How do I request an obituary or local newspaper article?

At the Library

The Civic Center Library has microfilm of the Marin Independent Journal (currently the name of paper with the widest circulation) back to March 1861 and the Novato Advance dating to July 1922.

The Library has digital microfilm reader/printers, you are welcome to come in and research during open hours.

Request by Mail

We can search for your obituary/article if you fill out a request form and submit a $10 payment. Make checks payable to "Marin County Free Library” (no cash please). The payment covers 30 minutes of staff search time. We can send you a digital or a paper copy. The more information you provide us about the article or obituary you are looking for, the better we can search. Please be sure to include your name, address, phone number and email so we can get back to you.

Useful information includes:

  • Date of death or news event
  • Name of the individual or subject of the article

DOWNLOAD REQUEST FORM, opens a new window

Please send completed request form and payment to:

Obituary/Newspaper Article Request
Marin County Free Library
3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 427
San Rafael CA 94903