Library Beyond Walls provides in-home delivery of library books, tapes, CDs, and other materials to Marin County Free Library patrons who have a permanent or temporary disability that prevents them from getting to a branch of the library system.  We can also assist patrons in making use of our electronic resources, both for listening and reading.

Patrons receive deliveries at least once a month from trained volunteers. Materials are checked out to a patron, on his or her library card, for up to six weeks.

If you or a family member or friend might be interested in our delivery service, click to print out a patron application packet.  Once it is filled out you can mail it to us or drop it off at your nearest Marin County Free Library branch.

If you or a family member or friend would be interested in assistance with accessing our electronic resources, please contact our office at 415-663-8818.

Become a Library Beyond Walls Volunteer

Do you love libraries and the opportunities they provide for personal enrichment and enjoyment?  Would you like to help fellow Marin County residents continue to enjoy those benefits when they are unable to visit a library themselves? 

Whether due to injury or infirmity, many of our fellow citizens are deprived of that simple pleasure, for brief periods of time or on a more permanent basis.  Library Beyond Walls is designed to meet that need, through the help of our dedicated volunteers.

Please consider volunteering for this program!  You can do that in a variety of ways: call our office at 415-663-8818; download and fill out a volunteer application from this site; mention your interest to a staff member at your local Marin County Free Library branch; or contact Civic Center Volunteers at 415-499-7407.

Thank you for considering Library Beyond Walls!

Accessibility of Branches

All branches of the Marin County Free Library system offer handicapped parking, ADA-compliant accessible entrances and restrooms for the convenience of all our guests.

For information about specific branch accessibility, please contact the branch directly.

ADA Computer Workstations

The Marin County Free Library is committed to ensuring accessible facilities. Public meetings and events sponsored or conducted by the Library are held in accessible sites. To request sign interpretation or other accommodation, call 415/499-3220 (voice) 711 (California Relay Service) at least four work days in advance of the event.

The following is a list of some additional websites you might find helpful:

County of Marin, Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services

Resources for Older Adults in Marin County

Whistlestop         

West Marin Senior Services                             

San Rafael Public Library, Outreach Program (for residents of the City of San Rafael)

Events of Interest to Seniors in Marin (marin.org calendar)

Online Book Club for Seniors

Thanks so much for bringing me those books!  I'm in the process of setting up a website about Bella, my dog, and those materials have helped get me started – Deirdre, Mill Valley
 

It gives me a great deal of satisfaction knowing I am bringing the library to those who can't get there themselves. I feel that I am helping those who are homebound to 'get out.' - Janet, Mill Valley
 

I am 88 years old and no longer drive a car. My home, on a beautiful hillside above Mill Valley, can be extremely isolating. My life is enriched not only by the books but also by the connections bringing me the feeling of friendly support. This service is Priceless. – Robin, Mill Valley
 

Library Beyond Walls is a real life-saver, making my interactions with the library so much easier.  My volunteer is great! She is friendly and prompt, and she is always making great suggestions. Thank you for this helpful service. – Martha, Fairfax
 

Library Beyond Walls means so much to me!  I can't walk to the library, as close as I live, but I can't imagine life without books.  Not having access to a library would be so lonely for me; books are my best friends.  Library Beyond Walls and my volunteer bring those friends to me. – Ernestine, Fairfax

It can be so frustrating to have a medical condition that leaves you homebound and removed from the regular flow of life.  My volunteer has helped me to stay connected to all the countless things that world has to offer through books, audio recordings, magazines, and more.  I am very grateful for the LBW program. - Jonathan, San Rafael
 

Having access to the library resources enriches my life. When I became disabled, one of the support systems that have broadened my horizons, is the Library Beyond Walls program. The people who have been my volunteers have expanded and enhanced my universe. - Sushila, San Rafael
 

My patrons for LBW usually become friends, or were friends already. Because I always must have something to read, I like fulfilling that need for others.  My friend who has Parkinson's enjoys listening to westerns on CD.  Jerry, who's in a wheelchair, likes most recent publications.  Margaret, who's 95, is most active, but can't see to read, and loves mysteries on CD. Sheila devours pleasant novels from her lounge.  None live far away, so I can keep close tabs on what and when they need books or books on CD.  I enjoy my visits to the library, usually leaving with bags of books for my patrons. – Jean, San Rafael
 

It's such a lovely service! – Sheila, San Rafael
 

I feel inarticulate in terms of a statement that expresses my appreciation for LBW.  I hope others can help portray what a wonderful service it is to the community ... and also encourage folks to volunteer ... as well as getting out the word to others who might benefit from receiving the service. I heart LBW!! – Eileen, Kentfield