WHY GIVE
Play a direct role in the vitality of our community.
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By joining SMPLF's growing donor family, you will play a direct role in supporting the Library, enhancing its impact on our community and ensuring its long-term vitality.
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A gift to SMPLF advances children and teen programs, literacy programs, job seekers programs, the tech lending library, cultural programming, and capital projects.
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Children and Teen Programs
Programs and services include Paws for Tales (where children improve their reading by reading aloud to therapy dogs), Bilingual English/Spanish Stories & Songs, parent presentations, and teacher resources.
"As a parent, the greatest gift I can give my kids is the joy of reading. The library provides a safe place where my kids can explore, engage and learn. My three boys love coming to the library!" Bea M, stay at home mom
Literacy Programs
Project Read is the Library’s adult literacy program, and teaches English reading, writing and communication skills.
Project Read trains volunteer tutors to work one-on-one or in small groups teaching adults the skills they need to participate and be successful in our community.
Job Seekers
Volunteers with experience in human resources, coaching and teaching support community members with their job searches, including online assistance, resume and cover letter writing, and application completion.
JobSeekers is an in-person, drop-in service. No appointment is necessary.
Tech Lending
​Patrons are able to check out mobile WiFi units and laptops, directly addressing the community's Digital Divide.
Additionally, cutting-edge robotics kits, musical instruments, digital recording devices, coding education tools, and more are available to community!
Cultural Programming
The San Mateo Public Library offers art exhibits, music programs, author lectures, and book discussions.
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Asian, Latino Iranian-American, Persian-American and African-American Library Advisory Committees support our richly diverse geographic region with the goal to build community and promote inclusion through information, education and entertainment.
Capital Projects
The Foundation was originally formed in 1996 as a part of a multi-faceted effort to finance and construct the Library's main branch.
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We continue to partner with the Library—and other organizations— to facilitate this type of large-scale fundraising as capital needs arise.
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