San Mateo County Libraries is excited to announce our new and improved eBook Stops service! Our eBook Stops are areas located at our libraries and beyond where you can easily download eBooks—you'll find eBook Stops at some local parks and offices like the Health Services Agency, where it’s handy to have something to read.
Reading is now as easy as visiting a location and scanning a QR code. Additionally, the collection of books, which is exclusive to the service, now includes eAudiobooks as well! You’ll find thousands of books in both English and Spanish, all completely free!
If you’re new to reading or listening to books online, eBook Stops are a great way to try them out. You don’t need a library card or mobile app to read these eBooks. There are no holds or wait times, so you can begin reading at once or save the book in your browser to read from home. The eBook Stop includes popular adult, teen, and children's titles in many genres.
The collection is constantly updating, so be sure to come back after your first visit to browse new eBooks!
How it Works
The book collection is exclusive to eBook Stop visitors and updates constantly so there’s always something new to read or listen to!
Here’s how to get started:
- Visit one of our locations with an eBook Stop.
- Look for the “eBook Stop” signs.
- Scan the QR code on the sign with your phone or tablet’s camera (read here for detailed instructions).
- You can also download the book to your browser by clicking “Offline Access” at the top of the menu on the site. This way, you can take the eBook with you after you’ve checked it out from the eBook Stop!
Where to Find an eBook Stop Library
Currently, we have eBook Stops at our library locations and community partner locations listed below. Look for the blue signs with instructions on how to get started! We will be adding more locations in months to come, in all parts of the County!
- Foster City Recreation Center, opens a new window
- Foster City Vibe Teen Center, opens a new window
- Port Royal Park , opens a new window(Foster City)
- Sea Cloud Park, opens a new window (Foster City)
- Edgewater Park, opens a new window (Foster City)
- Human Services Agency (HSA) Northern Region, opens a new window (Daly City)
- HSA Central Region – Harbor Building B, opens a new window (Belmont)
- HSA Central Region – Quarry Road, opens a new window (San Carlos)
- HSA Southern Region – Middlefield, opens a new window (Redwood City, next to North Fair Oaks Library)
- HSA Southern Region – East Palo Alto, opens a new window (Upstairs from East Palo Alto library)
- Woodland Park Apartments, opens a new window - Location A
- Woodland Park Apartments, opens a new window – Location B
- Sequoia Adult School, opens a new window
- Redwood City Police Activities League (PAL), opens a new window
FAQ
Q: What is an eBook Stop?
If you’re waiting for an appointment, headed to the park, or taking a break at work, eBook Stops are a great way to help you pass the time! Browse, check out, and download an eBook to your mobile device in a matter of minutes and take it with you to go!
eBook Stops have QR codes that, when scanned, take you to a collection of eBooks and eAudiobooks curated by San Mateo County Libraries. You can download and read eBooks or listen to eAudiobooks on your phone or tablet without the need for an additional app or a library card.
Q: What do I need to get started?
You will need a mobile phone, tablet, or laptop that has a data plan or can connect to Wi-Fi. It must have an internet browser to open and download the eBook or eAudiobook into the cache.
You do not need an app or a library card.
Q: How do you connect and download a book from an eBook Stop?
Here’s how to get started:
- Visit one of our locations with an eBook stop.
- Look for the “eBook Stop” signs.
- Scan the QR code (don’t know how to scan a QR code? Jump to our next question).
- Create a free account with an email address and password.
- Download up to 20 books for 21 days (3 weeks).
Q: What kind of eBooks can I check out?
Our eBook Stop collections include adult, teen and children's eBooks and eAudiobooks in both English and Spanish. There are no holds or wait times, so eBooks are ready for checkout at once.
Q: Are there any fines or fees associated with eBook Stop books?
No! Just like all our digital collections, your books will return automatically after the loan period, so you don’t need to worry about returning the item or late fees.
