.
We also have lists of award winners and best sellers.
- Club de Lectura para adultos, se reúne el primer viernes del mes.
- Books Beyond Borders for middle graders, meets first Wednesday each month.
- Quarterly Classics Book Club for adults, meets first Thursday of every third month, starting in February 2025.
Check our event calendar for more information and to register.
Place holds on books that are not available in the MARINet catalog from participating libraries in California and Nevada.
Can’t find what you’re looking for in the MARINet catalog or in Link+? Try our Zip Books program, funded by the California State Library.
Looking for something you’d like us to add to our collection that you can’t find through Zip Books or Link+? Let us know. We evaluate all requests but cannot always fulfill them.
Library of Things
Marin Municipal Water District, day-use parking pass good for one passenger vehicle entry and parking at Sky Oaks Gateway, Bon Tempe Lake, and Lagunitas Picnic Area.
California State Library Parks Passes available for day-use parking pass at over 200 California State Parks.
The San Rafael Public Library is now offering bike locks for patrons to use while they visit the 4th street Downtown Pop-Up or Pickleweed Libraries!
Discover & Go provides FREE or discounted passes to local museums and cultural institutions. In order to make a reservation, you must be 16 years of age or older, a resident of Marin County, and have a valid library card.
Courtesy Charging Station
The 4th Street Pop-Up Library now offers a courtesy charging station, providing a convenient solution for patrons who need to recharge their electronic devices while enjoying their time in the library! The charging tower is equipped with multiple outlets, USB, USB C ports and wireless charging. Staff is not responsible for devices left unattended. This service is free to use.
Tech & Information Services
Public Access Computers and WiFi
Library computers can be used on a first come, first served basis for 2 hours – no reservations required. Free gigabit wifi at the Downtown, Pickleweed, and Northgate libraries.
Currently not available until late summer of 2025.
Create digital copies of your treasured family photographs, slides, negatives, and documents. Usually this service is by appointment only, but it’s currently on hiatus until further notice.
Our Drop-In 3D Printing program is currently on hiatus until further notice.
We are offering Drop-In Virtual Reality at our Northgate Library on select days and times, available to patrons 13+. Please see our calendar of events to find out when you can drop-in! Be sure to read our VR Guidelines and FAQs prior to dropping-in.
Get advanced one-on-one tech help from a volunteer Tech Tutor. By appointment only.
In-Depth Research, Reference, and Readers’ Advisory
Do you have an in-depth research or reference question? Get in touch!
After-School Homework and Reading Help STARTING IN FEBRUARY 2025!
Free drop-in, in-person homework and reading help for grades 1-8.
4th Street Pop-Up Library: Mondays and Wednesdays, 4 to 6 PM.
Pickleweed Library: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4 to 6 PM
Kids will be helped in a first come, first served basis.
In partnership with Dominican University.