The On The Wall Community Art Lending Program launches Tuesday, April 2, 2024.

Borrow framed local art with your library card.

Check out a piece of art for up to 4 weeks to enjoy in your own home. Artwork is free to check out.
All you need is your library card!

There are 30 pieces of original art by local artists available to borrow. The collection includes framed paintings, photographs, and mixed media.

Artwork can be checked out at 5 of our library branches:
Corte Madera, Inverness, Marin City, Point Reyes, and South Novato.

Find out how it works below.

Browse Artwork

View availability by location:

Browse all 30 artworks below. Click on the images to enlarge.

How It Works

You must be a library card holder over the age of 16 to check out art. Get a card.

Discover Artwork

  • Browse artwork above or search the catalog to find an artwork you'd like to borrow.
  • Artwork must be checked out and returned to the same loaning library during open hours.
  • Availability is on a first come, first served basis. It is not possible to place a hold.

Borrow

  • Check out for up to 4 weeks.
  • No renewals.
  • Limit of one artwork at a time per library card.
  • Artwork includes a protective case for transport.
  • Artwork includes a hook or wire on the back for hanging.  It may be hung up or leaned securely against a shelf or mantel.
  • Please handle the artwork gently and make sure to keep it away from heat sources.

Return

  • Return artwork to a library staff member at the main desk of the same library you borrowed it from.
  • Artwork must never be returned in the bookdrop or left outside the library.
  • A fee of $50 will be assessed for artwork that is damaged or not returned.

I love what I checked out. Can I buy it?

Unfortunately, no. These artworks are owned by the Marin County Free Library for all library patrons to enjoy. However, now that you have discovered a new local artist, you can purchase directly from them. See the individual artwork listing in the library catalog for a link to the artist's website, if available.

About the Program

This new program is an innovative and exciting partnership between the Department of Cultural Services and the Marin County Free Library that offers the opportunity for library card holders to check out and borrow original artworks by Marin County artists.

We are beginning this program with 30 original artworks available in 5 branch locations, including Corte Madera, Inverness, Marin City, Point Reyes, and South Novato.

The Department of Cultural Services has partnered with arts organizations in each community to offer the opportunity to artists in each district. Submissions were then juried by a team from Cultural Services and the Marin County Free Library, with final selections made by a committee of the Marin Cultural Association Board.

Our vision is to expand the opportunity for all Marin County residents to enjoy original art from the community and provide direct support to local artists.

The On the Wall Community Art Lending Collection is generously supported by:

  • Marin County Library Foundation
  • Tomales Bay Library Association
  • Friends of the Marin City Library
  • Friends of the Novato Libraries
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