Free Backpacks For Kids At Marin County Libraries This Month

SAN RAFAEL, CA — A partnership that provides free, well-stocked backpacks to young learners returns for a third year in Marin County this week, offering families nearly a dozen chances to participate at local libraries throughout the month.

The Marin County Free Library and First 5 Marin Children and Families Commission designed the program to help younger children have access to summer learning and get an early boost on literacy.

Each backpack comes with a notebook, markers, colored pencils and crayons, along with a sharpener, eraser, scissors and a glue stick. This year, they will also come with a matching lunchbox.

"MCFL wants every child to reach their full potential," said Raemona Little Taylor, MCFL's deputy director. "We are delighted to expand our early literacy backpack program to include free lunchboxes and resources to support families facing food insecurity."

First 5 approved $25,000 this year to support the program, which will kick off Wednesday at the Inverness Library. Families can learn more about MCFL's programs for kids on the library website.

Here is the schedule for backpack distribution:

• Wednesday, June 7, 10 a.m., Inverness Library
• Thursday, June 9, 11 a.m., Parent Services Project, San Rafael
• Monday, June 12, 10 a.m., Point Reyes Station Library
• Tuesday, June 13, 10 a.m., Novato Library
• Wednesday, June 14, 10 a.m., South Novato Library
• Thursday, June 15, 10 a.m., Marin City Library
• Friday, June 16, 2 p.m., Fairfax Library
• Tuesday, June 20, 10 a.m., Corte Madera Library
• Thursday, June 22, 9:30 a.m., Civic Center Farmer’s Market, San Rafael
• Friday, June 23, 2 p.m., Mesa Park, Bolinas