About San Mateo County Library System
San Mateo County Library System
San Mateo County Libraries, located at 125 Lessingia Ct, San Mateo, California, have been serving the community for over a century. Established in 1912 as a County Free Public Library and reorganized in 1999 as the San Mateo County Library Joint Powers Authority (JPA), the system includes libraries from thirteen cities and unincorporated areas. Governed by a board of elected officials and supported by an Operations Committee, our libraries operate as an independent entity dedicated to providing unparalleled service.
Our thirteen libraries serve as hubs of learning and technological advancement, attracting over 2.2 million visitors annually, with more than 65 percent of the local population holding library cards. We offer extensive physical and digital collections totaling nearly 3 million items and provide free internet access, wireless service, and numerous public computers. Additionally, patrons can borrow tablets, laptops, and WiFi hotspots, ensuring access to technology and information for all community members.
Committed to fostering literacy and lifelong learning, San Mateo County Libraries host over 12,000 events annually, offering programs that enrich and engage the diverse population we serve. Our outreach services, including a bookmobile, extend the library’s impact beyond its physical locations. Consistently ranked among the best libraries in the nation, our vision is to ignite growth through transformative experiences, and our mission is to strengthen communities by creating inclusive, vibrant spaces for learning and connection.