Our Library Beyond Walls service offers free delivery of library materials by mail, for Marin County residents who are unable to visit the library due to temporary or long-term illness, limited mobility, or other qualifying circumstances.
Eligibility
To qualify for Library Beyond Walls, you must:
- Be a resident of Marin County.
- Have a Marin County Free Library card. Apply for a library card online.
- Be unable to visit the library due to a temporary or long-term illness, limited mobility, or other qualifying circumstances.
If you're unsure whether your circumstances qualify, please contact us at 415-473-6826.
Library Beyond Walls serves all qualifying residents throughout Marin County, no matter where in Marin County you live. This inclusive service ensures that everyone who meets the criteria can benefit from the extensive resources and programs we offer.
How to Apply
If you or someone you know is interested in receiving LBW Mail Delivery Services, you can:
- Fill out a Library Beyond Walls Application Form online, or
- Pick up an application form from any of our Marin County Free Library branches, or print a copy.
Physical forms can be dropped off at any of our branches or mailed to the address on the form. - Or call the Library Beyond Walls Office at 415-473-6826.
How It Works
Once your application has been processed, you'll be ready to receive materials through our mailing service. You will receive detailed instructions with your welcome letter.
Requesting
- You can choose to request specific items yourself, or get help from our LBW team to make your selections. We're happy to help you find materials that match your interests! Call or email us anytime.
- Borrow books, music CDs, DVDs, audiobooks on CD and Playaways. (Playaways are simple devices with one pre-loaded audiobook.)
- You can borrow up to 8 items per delivery, or up to the capacity of the mailing bag. (Oversized items may not qualify if they don't fit inside the bag.)
Receiving
- Once your requests are processed, we pack the items in reusable shipping bags and mail them to you via US Postal Service. Each bag includes a return prepaid shipping label.
- Materials are mailed out once a month or upon return of a previous shipment.
- You can only have one mailing bag at a time.
- Items are checked out for 5 weeks and may be renewed twice.
Returning
- Each shipping bag will include a prepaid addressed return label.
- After you've finished with the materials, place them back in the shipping bag and mail it back to us via US Postal Service.
- All items must be returned together in the provided bag.
- Once your items are returned, you can request another shipment.
Service Policies
- Free shipping and return via US Postal Service.
- Borrow up to 8 items per delivery, or up to the capacity of the mailing bag. (Oversized items may not qualify if they do not fit inside the bag.)
- Items are checked out for 5 weeks and may be renewed twice.
- No late fees.
- A replacement charge will be applied for damaged or lost materials.
Contact Us
Email:
Phone:
415-473-6826
Mailing address:
Library Beyond Walls
Marin County Free Library
3501 Civic Center Dr, Ste 414
San Rafael CA 94903
Printable application [pdf]