Extra! Extra! Read The New York Times Digital Edition Through the Library!

UPDATED 8/22/2022: 24-hour access passes have changed to 72-hour access.

San Mateo County Libraries' patrons now have access to the full edition of The New York Times without a subscription. You can find all regular newspaper content, photography, and videos dating back from 1851 to the present. You’ll also have access to Mandarin and Spanish versions.

Like to only read the Style section or the Opinions? You can personalize your access through email newsletters, mobile apps, and customizable news feeds and recommendations. The New York Times also offers the California Today newsletter, which covers the news and stories that matter to Californians (and anyone else interested in the state).

And it would be remiss not to mention the incredible Books, opens a new window section of The New York Times. Read the latest book reviews and then either find them in our community libraries or on one of our eBook/eAudiobook platforms!

Getting Started

To get started, register for a free account, opens a new window either by being logged into smcl.org or from within a San Mateo County Libraries location using a library computer or using your device on the library WiFi. Once registered, you can enjoy your 72-hour access pass from anywhere by logging in with the same email and password entered during registration.

After your 72-hour pass expires, you may activate a new pass by visiting the pass activation page, opens a new window while once again being logged into smcl.org or from within a San Mateo County Libraries location using a library computer or using your own device on the library WiFi.

Want more online news? San Mateo County Libraries also provides access to the full digital version of the San Francisco Chronicle. You can also search current and archived issues of other local newspapers through the Newsbank database.

What’s your favorite section of The New York Times? Let us know in the comments.