This cute little library hides behind a very large Target in a big shopping center right off the…read morefreeway. If you aren't looking for it, you'll miss it driving by. But the bus stops right around the corner of the front door, there's plenty of parking nearby, and the bathrooms are very clean (much more reliably than those in the nearby shops). There are several computers to use, but very little open table space for laptops (and even fewer power outlets). The staff are very friendly and helpful here, though it does get a little louder after school get out in the afternoon.

I must have driven by this library hundreds of times in ignorance, until one day I finally looked…read morepast the loitering crowd at the bus stop and the metal detectors at the front door, and realized -- whoa, there's some books in there! It's tiny. Half of the clean,open space is taken up by desks and computers. So don't bother looking up a book on the computerized catalog because you can find it just by walking around. Selection obvy suffers, but as part of MARINet, you can request books from any of the participating libraries.

I do love libraries and I like to hang out inside pop-up library to read newspapers as I recharge…read moremy iPhone or portable. There is recharging section, activities table, play area, and free movies for children to watch.

I love libraries and hate to say anything negative about them, but the San Rafael Public Main…read moreLibrary makes me want to cry. Maybe I'm just spoiled because my small-ish hometown in Connecticut has one of the best public libraries I've ever seen and is bigger and probably with more resources than all the libraries I've been to in the Bay Area (this is the third county I've lived in here) put together. The pop-up library at Northgate, however, gives me hope for the San Rafael Public Library. This pop-up, which opened in December, is housed in a small mall storefront. And yet, somehow, this little library manages to make the most out of the space. In fact, there are more spaces and activities for children to participate in than in the main library. For young kids, there's a small play area with a few toys, a reading space with bins of board books, and also a drawing table. For older kids, teens, and adults, there is a 3 D printer and a virtual reality station. This is really brilliant. Every time I've stopped by, I've seen teens come in straight from school to sign up for a time slot to use the virtual reality headset. What a great way to engage this age group! While the collection is only, as one of the librarians described it to me, a "browsing collection," meaning there are too few books for you to come with an idea of what you want, there selection is always varied and engaging enough for me to come home with something. And the first time I stumbled upon the space shortly after it opened, in just about 15 minutes I saw more than one person wander in and get a library card for the first time. I would love to see this space become permanent and expand.

Lovely little library off of the Pickleweed Community Center! It's small, but that have fun cute…read moreevents at the library. When I came, they had a multilingual (English & Spanish) children's book reading! Staff was kind & helpful, and they have a few desks and computers you can work at.

Pickleweed Library is in the Canal neighborhood located inside the Albert J. Boro Community Center…read more Even though it is a tiny branch of the San Rafael Public Library, they offer many resources to the community. There are books, dvds, a computer lab, a 3D machine, and a nice space for kids to read and learn. I frequent this library often since it's convenient for me. Whenever I reserve a book online, I always choose to pick it up at Pickleweed. The staff are friendly. There is ample parking. They are open every day except for Sunday's and Monday's.

I donate books and shop here. The volunteers that run the place are nice and knowledgable. The…read morenewer books go fast. If you like to read and support the library, shop here and go often.

Great selection of constantly changing books at a decent price. The volunteers are absolutely…read morewonderful in helping you find what you need

The Mill Valley Public Library feels less like a traditional public building and more like a cozy…read moremid-century mountain lodge. Easily one of the most stunning libraries in all of California. Here is what makes it so special: Atmosphere & Architecture: Tucked right into a redwood grove next to Old Mill Park, the mid-century design features huge floor-to-ceiling glass windows, warm exposed beams, and stone elements. Sitting in a comfortable armchair looking straight out into a forest of giant trees while you read is pure magic. The Outdoor Deck: The back deck overlooks the creek and redwoods. It's hands-down the best spot to work, study, or read outside on a clear day. Cozy Amenities: They have a real wood-burning fireplace in the main reading area, hand-crafted walnut furniture, and fine art pieces that make the entire space feel insanely serene and welcoming. Resources & Staff: The book and media collection is great, and because it's part of the MARINet system, hold pickups are super easy. The staff is always exceptionally friendly, helpful, and attentive. Whether you're looking for a peaceful workspace, bringing kids to the children's section, or just looking for a quiet afternoon escape from the city, this place is an absolute gem.

Unique. Epitomizes in Californian Redwood setting, a great public service (library!)…read more Its strengths are its weakness - very busy and popular!

Zach and Steven were extremely helpful throughout the whole process of applying for my passportread more

Great quiet little spot to get some work done, whether you're a lawyer, student, or other member of…read morethe public. There's great desk space for working, and lots of well organized books. Just bring some headphones, and you'll get so much work done! As another reviewer mentioned, you can't check out any books, but copies are just 10 cents a page. That seems pretty reasonable. I entered the parking lot from N San Pedro, so the entrance to building 20 was the first door on my right, and opens right into the Law Library. The parking lot is huge, but definitely gets full during certain times of the day. There's a smaller lot up on a small incline too if the larger lot is full. Bathrooms are on the left in another office, and the hallway down to the bathrooms is lined with artwork from local residents. Free WiFi too! Just ask the staff for the password.

Stinson Beach,CA, has a library on Shoreline Highway. It's a small but mighty library. They have…read morecomputers and wi-fi that is free to use. The used books for sale are in racks next to the front door along with a box of DVDs marked free. When I dropped in, laying on top of the pile was the Big Sick DVD, great movie. I left it though. Don't even know where I packed away my DVD player, been years since I've used it. Right when I walked in, I noticed how modern, bright , clean, and organized everything was. Exuding welcoming vibes. To the right was the children's area. Open area visible and right in front of the librarian desk. It was colorfully decorated. Also further to the right is the art gallery room. Not sure if that's the official name, but it held local artist's art and the historical archive info. Plus there are lounge chairs to sit a spell and enjoy a good read. The room has a glass window making it visible to the interior of the library. I'm digging the open room layout concept. I browsed through the picture archive books dating back to the late 1800s. Pretty neat seeing the landscape of the past. Ooh the untold stories those pictures hold.

Stinson Beach Library is a public county library with CD and DVD titles, free…read moreprinter/computer/Internet stations and more. Their staff is friendly and they want to emulate best practices of other public libraries. There's even a clean public bathroom. No small find in Stinson Beach!

The library is small. It has cute and quiet outside.Not much to say about the place. It's nice to…read moreget some ice cream and just come sit outside on the benches.

A really unique and great library with lots of unique books and movies in ahistorical building…read more Super nice competent andhelpful