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Marin County is becoming an example of how county residents are changing the way they consume public library materials. The Marin County Free Library this month reached a milestone: 1 million digital checkouts through its shared digital resource, the app called Libby. The library’s consortium of assets, MARINet, was established 35 years ago to better connect Marin library’s digital use reaches milestone
library resources for community members in Marin. Over the years, MARINet has expanded to provide such digital resources as OverDrive's Libby app, online access to the New York Times and internet connectivity for public libraries. Libby itself boasts over 100,000 titles, including eBooks, audiobooks, comics, manga and magazines, many selections also available in Spanish. It also emphasizes inclusivity by providing adjustable font sizes, dyslexia-friendly fonts and other ways to improve access. “We celebrate this milestone as a demonstration and commitment to a valued community resource that welcomes all,” MCFL Director Lana Adlawan said in a statement.— JW
Marin’s longtime one-stop shop for buying charmeuse by the yard is quickly spooling to an end. Joann Fabric and Crafts at 245 Tamal Vista in Corte Madera is among about 500 outlets of the sewing and crafts chain set to close, its parent company announced in February. The company, which began Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in January, described the move in a statement as “right-sizing our store footprint” as it plots a financial path forward. At the time of the announcement, Joann Fabric had about 850 stores in the U.S. A closure date was not announced.— JW Joann Fabric in Corte Madera among company closures
MarinHealth expanding north
MarinHealth opened its first urgent-care clinic in Sonoma County last month. The walk-in clinic is at the Washington Square Shopping Center, 335 S. McDowell Blvd. in Petaluma, housed within the MarinHealth Multispecialty Clinic, which opened in December 2024. The opening of the clinic brings the Greenbrae-based health network’s reach to include more than 60 primary and specialty care clinics across the North Bay. The Petaluma facility joins MarinHealth’s San Rafael clinic as its two locations for urgent-care needs.
The McDowell clinic is currently open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.—with plans to expand to Sunday and eventually weekdays—and will offer walk-ins for individuals with conditions that don’t require an emergency room visit but need prompt attention. Skilled clinicians will be available to treat various illnesses and injuries, from common colds and flu to cuts, sprains and rashes, MarinHealth officials said in an announcement of the clinic’s opening. Patients aged 3 months and up can receive treatment for conditions such as upper respiratory infections, sore throats, asthma, allergies, insect bites, minor fractures and more. On-site rapid testing will also be available for flu, strep throat, UTIs and other common illnesses. More info at MyMarinHealth.org.
March 2025
NorthBaybiz 13
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