Library Speaker Series

Library Speaker Series programs have been given by local gardeners, travel agents, art devotees, and many other experts in their field. 

Join us for a new series of history presentations in Fall 2023 at the San Anselmo Public Library!

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Forgotten Railroads of Marin
Wednesday, October 18
6pm, Library Reading Room

Discover how early Marin County developed transportation to accommodate the needs of the community and paved the way for the future. See historic photos and hear stories of early railroads in Marin, alongside current photos taken in the same locations. Amateur historian and railfan Richard Torney will share Marin County’s deep railroad history in this visual presentation at your San Anselmo Public Library.  

Blossom Rock blown up online (002)


Lost Islands of San Francisco Bay
Author Talk with Brian Crawford
Thursday, November 2
7pm, Library Reading Room

There used to be several islands in the San Francisco Bay that no one has ever seen, and each has its own story: Arch Rock in the Golden Gate with it’s scenic tunnel; Shag Rock figured in a duel and two celebrated murder cases; Anita Rock sank a ferry loaded with orphans, and many more. Some of these islands were built over but most were blasted away in spectacular explosions as hazards to navigation. Local historian and author Brian Crawford will present the histories of these islands and the many vessels that came to grief on them as well as share the massive engineering projects used to remove them. You won’t look at the Bay the same way after hearing and reading Lost Islands of San Francisco Bay. 

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Introduction to Pruning
Thursday, November 30 
1pm, Council Chambers

Do you have an overgrown garden and don't know what to do or where to start? Discover  why, when and how we prune with Marin Master Gardeners Katherine Randolph and David Ross.  This presentation will include the biology of woody trees, shrubs, and vines, as well as how trees respond to different types of cuts and the best times plants should be pruned.