Top Questions

You can get a library card either by applying online or in person at the library.

Applying Online

You can apply online, opens a new window for an instant library card. To use the online application, you need to be a resident of Marin County. You will be able to access online resources and place holds on items for pickup. (Some online resources may take up to 24 hours to become available). When you come into the library, you can also get a physical library card.

If you live outside Marin County, you will need to apply in person at the library.

Applying In Person

To apply in person at any branch, you will need to bring a valid Driver’s License or other official photo identification.

If you are a visitor from out-of-state, you can apply for a Visitor’s Card. It costs $10 and is good for 3 months.

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. 

Related: | |

Whether or not you have had a PIN/password before, you can get a new one on the MARINet Request a New Password (PIN), opens a new window page. You will be emailed a link to reset your PIN/password. 

PIN/passwords can contain numbers and/or letters and must be from 4 to 30 characters long. 

You should avoid using common words or phrases and never include personal information. Some combinations, such as repeated characters or patterns, are not complex enough to be a password. 

Some Library services will refer to a PIN and others refer to a password. These are the same thing. 

Related: | | |

We no longer charge late fees on any of our items, including Link+ materials. 

Replacement fees for any lost or damaged materials still apply. 

Please note that items belonging to the Dominican University library may still be subject to late fees. All other libraries in Marin are no longer charging late fees. 

Late Fee Limits

If you owe more than $10, you will need to pay down your balance in order to check out again.

Related:

We are now offering automatic renewals of any items that can be renewed. If an item can be renewed (i.e. if there’s no one waiting for it, and it hasn’t already been renewed the maximum number of times), then it will automatically be renewed. Please be sure to check your library reminder notices for any items coming due, as not all items can be renewed. (Automatic renewal does not apply to eBooks.)

Two renewals are allowed on most items, except LINK+ items, Lucky Day DVDs, video games, and items that have been requested by other patrons. Items renew for the same period of time as the original checkout.

Link+ items can be renewed one time, unless the item has been requested at the owning library.  Renewal requests for Link+ items may be made in the 3 days prior to the due date.

Note: Renewals for items belonging to other Marin libraries may differ, as they set their own policies.

There are 3 ways to renew an item:

  • Online by logging in to My Account using your library card number and PIN/password. Click on “Checked Out Items”, then either “Renew All” or “Renew Selected”, then click “Yes” to confirm. Please check the screen carefully to make sure that the items were renewed.
  • By phone to any branch during open hours. Please have your library card number ready.
  • In person at any branch during open hours. Please bring either your library card or items to be renewed.

Related:

Our network name is Library. No password is required.

You will need to agree to our Acceptable Use Wireless Policy. After reading our Wireless Policy, click on “Accept” at the bottom of the page.

Your computer or device will need to have an activated wireless network card.

If you normally use other wireless networks, your computer may not connect automatically. You may have to go into the “settings” area of your device to find our network.

Because laptops and devices vary greatly, Marin County Free Library staff cannot offer technical assistance with establishing a wireless connection nor handle privately owned equipment. You are responsible for setting up your own equipment. If you are not familiar with configuring computers or networking, we recommend consulting your device’s manual.

Wireless Network users will not be able to use FTP (file transfer protocol), file share, or outgoing SMTP (simple mail transfer protocol). You can access web-based email using a laptop such as gmail, yahoo mail, etc.

The Marin County Free Library is not responsible for any changes that you make to your computer’s settings and cannot guarantee that your hardware will work with our wireless connection. We recommend that users read their PC and/or Wireless manuals thoroughly.

Related:

With our MobilePrint service, you can print to the Library’s public printers from your computer or mobile device, or by emailing your document to the printer. 

For instructions, please see our MobilePrint page.

Related:

You can get free or discounted museum passes with your library card!

We have 2 types of museum passes:

  • Discover & Go – free & discounted passes to many different museums and cultural institutions, that you reserve online and print from home.
  • Bay Area Discovery Museum – physical passes for free admission to the Bay Area Discovery Museum in Sausalito, that you reserve and pick up from the library.

For more details, please see Museum Passes.

Related: