Browse Items (78 total)
Construction of the old Mill Valley Public Library
Construction of the old Mill Valley Public Library on Throckmorton Ave., ca. 1911.
Fact #100: "One hundred years ago today, on July 22, 1911, the Mill Valley Public Library first opened its doors at 52 Lovell Avenue. Visitors were greeted by Mill…
Fact #100: "One hundred years ago today, on July 22, 1911, the Mill Valley Public Library first opened its doors at 52 Lovell Avenue. Visitors were greeted by Mill…
Mill Valley Public Library
The new Mill Valley Public Library at 375 Throckmorton Avenue in Old Mill Park across from intersection of Elma and Throckmorton Avenues, c. 1980.
Fact #99: In March 1909, the site for the new Library at 52 Lovell was purchased for $2000. Just to…
Fact #99: In March 1909, the site for the new Library at 52 Lovell was purchased for $2000. Just to…
Outdoor Art Club
Early picture of Outdoor Art Club. Members posed in front of Clubhouse (this is when porch, log pergola with wisteria was still there.
Fact #97: In December 1930, Library staff checked the Mill Valley Telephone Directory for names of people who…
Fact #97: In December 1930, Library staff checked the Mill Valley Telephone Directory for names of people who…
Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival
Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival, ca. October 1975
Fact #96: In October 1970, the Mill Valley Public Library accepted part of an exhibit of student protest art that had been turned down by the Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival as being too political. …
Fact #96: In October 1970, the Mill Valley Public Library accepted part of an exhibit of student protest art that had been turned down by the Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival as being too political. …
"Early Days of Mill Valley: 1901-Present" exhibit
"Early Days of Mill Valley: 1901-Present" exhibit, May 2011.
Fact #94: In addition to the monthly art exhibits in the downstairs hallway, the Library has four noteworthy pieces of art on permanent display. Ray Strong's oil painting "Fog over the…
Fact #94: In addition to the monthly art exhibits in the downstairs hallway, the Library has four noteworthy pieces of art on permanent display. Ray Strong's oil painting "Fog over the…
Reading Area and Periodicals Section
Reading Area and Periodicals Section of the Mill Valley Public Library, ca. 1966.
Fact #93: Several articles about the Library mention its beautiful windows, including a 1966 piece in the Mill Valley Record, a 1968 piece in "California Librarian,"…
Fact #93: Several articles about the Library mention its beautiful windows, including a 1966 piece in the Mill Valley Record, a 1968 piece in "California Librarian,"…
Reading area
Reading area of the Mill Valley Public Library, April 1980.
Fact #92: In the early 1970s, a journalist donated boxes of 1960s underground newspapers to the Library. The papers documented a decade of protests, controversy and radical activism, and…
Fact #92: In the early 1970s, a journalist donated boxes of 1960s underground newspapers to the Library. The papers documented a decade of protests, controversy and radical activism, and…
Bronze plaques
Bronze plaques honoring past City Librarians, donors, and volunteers of the Mill Valley Public Library, July 1, 2011.
Fact #91: There have been twelve City Librarians (eleven women and one man) since the Mill Valley Public Library opened in 1911,…
Fact #91: There have been twelve City Librarians (eleven women and one man) since the Mill Valley Public Library opened in 1911,…
Peter Dreyfus Memorial Garden
The Peter Dreyfus Memorial Garden at the Mill Valley Public Library, July 1, 2011.
Fact #90: The Peter Dreyfus Garden is named for the man who was described as "The Best Friend" of the Friends of the Mill Valley Public Library. Peter Dreyfus, who…
Fact #90: The Peter Dreyfus Garden is named for the man who was described as "The Best Friend" of the Friends of the Mill Valley Public Library. Peter Dreyfus, who…
DVD section
The DVD section in the lower level Fiction Room of the Mill Valley Public Library, June 30, 2011.
Fact #88: In 1988 and 1989, the Friends of the Library held a successful fund raising drive to raise $6000 for the purchase of the 20-cassette…
Fact #88: In 1988 and 1989, the Friends of the Library held a successful fund raising drive to raise $6000 for the purchase of the 20-cassette…
Old Lovell Ave. Library
The old Library on Lovell, ca. 1955.
Fact #87: Early Library committees included a "Committee of One" to purchase a footstep for the Librarian (1916), a committee of ladies of the Board to plant climbing roses on the west side of the building…
Fact #87: Early Library committees included a "Committee of One" to purchase a footstep for the Librarian (1916), a committee of ladies of the Board to plant climbing roses on the west side of the building…
Interior of Library
Interior View of front desk looking into main reading room, ca. 1966.
Fact #86: In 1974, an article came out in "The Wilson Library Bulletin" in New York proclaiming the Mill Valley Public Library as having "the Authentic Great American Dream…
Fact #86: In 1974, an article came out in "The Wilson Library Bulletin" in New York proclaiming the Mill Valley Public Library as having "the Authentic Great American Dream…
Mill Valley Record
Ned Mills, right and Herman Boldetti, left. Editor at MV Record on June 15, 1966.
Fact #84: In August 1973, the Library celebrated the arrival of its brand new mimeograph machine with a Monday morning champagne toast. A photographer from the Mill…
Fact #84: In August 1973, the Library celebrated the arrival of its brand new mimeograph machine with a Monday morning champagne toast. A photographer from the Mill…
Adult Summer Reading Program display
A display for the Adult Summer Reading Program, July 7, 2011.
Fact #82: The Library celebrated the Bicentennial during the entire year of 1976 with art exhibits, events, and activities. A survey of games, toys and recreation was held, which…
Fact #82: The Library celebrated the Bicentennial during the entire year of 1976 with art exhibits, events, and activities. A survey of games, toys and recreation was held, which…
Dedication ceremony brochure
Dedication ceremony brochure, August 21, 1966.
Fact #81: August 3, 1966 was the last day of service at the old Carnegie Library on Lovell. Library services were suspended for 18 days while everything was moved to the new Library on Throckmorton. …
Fact #81: August 3, 1966 was the last day of service at the old Carnegie Library on Lovell. Library services were suspended for 18 days while everything was moved to the new Library on Throckmorton. …
Richard O'Hanlon installs a sculpture
Richard O'Hanlon installing his sculpture at the entrance of library, 1966.
Fact #80: Richard O'Hanlon, a long time Mill Valley resident, professor of sculpture at U. C. Berkeley, and nationally known sculptor, was commissioned to design and…
Fact #80: Richard O'Hanlon, a long time Mill Valley resident, professor of sculpture at U. C. Berkeley, and nationally known sculptor, was commissioned to design and…
Award for architectural merit
American Institute of Architects award of architectural merit, 1969.
Fact #79: The new Library was designed by Donn Emmons of Wurster, Bernard and Emmons architectural firm. In 1969, the design won an award of architectural merit from the The…
Fact #79: The new Library was designed by Donn Emmons of Wurster, Bernard and Emmons architectural firm. In 1969, the design won an award of architectural merit from the The…
Library exterior
Side of the new library around 1970 where the Peter Dreyfus Garden is now.
Fact #78: Lawrence Halprin and Associates were chosen as the landscape architects for the new Library. Original landscaping included seven dogwood trees, several…
Fact #78: Lawrence Halprin and Associates were chosen as the landscape architects for the new Library. Original landscaping included seven dogwood trees, several…
Ground breaking for the new library
Ground breaking for the new library on 29 June 1965.
Fact #77: On this day in 1965, the groundbreaking ceremony took place for the current library at 375 Throckmorton, in Old Mill Park. The new Library was largely financed by a $325,000 bond…
Fact #77: On this day in 1965, the groundbreaking ceremony took place for the current library at 375 Throckmorton, in Old Mill Park. The new Library was largely financed by a $325,000 bond…
Library exterior
The front of the library on 6 August 2002. Taken during the Summer Traveling Show the Marin Poetry Show.
Fact #76: Before 1922, books could only be returned when the Library was open. In 1922, Librarian Sybil Nye told the Board "a locked box…
Fact #76: Before 1922, books could only be returned when the Library was open. In 1922, Librarian Sybil Nye told the Board "a locked box…
900s and Biogrpahy sections
900s and Biogrpahy sections of the Mill Valley Public Library, 07/01/2011.
Fact #75: In 1984 the Library received a frantic call from a patron who had left 200 one-dollar bills in a book, and though she didn't recall the title or the author, she…
Fact #75: In 1984 the Library received a frantic call from a patron who had left 200 one-dollar bills in a book, and though she didn't recall the title or the author, she…
Tamalpais (Union) High School
Tamalpais (Union) High School from the air in 1929.
Fact #74: In August 1921, Librarian Sybil Nye reported that a school librarian had been appointed for Tamalpais High School, but that she "cannot possibly give the service to the students that…
Fact #74: In August 1921, Librarian Sybil Nye reported that a school librarian had been appointed for Tamalpais High School, but that she "cannot possibly give the service to the students that…
Friends of the Library Board members
Board members of Friends of the Library in Mill Valley. Seated L to R: Eloise Burns, Lillian Seaver, Earl Reinke (Pres.), Waldi Hecht, Lyn Brockway with Flower (the cat), Barbara Yates. Standing L to R: Eleanor Ramsey, George Wood, Fred Raab, Peter…
Mill Valley Public Library
A view of the main floor of the new library, ca. 1966.
Fact #72: In 1922 Librarian Sybil Nye reported that the Library needed "a few accessories to meet modern conditions of living" and asked for four upholstered chairs and some writing desks.
Fact #72: In 1922 Librarian Sybil Nye reported that the Library needed "a few accessories to meet modern conditions of living" and asked for four upholstered chairs and some writing desks.
New fiction display
New fiction display in the Fiction Room of the Mill Valley Library, 06/30/2011.
Fact #71: 1932 was an unusually warm year, which meant the furnace was used less in the old Carnegie Library on Lovell. Librarian Sybil Nye suggested that the money…
Fact #71: 1932 was an unusually warm year, which meant the furnace was used less in the old Carnegie Library on Lovell. Librarian Sybil Nye suggested that the money…
Spanish Influenza outbreak at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church during the Spanish Influenza outbreak of 1918-1920. Mass was held outside and parishoners wore masks. Also note that the priest has his back to the congregation and would have still recited the missal in…
Children's Room
Boy sitting at table in Children's Room of the Mill Valley Public Library, May 1978.
Fact #67: In 1979, the estate of "mystery woman" Viola Baldocchi left $59,000 to the Children's Room of the Mill Valley Public Library. Mrs. Baldocchi was a…
Fact #67: In 1979, the estate of "mystery woman" Viola Baldocchi left $59,000 to the Children's Room of the Mill Valley Public Library. Mrs. Baldocchi was a…
Throckmorton Ave. roundabout
Throckmorton Ave. roundabout near the Mill Valley Public Library, 07/01/2011.
Fact #65: In 1999, after a meeting of the Library Board and the Old Mill Neighborhood Committee, it was decided to include a traffic circle at Elma and Throckmorton to…
Fact #65: In 1999, after a meeting of the Library Board and the Old Mill Neighborhood Committee, it was decided to include a traffic circle at Elma and Throckmorton to…
Microfilm area in the History Room
The microfilm area in the History Room, 2011/06/10.
Fact #64: Microfilm has a long history at the Mill Valley Public Library. In 1972 the Library Board moved to microfilm all the issues of the Mill Valley Record going back to the early 1900's. …
Fact #64: Microfilm has a long history at the Mill Valley Public Library. In 1972 the Library Board moved to microfilm all the issues of the Mill Valley Record going back to the early 1900's. …
Circulation desk
View of circulation desk from behind the desk, 1985. Shows patron at desk and librarian working behind it.
Fact #62: In October 1978 a new computerized circulation system was installed, which did away with the filing of paper slips for each item…
Fact #62: In October 1978 a new computerized circulation system was installed, which did away with the filing of paper slips for each item…
Old library
The old library on Lovell Ave.
Fact #61: In 1962 a reporter referred to the old Library on Lovell as sitting atop "Cardiac Hill," a reference to the highest point of the Dispea Race. From the street to the Library was a climb of more than 40…
Fact #61: In 1962 a reporter referred to the old Library on Lovell as sitting atop "Cardiac Hill," a reference to the highest point of the Dispea Race. From the street to the Library was a climb of more than 40…
Dipsea Race display case
The Dipsea Race display case in the History Room, 2011/06/10
Fact #60: In February 2002, the Library's History Room unveiled a new permanent installation, the Dipsea Race Display. The large glass display case features trophies, photographs, and…
Fact #60: In February 2002, the Library's History Room unveiled a new permanent installation, the Dipsea Race Display. The large glass display case features trophies, photographs, and…
Library deck
The deck of the library, 1980
Fact #59: On this day on 1964, smoking was banned inside the old library at 52 Lovell. When the new Library on Throckmorton was lauded in 1968 in "California Librarian," the redwood deck was described as "saving the…
Fact #59: On this day on 1964, smoking was banned inside the old library at 52 Lovell. When the new Library on Throckmorton was lauded in 1968 in "California Librarian," the redwood deck was described as "saving the…
Children's Room of the old library
Listening to the radio in the Children's Room in the old library on Lovell Ave., 1948.
Fact #57: In 2005, the Library received a Local History Digital Resources Project grant of $6,000 to start the digitization of photos in the History Room. The…
Fact #57: In 2005, the Library received a Local History Digital Resources Project grant of $6,000 to start the digitization of photos in the History Room. The…
Friends of the Library Book Sale
Friends of the Library Book Sale room in library basement showing volunteers and books on tables and shelves, 1986.
Fact #55: In 2003, the Friends of the Mill Valley Library joined other organizations in donating 7,000 books to libraries in…
Fact #55: In 2003, the Friends of the Mill Valley Library joined other organizations in donating 7,000 books to libraries in…
Overcrowded shelves
Shelves overcrowded with too many books, prior to installation of compact shelving on July 6, 1987.
Fact #54: In 1984, a greasy strip of bacon held the title for most peculiar bookmark left inside a Mill Valley Public Library book.
Fact #54: In 1984, a greasy strip of bacon held the title for most peculiar bookmark left inside a Mill Valley Public Library book.
The Lucretia Hanson Little History Room
The Lucretia Hanson Little History Room in 1984.
Fact #52: In 1997 the library added internet access for patrons via terminals in the reference area, thanks to a $5,000 grant from InfoPeople. The following year, Yahoo named Mill Valley (population…
Fact #52: In 1997 the library added internet access for patrons via terminals in the reference area, thanks to a $5,000 grant from InfoPeople. The following year, Yahoo named Mill Valley (population…
Library staff on strike
Page from a scrapbook of several photos from the Mill Valley Public Library strike in July 1971.
Fact #51: In 1971, the Library was closed during the month of July due to a strike of all Mill Valley employees.
Fact #51: In 1971, the Library was closed during the month of July due to a strike of all Mill Valley employees.
Audiobooks section, 2011
The audiobooks on CD, cassette tape, and MP3 playaways. This section is on the lower level of the library near the fiction books and the DVDs.
Fact #50: In 1983 the Library got its first collection of "new talking books" -- books on cassette tape…
Fact #50: In 1983 the Library got its first collection of "new talking books" -- books on cassette tape…
1948 budget
A brief budget for the library, 1948.
Fact #49: In June 1928, Librarian Sybil Nye reported that she hoped "when the new budget is drawn up for the maintenance of the Library that it will be a generous one and that some means will be taken to…
Fact #49: In June 1928, Librarian Sybil Nye reported that she hoped "when the new budget is drawn up for the maintenance of the Library that it will be a generous one and that some means will be taken to…
National Book Week display, November 1948
A boy looking at a book from a table of books that a librarian is standing behind at the first National Book Week at the old library, Nov. 14-20, 1948.
Fact #48: In September 1914, the Library officially started Children's Story Hour, to be held…
Fact #48: In September 1914, the Library officially started Children's Story Hour, to be held…
Old library, 1965
Patrons sitting and reading in the old library, 1965.
Fact #46: "The Robot in Your Library" was the title of an announcement in December 1941. The Mill Valley Public Library installed a Gaylord Charging Machine that automatically checked the…
Fact #46: "The Robot in Your Library" was the title of an announcement in December 1941. The Mill Valley Public Library installed a Gaylord Charging Machine that automatically checked the…
Library staff in the Memorial Day Parade, 2001
Mill Valley Memorial Day Parade, May 28, 2001. MVPL Precision Book Cart.
Fact #45: Mill Valley's Memorial Day Parade in 2001 included The Mill Valley Public Library Precision Book Cart Drill Team.
Fact #45: Mill Valley's Memorial Day Parade in 2001 included The Mill Valley Public Library Precision Book Cart Drill Team.
Charge slip, 1948
Filling out the charge slip, 1948.
Fact #44: In 1964, the Library used "pink slips" that patrons signed to check out books. A trial run of the new Regiscope Machine began. The Regiscope took a photograph of the patron's identification, and the…
Fact #44: In 1964, the Library used "pink slips" that patrons signed to check out books. A trial run of the new Regiscope Machine began. The Regiscope took a photograph of the patron's identification, and the…
National Book Week display, 1948
Window display in the Children's Room of the old library on Lovell for the 1948 National Book Week.
Fact #43: On February 14, 1948 a new children's wing at the old Library opened, with over 110 books checked out on the first day. In 1949, low…
Fact #43: On February 14, 1948 a new children's wing at the old Library opened, with over 110 books checked out on the first day. In 1949, low…
Processing new books, 1948
Processing new book arrivals in the old library on Lovell Ave., 1948.
Fact #42: In 1942 and 1943, Mill Valley's Librarian Miss Elizabeth Reynolds was the director of the local Victory Book Campaign, part of the national drive to collect books for…
Fact #42: In 1942 and 1943, Mill Valley's Librarian Miss Elizabeth Reynolds was the director of the local Victory Book Campaign, part of the national drive to collect books for…
Doorway to Children's Room in the old library, 1948
"Close-up of the entrance to the Children's Dept. showing extensive decay of the door fram [sic]. Contrary to fire laws, here is a door to a public building occupied by groups of children, which is not only difficult to open, but which opens…
Display in the library, 1976
Bicentennial display in the mounted case in the library lobby in July 1976.
Fact #40: The Library cat, Flower, was a tomcat who reportedly got into many "damaging" fights. The Friends of the Library paid $186 for Flower's vet bills in 1976. The…
Fact #40: The Library cat, Flower, was a tomcat who reportedly got into many "damaging" fights. The Friends of the Library paid $186 for Flower's vet bills in 1976. The…
Band playing the Sweetwater, 1983
Mose Allison and band playing in the Sweetwater in 1983.
Fact #39: In December 1976, the Mill Valley Public Library and the City Arts Council held a community sing-along at the Library. It was such a huge success that five more community…
Fact #39: In December 1976, the Mill Valley Public Library and the City Arts Council held a community sing-along at the Library. It was such a huge success that five more community…
Reading in the old library, 1948
An unidentified woman reading in the old library on Lovell Ave., 1948.
Fact #37: In 1991, the Library developed a long-range plan to solve problems related to crowding and lack of space, including plans for building expansion and extending hours…
Fact #37: In 1991, the Library developed a long-range plan to solve problems related to crowding and lack of space, including plans for building expansion and extending hours…