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The San Mateo Public Library – Then and
Now San Mateo’s
first library was established in 1885 by volunteers who recognized
the importance of a shared community resource for literacy and
culture. The City of San Mateo took over the property and
operations in 1899. Two neighborhood branches were added in 1956
(Hillsdale) and 1966 (Marina). Since 1977, the Town of
Hillsborough has had an agreement with the City of San Mateo to
provide library services to its residents.
Once primarily a print
collection, the library has evolved to offer extensive and
wide-ranging resources, including eBooks, books on tape,
videotapes, CDs, DVDs, computer software, and specialized online
databases. The library offers book delivery to the homebound,
literacy tutoring for adults, Internet training, story times
(including bilingual), children’s summer reading program, and
other special services for children, teens and adults. Reference
librarians answer questions in person, by phone, and online.
Today's library collection
mirrors a vibrant and diverse community with materials in Spanish,
Chinese, Japanese, French, and Farsi. San Mateo library users can
select from more than two million books, newspapers, magazines,
videos, and CDs thanks to an automated network and delivery system
linking public and college libraries throughout San Mateo County.
A joint online catalog can be browsed from home or business.
Visit the San Mateo Public
Library Website |
