San Mateo County Libraries

San Mateo County Libraries is a public library system serving the communities of San Mateo County, California. Governed by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, the system operates 13 branches across the county, from Daly City to Woodside. It provides a wide array of traditional and innovative services, including digital collections, literacy programs, and community events, to a diverse population of over 760,000 residents. The library system is a member of the Peninsula Library System and participates in the Link+ interlibrary loan network.

History

The origins of the system trace back to 1913 when the San Mateo County Free Library was established under California law, initially serving rural areas without municipal libraries. Early bookmobile services delivered materials to communities like Half Moon Bay and Pescadero. Significant expansion occurred post-World War II, with the Millbrae branch opening in 1948 and the Belmont branch following in 1955. The system modernized its infrastructure in the late 20th century, with the construction of new facilities such as the Foster City library in 1998. A major technological leap came with the 2011 implementation of the Bibliocommons catalog platform, enhancing digital access.

Services and collections

The library offers an extensive physical collection exceeding 1.5 million items, including books, DVDs, and CDs. Its digital services provide access to e-books, audiobooks, and streaming media through platforms like OverDrive and Hoopla. Research databases include resources from Gale, ProQuest, and the Ancestry library edition. Specialized services include the California State Library-supported Brainfuse online tutoring, maker spaces with 3D printing technology, and the provision of Chromebooks and mobile Wi-Fi hotspots for loan. The system also hosts the San Mateo County History Museum’s digital archives.

Branches and locations

The system comprises 13 community branches and several administrative offices. Northern locations include the Daly City and Brisbane libraries, while central county branches serve San Mateo, Belmont, and Foster City. Coastal communities are served by the Half Moon Bay and Pacifica libraries. In the south, residents utilize the Woodside and Portola Valley branches. The Atherton library operates through a unique partnership with the Atherton Town Council. Administrative functions are centralized at the County Government Center in Redwood City.

Governance and funding

The library system is a department of the San Mateo County government, under the direct oversight of the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors. Day-to-day management is led by a County Librarian, a position held by Anne-Marie Despain. Primary funding derives from the San Mateo County general fund, with significant supplemental revenue from the San Mateo County Measure K sales tax. Additional support comes from the nonprofit San Mateo County Libraries Foundation, grants from institutions like the Pacific Library Partnership, and state funding administered by the California State Library.

Programs and community engagement

The libraries host a robust calendar of events, including the annual Summer Reading Challenge and the Silicon Valley Reads community program. Early literacy initiatives feature Storytime sessions and the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. Adult education encompasses ESL classes, citizenship workshops, and technology training in partnership with Senior Coastsiders. The system actively promotes civic engagement through partnerships with the League of Women Voters of South San Mateo County for voter registration and hosts forums with local officials. Cultural programming includes author talks with figures like Dave Eggers and exhibitions in collaboration with the San Mateo County Historical Association.

Category:Library systems in California Category:San Mateo County, California Category:1913 establishments in California