Bored with Netflix? Already burned through your books and magazines at home? We've got eBooks, eAudiobooks, streaming media, digital newspapers, and eMagazines that are available for you to check out instantly.
That’s right! No long holds queues and no limited copies. So get your mobile devices and TVs ready, find a comfy spot on your couch, pull out your library card, and dive right in.
eBooks and eAudiobooks for Everyone!
Nobody likes waiting weeks and weeks for their next great read (or listen). Read eBooks instantly with the Always Available collection, opens a new window on OverDrive through the Indie Author Project, opens a new window. Browse through 350 titles from bestselling independent authors vetted by Library Journal. The collection comprises 264 adult titles, 86 YA titles and 68 authors from California. The books cover various genres, including mystery, historical fiction, science fiction, and fantasy, by emerging and diverse writers across the country.
Hoopla also has an extensive collection of eBooks, eComics, and eAudiobooks covering all ages and ranges. Missing your book club? Try out Hoopla Book Club, opens a new window and host something virtually!
TumbleBook Library is a great service for the little ones that will keep them entertained and educated. These animated and narrated eBooks are always available for checking out.
¡Ahora están disponibles más libros electrónicos en español! Nuestros usuarios pueden disfrutar de miles de títulos nuevos en español a través de la plataforma electrónica Odilo. Descubre miles de títulos.
Streaming Music
Need a playlist for your at-home dance party? Freegal provides access to five hours per day of streaming time and five songs to download weekly. You can listen to songs on your computer via your Internet browser or on your phone with the Freegal mobile app. You can build your personalized playlist or check out a curated playlist to fit your mood.
Hoopla also has a large collection of albums ranging in genres from award-winning, popular, indie artists, and more.
Streaming Movies and TV
Kanopy includes videos from The Criterion Collection, Samuel Goldwyn, The Great Courses, PBS and thousands of independent filmmakers. Kanopy is consistently updating its collection, so there are always new videos to explore! Currently, Kanopy has a credit-free collection of movies, opens a new window, meaning that watching them won’t count against your checkout limit. The list is growing daily and includes award-winning documentaries, such as Super Size Me and classic films such as Charlie Chaplin’s The Gold Rush.
Hoopla also has a broad collection of both movies and TV series. Want to see what all the buzz is about with British TV series and Acorn TV, opens a new window? Hoopla has a large collection of some of the most beloved series, such as Doc Martin, Agatha Raisin, Vera, and more. Hoopla also has TV shows for kids from Nickelodeon, opens a new window, such as Paw Patrol and episodes of Sesame Street, opens a new window.
eNewspapers and eMagazines
Enjoy unlimited digital access to some of your favorite magazines. With Flipster, you can browse online or check out and read offline for three to seven days. RBDigital has no checkout periods, so you can download a magazine and keep it. For eMagazines from Asia, check out Kono and Qikan.
If you’re looking for reliable news sources, check out Newsbank, an online newspaper archive that offers the full digital version of the San Francisco Chronicle and articles from other local news sources. San Mateo County Libraries also provides 72-hour complimentary New York Times Online passes.
Even though the library is physically closed, San Mateo County Libraries has everything you need to be entertained instantly. Be sure to follow our blog for more resources you can access at home.
Add a comment to: Don’t Wait Around: These eResources Are Always Available!