San Mateo Public Library

I came with my baby to visit their children section. They have tons of books for children of all ages. There’s reading space for toddlers and big kids. There’s also a computer section for big kids to do their homework or relax. Well designed library. The staff that sits at the children corner info desk is very friendly and helpful. Overall, we have had a pleasant trip. Will visit again!

So much to praise!
Super staff
Green building
Lovely cafe on the third floor
Large children's section
Teen section
Music and movies
More than books - borrow a musical instrument or a pass to visit a state park
Resources - information - study rooms (reserve to be sure it's available) - meeting room - computers - printers - and so much more!
Plus Friends of the Library Books for Sale area.

You've got to see it to believe it!

Just a step away from Downtown San Mateo.

And very friendly and accessible for mobility aid users.

Thank you Carla Avitabile for your help finding a room today! I wanted to thank you in person but someone else was at the desk. I also really appreciate how they have artwork woven between books and nooks. It’s clean, spacious, and the temperature is just right :)

Huge, beautiful library. Had plenty of space to sit and read or do your own stuff. Was quiet and had friendly staff. Saw some great secondhand book sale, and they were even giving away free YA books for teens for the holiday season. Loved this place!

This place is always clean thank you to all the staff members those in the background keeping the place maintained. The café has healthy options coffee and sándwiches too.

A beautiful library with all the amenities and books you could ask for.

That looks like you also get a pass for the parks. That's pretty cool.

The most beautiful library I've ever been, modern, clean and well structured. It has several floors with computers and books all tidy by section. There is place for children, young people and adults. It has parking and coffee.

Nice environment and bigger library. Bigger than Cupertino or Milpitas library. Of course big than the one in Santa Clara.

There’s a underground parking garage. You can also park your car on the 3rd Avenue.

Beautiful architecturally magnificent building. Great place to find sanctuary for intense study or leisurely reading.

I love this library. It's large, has a lot of resources, and the staff have always been caring and helpful whenever I had a question (like the other day when I had a hard time figuring out how to access an ebook).

GREAT LIBRARY THIS PLACE ROCKS sometimes there's a little art gallery by the 1st floor bathrooms, the kids section is cute as HECK, there's a Cafe on the 3rd floor and a balcony, and an outdoor space by the kids area on the first floor. Come to THIS library. This is THE library.

It says Two hours parking before 6 pm. but you can park after 6 pm till they're close when they're open till 9 pm on Monday to Thursday. Quiet and big beautiful place. Coffee store is small not easy to find it but looks very nice. Many different tables and places are ready for you anytime.

Very clean, organized, environment-friendly.
The staff are very professional and helpful too!

One of the nicest libraries I've been to. I've only checked out the first floor with my kids, but I've heard great things from others about the rest of the library and all their services. I'm looking forward to going here more often and checking more things out.

Great kids section and you can check out random things like ukuleles

The hold system makes it really convenient to get the book you want

There's a 3 Bees coffeeshop on the third floor cafe with pastries and drinks

I love the San Mateo Main library! Great resource for both me and my son. I also really love the bibliocommons network which allows me to access books from other locations as well as ebooks that I can read immediately on my Kindle.

One of the best public library in Bay Area. There is plenty of space for studying.

Quiet, lots of desk space, good for study/work.

Beautiful architecture. Great selection of books and media.

Great library! Best in San Mateo but needs longer opening hours. Especially on Sunday! However it does have free wifi.