Our Library
The San Anselmo Public Library, a Carnegie library founded in 1915, is located at 110 Tunstead Avenue in downtown San Anselmo.
95 Years of Public Service!
How the Community uses the library
- Borrower’s checked out 133,859 print and non-print library items over the last year representing an average of 10.6 items per resident.
- Public Internet stations were used in the Library over 8,249 times in the past year.
- 24/7 access to the online library collection and other on-line resources allows patrons to access digital library materials any time, anywhere with a library card and PIN.
How the community at large benefits from the library
- There is recognition that the library is an economic asset to the community and a source of community pride. Our beautiful historic building is a big draw and functions as a community gathering spot.
- Public libraries are one factor used to determine the quality of life in the community. Some indexes (Best Places to Live, Best Places to Raise Your Children, and Best Places to Retire, for example) use a "book per capita" statistic when profiling a community.
How the business community benefits from the library
Increased library traffic directly benefits the area businesses. People tend to combine a visit to the library with other shopping errands, as well as restaurant or coffee shop visits. Programs such as Book Babies and Book Club bring new clientele (from our youngest to our oldest citizens) to San Anselmo’s downtown in the early mornings and evenings, times they might not otherwise be inclined to visit local shops.
Library's Community Service Priorities
In 2008 the following community service priorities for the library were identified in response to expressed community needs:
- Excellent customer service
- Create Young Readers
- Serve as a community center
- Connect to the online world
Our Library has already stepped into the digital world making sure everyone in our community can have Internet access. It may surprise some, but Internet knowledge and true Internet access are not universal. Read the following excerpt from an article in Investor's Business Daily (3/26/10):
"77 million Americans have used public library pcs in the past year for tasks like looking for jobs, doing homework or connecting with friends, according to a University of Washington study. Libraries, seeking more money to broaden services, have argued library use is widespread and not just among the poor. But among those with a household income of $22,000 or less, 44% have used library pcs. "
Services provided by the San Anselmo Public Library
Materials and General Services Available
- Best-sellers and other popular books
- Newspapers and Magazines
- Children’s books
- Audio Books on CD
- MP3 Player audio books
- Digital Audio Books
- DVDs, including Blu Ray DVDs
- Music CDs
- Large print books
- A copy machine
- Reference and research assistance
- Evening and weekend hours
- Book reserve service
- Reciprocal borrowing agreements with surrounding libraries
- Library tours
- Free book newsletters
Computer Related Services Available
- Automated library catalog and circulation system allowing county-wide on-line access to the entire Marinet collection.
- Public WiFi
- Internet access
- Children’s catalog
- Microsoft Office on public PCs with printing available
- Online Resources and Services:
- Online index to full text magazine and newspaper articles
- On-line enclyclopedias
- Spanish language catalog
- Digital Library Collection
- Biography Resource Center
- Books and Authors Readers Advisory
- Email notifications to patrons
Special Programming
- Book Babies – songs and stories for children ages 0-3
- Informational and educational programming for adults
- Monthly Book Discussions for adults
- Summer reading programs for children and teens
- San Anselmo Library Teen Board
- Boomers and Bloggers
- Children and young adult outreach programs to area schools
- Reader’s Advisory Services
- Author programs for children and adults
- Volunteer opportunities
- Annual Poetry Night
- One Book One Marin program
- Teen Game Night
- Library teas
- Children’s book and craft events
Compare Your San Anselmo Public Library to Other Marin County Libraries
Expenditures Per Capita
The library’s budget divided by the town or city’s population:
- Belvedere-Tiburon $144.68
- Mill Valley $131.01
- Sausalito $78.63
- Larkspur $54.71
- San Rafael $40.86
- San Anselmo $38.46
- Statewide mean $32.96
Materials Expenditures Per Capita
The library’s budget for print and audio visual materials divided by the population.
- Belvedere-Tiburon $14.13
- Mill Valley $12.49
- Sausalito $10.43
- Larkspur $5.42
- San Rafael $3.54
- Statewide Mean $3.36
- San Anselmo $3.06
Total Materials Available (Size of Collection) Per Capita
The size of the collection divided by the population.
- Belvedere-Tiburon 7.67
- Mill Valley 10.09
- Sausalito 10.00
- Larkspur 5.15
- San Anselmo 4.89
- San Rafael 2.50
- Statewide Mean 1.95
Population Served Per Full-Time Employee Staff
The population divided by the number of staff.
- Belvedere-Tiburon 803
- Mill Valley 738
- Sausalito 1,076
- Larkspur 2,191
- San Rafael 2,689
- Statewide Mean 2,945
- San Anselmo 4,616
Circulation Per Capita
The number of books circulated divided by the population.
- Belvedere-Tiburon 22.79
- Mill Valley 20.52
- Sausalito 10.97
- Larkspur 10.07
- San Anselmo 8.37
- Statewide Mean 5.78
- San Rafael 5.69
Public Access Computer Use Per Capita
San Anselmo has fewer open hours and fewer computers which translates to less Internet use per capita.
- Sausalito 9.07
- Belvedere-Tiburon 3.16
- Mill Valley 2.42
- Statewide Mean 1.01
- Larkspur (not available)
- San Rafael 0.86
- San Anselmo 0.65
Value of San Anselmo Library Services
| Service | Value Per Use ($) |
|---|---|
| Books Borrowed (average cost) | $20 |
| Magazines Borrowed | $4 |
| Movies Borrowed | $3 |
| CD/Audio Books Borrowed | $40 |
| CDs Borrowed | $10 |
| Interlibrary Loan | $25 |
| Adult Programs and Classes (per hour) | $20 |
| Children’s Programs | $8 |
| Hours of Computer Use (i.e. Internet, MS Word, etc.) | $12 |
| Newspapers Viewed Online via Proquest | $1 |
| Use of Other Database Searches (such as full text magazine index) | $20 |
| Reference Questions Asked | $20 |
Value in Hard Economic Times
According to the American Library Association (ALA), during difficult economic times, library use increases because patrons cut back on other forms of entertainment. Where else can one go and borrow a NY Times Bestseller, movie, or audio book for free? The average family of four will quickly realize significant savings when they increase their visits to their local library, and San Anselmo residents are no different.
During economic downturns, people turn to their local library for not only entertainment, but as an avenue to search and apply for employment. Access to free computers and Internet service makes a significant difference for many people in our community. In fact, The Huffington Post reports that the state of California requires people to apply online for unemployment benefits. Without the San Anselmo library some residents may not be able to so.
The unfortunate reality is that challenging city and state budgets are forcing library expenditures to decrease. As the ALA has so eloquently stated, libraries are America’s great information equalizers – the only place people of all ages and backgrounds can find and freely use such a diversity of resources, along with the expert guidance of librarians. The San Anselmo community would look and feel very different without its public library.
Jim Rettig, President of the ALA, reminds us that, "…in times of uncertainty, there’s nothing more comforting than a good book." Supporting the San Anselmo Library will insure that no matter what the economic climate is, we will have a place to take refuge.
San Anselmo Public Library Patron Testimonials
What Do San Anselmo Residents Think of Their Public Library? They Love It!
"It's part of my life – I got my first job here, and came for many years before that as a child. Also, it's small, beautiful and kindly run." – Hillsman Heath
"The people, the audio books, the building!" – Judy Coy
"Convenient, small-town community feel!" – Erin Hughes
"The library offers a great atmosphere for reading as well as working. I love the wireless Internet access." – Kevin Donahue
"Why do I love the San Anselmo Library? Its very presence." – Bev McIntosh
"Helpful and friendly staff." – Alden Bevington
"They allow one hour on the computers, or more! The views are wonderful." – L.G. Levy
The Most Frequent Request from San Anselmo Residents?
"Longer hours." – Tom Robinson
"Open more hours and Fridays." – Bennet Hamer
"Be open more." – Nancy Fox
"(Open) Sunday, even in the morning would be great." – Ami McIntosh
"Stay open later more than 1 day a week." – Julie Meholick
And Non-Residents? What do They Think About Our Library?
"It's cozy." – Sandra Dayco-Coray
"What do I love about the San Anselmo Library? Location, librarians and atmosphere." – Kristin Bakowski
"What would it be like without this library? Not good!" – Mayer Family
"Great kids books, DVDs and excellent service." – Lisa Turner
"I love the frequent book sales." – Anonymous
"Helpful staff." – Patricia Toumey
"It's quiet and a place to rejuvenate your mind." – Janet Seastrom
