Written by Josey at Atherton Library
Kick off your family wellness journey with San Mateo County Libraries!
May is Family Wellness Month, and there's no better place to kick off your path to healthy habits, quality time with your loved ones and loads of feel-good fun at your local library! Whether you’re looking to be more active, cook wholesome meals, unplug from technology or simply relish precious time as a family, the library is a goldmine of free materials, exhilarating activities and inventive ideas to support your family’s well-being.
Eat Better, Feel Better!
Here’s how our libraries can help you and your family make smarter food choices—without the stress. San Mateo County Libraries’ cookbook collection is brimming with tasty options, ranging from speedy weeknight dinners to nutritious plant-based bowls. Make eating healthy a family affair whether you're catering to selective eaters, exploring gluten-free recipes or simply aiming to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. We have healthy recipes for every taste: check out this list with cookbook recommendations!
Go Digital: Culinary Resources Anytime
Can't make it into the library? That's okay! Discover eBooks, eAudiobooks and streaming videos focused on healthy cooking and eating. These resources are great for gaining knowledge while you prepare meals, shop or commute.
- My Library Boundless: A great mix of popular eBooks and eAudiobooks that kids and adults will love!
- Flipster Digital Magazines: Dive into unlimited digital access to your favorite magazines—whenever, wherever!
- Hoopla: Enjoy instant access to audiobooks, eBooks, comics, movies, music and TV shows—all in one place.
- New York Times Cooking: This platform has tons of great recipes that make it easy for home cooks of all levels to try new things and get more comfortable in the kitchen.
Get Outside & Get Moving
Whether you’re out for a walk, doing some stretches, hitting the gym or wandering through your community, we offer various ways to keep you engaged and feeling wonderful. Here’s how your library helps you stay active and have a blast outdoors.
Walk & Talk with a Library Walking Club: Get your steps in, meet cool people, and explore your town one walk at a time. No pressure, just fresh air, good conversation, and maybe a few laughs along the way.
From yoga to tai chi, Zumba to qigong, our libraries host many free fitness events. Chill vibes, no gym required. Explore our Events Calendar to discover other wellness and fitness events happening at your library!
Borrow Outdoor Gear and Park Passes—Yep, Really!
Discover local trails, parks and hidden gems with the help of your library. Here's a list of our favorite California nature guides!
County passes provide a pass so you can explore and enjoy 23 park locations in San Mateo County. State Passes provide entrance to 134 state parks. Our libraries even lend out bikes. It’s like a mini outdoor adventure kit, and it’s totally free with your library card. Learn more about our resources for nature lovers.
Seed Libraries: Grow Flowers, Veggies or Herbs
Our seed libraries share a common purpose: they’re open to everyone in the community. You can browse, take seeds or donate your own—no checkout needed! Gardening is a hands-on way to learn patience, responsibility and the joy of nurturing life. It's also a fun and meaningful way to spark conversations about nature, food and caring for our planet. Learn more about our Seed Libraries.
Family Game Night Just Got an Upgrade!
Did you know you can checkout board games just like books? Dive into a treasure trove of fun with your library card and explore a fantastic selection of games! Whether you’re a fan of timeless classics like Scrabble and Uno, or prefer the strategic challenges of Catan and Ticket to Ride, there’s a perfect game waiting for everyone—no matter your age or style! Prepare some snacks, assemble your squad and convert your living room into the epicenter of game night. You’ll earn bonus points for creative team names, fun victory dances and whether you let Grandma take the win (or not). Check out this list of our favorite board games we have in stock!
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