Get ready for your summer vacation with San Mateo County Libraries! While we have tons of fun events happening at our libraries this summer, there is also plenty of fun to be had on the go.
Travel Books
Before you start your vacation, check out a travel book! From local attractions to popular overseas destinations, there are great guides to give you inspiration for your trip.
Digital Offerings
Pass the time during your plane, train or car trip with downloadable books, movies, music and magazines.
Hoopla, opens a new window is great for downloading music, movies and tv shows to watch on the go. Just make sure to download your materials and you can enjoy Hoopla without data or Wi-Fi.
Libby, opens a new window offers downloadable eBooks, audiobooks and magazines. Libby has materials in over 20 languages and hosts large collections of eBooks in Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Russian and Spanish.
Both Libby and Hoopla are available outside the United States, so you can continue to listen and read while on your trip.
Magazines are also available through Flipster, opens a new window and included in their offerings are some great travel magazines!
We also have platforms specifically for digital items in Chinese. Qikan, opens a new window and Kono, opens a new window have eMagazines and Hyread, opens a new window hosts eBooks in traditional Chinese.
Pronunciator
Traveling to a country where you don't know the language? Learn some basics with Pronunciator, opens a new window. There are over 163 languages available with learning guides for beginners to advanced learners. Some languages also have sections dedicated to language skills useful for vacationers. All you need is your San Mateo County Libraries card (starting with 29041) to get started.
Hotspots and Laptops
Need to stay connected while travelling? Service for our hotspots is available throughout the US under T-Mobile or Verizon coverage areas. We also have Chromebook laptops available for checkout and laptop combos, which include a laptop and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Laptops, combos and hotspots can be checked out for three weeks to patrons 18 years or older. Hotspots and laptops can be placed on hold for your convenience.
Nintendo Switch Lites
Stop by your nearby San Mateo County Library to check out video games, like a Nintendo Switch Lite and switch games. You can borrow the games and the Nintendo Lite consoles for up to three weeks. Currently, all video game items are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Discover and Go
For local trips, check out Discover and Go. Discover and Go has attractions from around California, whether you are heading up north to Napa, over into the East Bay or down to Southern California. Make sure to login to the portal that matches your library card number.
Summer Adventure
While many of our Summer Adventure activities happen in person, you can still participate while traveling! Our summer learning program is open to all ages and abilities. Read, Make and Explore as you travel for a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship or San Francisco Giants tickets. Pick up a log at the library and submit it in online with our finisher's form, opens a new window.
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