While you wait for your eBook or audiobook on hold, check out these resources that provide short wait times, or even no wait times at all. San Mateo County Libraries provides ample eResources that allow library users to check out books from several collections. We recommend checking out the following resources to access eBooks and audiobooks with short wait times. You may even find something unexpected.
The Palace Project
The Palace Project app conveniently brings together many of our eBook and eAudiobook collections as well as thousands of works in the public domain. The Palace Project app consolidates San Mateo County Libraries Overdrive, Axis 360, and public domain eBooks and eAudiobooks into a single collection.
Boundless
Boundless (formerly Axis 360), houses an ever-expanding collection of popular eBooks and eAudiobooks for kids and adults. Featuring popular adult fiction and nonfiction including cookbooks and crafts, children's picture books and easy readers. Requires a 29041, 29731 or 29735 library card.
Biblioboard
Biblioboard is a simultaneous use eBook platform that showcases local and international independent authors. Users can access this collection from web or the app. This collection is always available, and there are no holds or wait times!
Hoopla
Hoopla is an online service for library users to access eAudiobooks, eBooks and comic books from top publishers as well as movies, music, and TV shows from media companies such as Nickelodeon, A24, The Great Courses, BBC, Acorn TV and more. Hoopla can be used on mobile devices, TV streaming players and computers. Requires a 29041, 29044, 29045, 29047, 29731 or 29735 library card.
TumbleBook Library
TumbleBook Library is a collection of eBooks, videos, graphic novels and talking books with fiction, non-fiction and foreign language learning titles. It also includes puzzles and games! Requires a 29041, 29731 or 29735 library card.
eBook stops
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 on the go! 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!
- Recreation Center in Foster City, opens a new window
- Vibe Teen Center in Foster City, opens a new window
- Port Royal Park in Foster City, opens a new window
- Sea Cloud Park in Foster City, opens a new window
- Edgewater Park in Foster City, opens a new window
- Human Services Agency (HSA) Northern Region in Daly City, opens a new window
- HSA Central Region – Harbor Building B in Belmont, opens a new window
- HSA Central Region – Quarry Road in San Carlos, opens a new window
- HSA Southern Region – Middlefield in Redwood City, next to North Fair Oaks Library, opens a new window
- HSA Southern Region – East Palo Alto, Upstairs at East Palo Alto Library, opens a new window
- Woodland Park Apartments (1 of 2), opens a new window
- Woodland Park Apartments (2 of 2), opens a new window
- Sequoia Adult School in Menlo Park, opens a new window
- Police Activities League (PAL) in Redwood City, opens a new window
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