One of Marin’s Hidden Gems: The Public Libraries
I’ve lived in a variety of places, in the west, the midwest and on the east coast. One of my favorite tests for any city, town or community in which I consider myself a resident – whether it’s full or part time – is to check out their public library system.
As an avid book, newspaper, magazine and periodical reader, I love to preach the virtues of the public library system to anyone who is willing to listen. As a graduate student a couple of years ago, I rediscovered the public library system when my budget was tight and I didn’t want to buy the latest Lonely Planet travel guides. The public libraries of today are vastly different from my childhood mem
ories of card catalogs and dusty covers.
Why spend your good earned money on buying books and magazines from Borders or the grocery store, when you can save a tree and share them with your neighbors? When I encounter a good public library system, I truly feel the immediate benefit of my tax dollars at work. And I am happy to say that my tax dollars are being put to good use in Marin County. It’s not the New York Public Library, but it is a well run community asset with free computer access, current releases and top sellers and aisles of unique periodicals and newspapers from distant places. The travel section is very telling – they carry most recent editions of travel guides for many countries and regions, despite already having last year’s edition.
There’s virtually one in almost every Marin community, from San Geronimo and Stinson Beach to Novato and Marin City. Besides books and magazines, nowadays you can check out a CD or DVD. You don’t even have to step foot into your local branch. You can search for a book online and reserve it all from the comforts of your own home. Not to mention the many events they hold for kids and teens to foster their love of reading.
So, if you haven’t been to your local library, I really suggest a cruise by. If you are looking to move to a new area, it’s a good hint to get a sense of the community that is there. On my last visit to the Corte Madera and Fairfax branches, it was hard to find a parking space. Inside, readers both young and old were browsing the aisles or sitting at tables enjoying a good read.
