Welcome to the Marin County Free Library! From our beginning in 1927 in the basement of the old Marin County Courthouse in San Rafael, the Marin County Free Library has grown to a network of 10 branches throughout the County as well as two outreach vehicles: our Bookmobile and our Learning Bus (a free preschool on wheels).
Vision
We believe in empowered and thriving communities built on diverse voices and perspectives. We believe in a just Marin that advances equity for communities of color.
Mission
We provide welcoming, equitable, and inclusive opportunities for everyone.
Organizational Values
We work together to center anti-racism and equity.
Diversity
We actively celebrate diverse perspectives while promoting affirming environments that honor each individual’s unique history and lived experience.
Respect
We recognize and center the inherent value in every individual and embrace our differences to foster belonging and connection.
Adaptability
We respond to and evolve with changing community needs.
Communication
We acknowledge, include, and uplift all community voices with transparency and accountability.
Creativity
We challenge the routine, value the imagination of others, and infuse joy into our work.
Jurisdiction and Funding
Funded primarily from its share of property taxes, the Marin County Free Library serves the unincorporated areas of Marin County as well as the cities of Fairfax, Novato and Corte Madera. The County Board of Supervisors appoints the Director of County Library Services, approves the Library budget and has the ultimate responsibility for County Library services. Library Commission members are appointed by the Board of Supervisors and represent each of the five Supervisorial districts. The Library Commission advises the Board of Supervisors and the Director on matters relating to library service.
Cooperation
The Marin County Free Library works with other libraries and organizations to provide the best possible service to our local communities. We are a founding member of MARINet, opens a new window, a consortium of publicly funded Marin libraries, created in 1991 to enable its members to share resources and use information technology to fulfill their missions of serving the public. With our 10 branch libraries, we are the largest member of the consortium and we share a library catalog and resources with our MARINet partners, opens a new window. We are also a member of NorthNet, opens a new window, a regional cooperative of Northern California Libraries and Califa, opens a new window, a regional organization of California libraries. By joining with other institutions, our patrons have access to a wider array of materials and allows us to take advantage of our combined purchasing power.
