Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! All of our locations are open for you to come inside. Visit our Locations page for a list of locations and hours.

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 are a small network device that generates its own Wi-Fi network and connects to an eBook collection curated by San Mateo County Libraries. When connected to the network, you can download and read eBooks in on your phone or tablet without the need for an Internet connection, an additional app or a library card.

Yes. We will be offering more hours beginning on Tuesday, March 16 with Curbside Services available Tuesdays through Saturdays, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM. When we are safely able to fully reopen to the public, North Fair Oaks Library will have its weekly service hours increased from 50 to 60 hours. We’ll be seeking input on establishing new hours and feedback on services from the community soon.

Sí. Ofreceremos más horas a partir del martes 16 de marzo con servicio en la acera disponible desde el martes a sábado, de 11:00 AM a 4:00 PM. Cuando podamos reabrir completamente al público, Fair Oaks Branch Library tendrá su horario de servicio aumentado de 50 a 60 horas. Pronto buscaremos información sobre el establecimiento de nuevas horas y comentarios sobre los servicios de la comunidad.

In response to the San Mateo County Health Department’s guidance around social distancing, all of our library locations are closed to public access. With digital titles, online resources, virtual events, and more, we’re still here for you and are Open for Exploration online. For more information, read our blog. 

Express Service is what we’re calling our modified in-library service that allows you to enter the library, browse and check out items, and use computers safely. Express Service is available Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM in all our communities. To see more about specific locations, please visit our Library Services page.    

You will need a mobile phone, tablet, or laptop that can connect to a network. It must have an Internet browser to open and download the eBook into the cache.

You do not need existing Wi-Fi or network connectivity, an app, or a library card.

The library will continue to operate in the same location under the new name of North Fair Oaks Library.

La biblioteca continuará trabajando en la misma ubicación con el nuevo nombre de North Fair Oaks Library.

Hoopla is not integrated with the SimplyE app at this time, but there are plans to do so in the future.

Curbside Services are available Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM in all our communities, except during holiday closures.

Visit smcl.org/curbsideservices for more information or contact our Customer Care Team by calling 1-833-YES-SMCL (1-833-937-7625), texting  (650) 851-0147 or emailing through our Get in Touch form.

Please enjoy your library materials a bit longer! We have extended the due date of all items to July 31, 2020. You’re welcome to keep your items until then, or you can return your items at any library location using the book drop. If the item is a WiFi hotspot/laptop we ask that you still hold onto these until July 31, 2020.

Remember, we don't charge late fees so you have nothing to worry about. This includes WiFi hotspots and laptops, as well as items requested via the LINK+ service. New LINK+ requests are not currently being accepted.

Yes. Each of our libraries will have a designated parking space for curbside services. Just pull up and call us at 1-833-YES-SMCL (1-833-937-7625) or text us at (650) 851-0147, and we'll bring your holds out to your car.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Visit one of our locations with an eBook stop.
2. Look for the blue “eBook Stop” signs.
3. Access the Wi-Fi connections on your phone or tablet.
4. Select the network called eBook Stop from the list of available networks on your device.
5. When you have connected to the network, visit smcl.org/eBooktopS/, accept the Terms and Conditions, and tap “Go” to start reading.
6. You can also download the book to your browser by clicking “Offline Access” at the top of menu on the site. You will also get a message while you’re browsing through your book with instructions on downloading it and to bookmark it in your browser. This way, you can take the eBook with you after you’ve checked it out from the eBook Stop!

You can reach us in English, Spanish, and Chinese by contacting our Customer Care team from 10 AM - 8 PM, Monday through Tuesday, and 10 AM - 5 PM, Wednesday through Saturday. Customer Care is available by calling 1-833-YES-SMCL (1-833-937-7625), texting (650) 851-0147 or emailing through our Get In Touch form.

Puede comunicarse con nosotros en inglés, español y chino poniéndose en contacto con nuestro equipo de atención al cliente de 10 AM a 8 PM de lunes a martes y 10 AM a 5 PM de miércoles a sábado. Atención al Cliente está disponible llamando al 1-833-YES-SMCL (1-833-937-7625), por texto a través del (650) 851-0147, o por correo electrónico a través de nuestro formulario Get In Touch.

You can pickup your hold using our Walk-up Service or Curbside Pickup Service.

Yes. Each of our libraries will have a designated parking space for curbside services. Just pull up and call us at 1-833-YES-SMCL (1-833-937-7625) or text us at (650) 851-0147, and we'll bring your holds out to your car.

After connecting to the eBook Stop Wi-Fi network and visiting smcl.org/eBookStop/, you are ready to start browsing! After clicking yes to accept the terms and conditions, you will then see San Mateo County Libraries’ eBook Stop collection and available eBooks.

1. Click the three lines in the left corner to browse by subject or use the magnifying class to search by author, title, or keyword. To learn more about the title, click on the thumbnail image. You’ll then see the summary and author information.
2. Click “Read Now” to start reading in your browser.
3. A new window will open and your book will load in about 30 seconds or less (depending on file size.)
4. Swipe to turn the page or click the Main Menu at the top to skip to a chapter.
5. You can also download the book to your browser by clicking “Offline Access.” Users will also get a pop-up message instructing them to download for offline access and to bookmark it in their browser. In order to read your eBook away from the eBook Stop, you will need to download the eBook by following Offline Access.

The library will remain part of the Peninsula Library System, with access to all the same materials at libraries throughout the County through our shared holds and delivery system.

La biblioteca seguirá formando parte del Sistema de Bibliotecas de la Península, con acceso a todos los mismos materiales en las bibliotecas de todo el condado a través de nuestro sistema de entrega y encargo de materiales compartidas.

Yes! You can add multiple libraries as long as they offer the SimplyE app and you have a valid card with those libraries

With your library card, you have access to numerous online resources. We have  eBooks/eAudiobooks, digital newspapers, eMagazines, and music and movies  online available for streaming  24/7. We’re  increasing  the number of items you can check out on our different  eMedia  platforms  and working to  make even more online resources available soon.

You can come inside the library during any of our open hours. For a list of locations and hours visit our Locations page

Yes! When a user is having trouble connecting to the network, the website will automatically redirect to step-by-step instructions on how to connect on an Apple or Android device.

The website also provides a helpful pop-up instructing users on how to download their eBook and bookmark it in their browser.

Library card numbers will change to provide access to all the online resources and digital materials San Mateo County Libraries offers. You will still be able to us your library card at any library throughout the county.

Los números de tarjetas de biblioteca cambiarán para proporcionar acceso a todos los recursos en línea y materiales digitales que ofrecen las bibliotecas del condado de San Mateo. Puedes seguir usando tu tarjeta de la biblioteca en cualquier biblioteca en todo el condado.

Make sure you are using a stable Internet connection and try downloading again. If the problem continues, report the issue in the SimplyE app by scrolling down to the bottom of a title screen and clicking Report Issue.

Don’t worry — all expiring library cards will be automatically renewed for 90 days to ensure that everyone continues to enjoy access to our online resources.

Yes! You can use any available seating in our buildings while being respectful of the space of other patrons.

Our eBook Stop collections include adult, teen, and children's eBooks in both Englisn and Spanish. There are no holds or wait times, so eBooks are ready for checkout immediately.

Yes! San Mateo County Libraries are fine-free.

¡Sí! Las bibliotecas del condado de San Mateo son libres de cobros por retraso.  

You can check out our Niche Academy tutorial or visit the guide for Apple iOS or Google Android.

You're able to register for a library card online. Instead of being mailed a physical library card, you will receive an email with your card’s barcode number, allowing you to use our online resources.

You can browse and check out items, pick up holds, print, make copies, use our computers and available laptops, use our maker equipment and reserve and use study and community rooms.

eBook Stops are meant to be as easy to access as possible without the need for an app, a large amount of storage space, or a high-tech device. Therefore, the eBook, text-based format works best.

Some programs and activities will change but many signature programs will remain in place. San Mateo County Libraries hosts hundreds of virtual programs every month, like bilingual storytime and book clubs, that support exploration, activity, and community connection.

Algunos programas y actividades cambiarán, pero muchos de nuestros programas permanecerán en su lugar. Las bibliotecas del condado de San Mateo proporciona cientos de programas virtuales cada semana, como cuentos bilingües y clubes de lectura, que apoyan la exploración, la actividad y la conexión con la comunidad.

We offer additional services to assist you. Contact our Customer Care Team by calling  1-833-YES-SMCL (1-833-937-7625), texting (650) 851-0147 or emailing through our Get in Touch form.

Your default PIN is the last 4 digits of your phone number. If you changed it, it's encrypted and can't be looked up. If this is the case, please let us know and we will reset it back to the default. 

As a youth setting, masks are strongly recommended for everyone, regardless of vaccine status.

No! Just like all of our digital collections, your books will return automatically after the loan period is up, so you don’t need to worry about returning the item or late fees.

The transfer follows approval of a new cost-sharing agreement between the San Mateo County Library Joint Powers Authority and the City of Redwood City. The move will increase public service hours of operation and the expansion of programs. In short, the transition will otherwise be seamless for patrons who will benefit from increased service hours and exciting new resources, programs, and opportunities for exploration.

La transferencia sigue a la aprobación de un nuevo acuerdo de reparto de costos entre la Autoridad de Poderes Conjuntos de las Bibliotecas del Condado de San Mateo y la Ciudad de Redwood City. La medida aumentará las horas de operación del servicio público y la expansión de los programas. En resumen, la transición será sin problemas para los clientes que se beneficiarán de un aumento de las horas de servicio y nuevos y emocionantes recursos, programas y oportunidades de exploración

Thank you for your patience as we continue to adjust operations in response to COVID-19. As the Bookmobile is unavailable for Curbside Services, please choose a branch location for pickup. Bookmobile customers may also contact our Customer Care Team to discuss other options by calling 1-833-YES-SMCL (1-833-937-7625), texting (650) 851-0147 or emailing through our Get in Touch form.

Employees and customers will be following social distancing (with markers on the floor), using face coverings (required), and following CDC and San Mateo County health recommendations. Hand sanitizer is available, and all surfaces utilized are cleaned regularly.

You're welcome to call us at 1-833-YES-SMCL (1-833-937-7625), text us at (650) 851-0147 or email us through our Get in Touch form.

Our Customer Care hours are from 10 AM - 8 PM, Monday through Tuesday, and 10 AM - 5 PM, Wednesday through Saturday, except during holiday closures.

You can also email us through our get in touch form, which is available 24/7. We will reply to your message within 2 to 3 business days.

You are welcome to stay and use our services for as long as you would like.

Although the connection is an open connection and therefore not secure, all data and content within the device is encrypted. Additionally, no user data is stored on the device.  

Yes! We are proud of our shared library delivery system and continued partnership with all libraries in the County.

¡Sí! Estamos orgullosos de nuestro sistema de entrega de bibliotecas compartidas y de la colaboración continua con todas las bibliotecas del Condado. 

Yes! Library bookdrops and designated drop off spots near our Curbside Services areas are open if you'd like to return any items. We are fine free, so you won’t incur any late charges,

Study rooms and community spaces are available by reservation up to two weeks in advance. See our Rooms/Equipment Reservation page for more information.

All current library staff will continue working for the Redwood City Public Library. A new team of friendly, welcoming, and bilingual San Mateo County Libraries staff is excited to meet you soon!

Todo el personal actual de la biblioteca continuará trabajando para la Biblioteca Pública de Redwood City. ¡Un nuevo equipo de amable, acogedor y bilingüe personal de las bibliotecas del condado de San Mateo está encantado de conocerlo pronto!

We are not accepting any donations at this time. Thank you for your consideration, and we hope to be able to accept your donations soon.

Hoopla and Kanopy are not integrated with The Palace Project app at this time.

Yes! You can add multiple libraries as long as they offer The Palace Project app and you have a valid card with those libraries.

Make sure you have a stable internet connection and try downloading again. If the problem continues, you can contact Customer Care for help.

You can check out our Niche Academy tutorial or contact Customer Care for help.

Some locations have reinstated their "Friends of the Library" book sales. For information on your nearest location, visit your library’s "Friends of the Library" page or contact us.

No books or other material donations can be received at this time.

We offer a variety of online and in-person programming, varying by location. For details on upcoming events and registration, please visit our events listing. For recordings of some past events, please visit our YouTube channel.

Magazine and newspaper subscriptions have been reinstated, and they will become available as our libraries receive them. We will also continue to offer them online; for magazine access, please visit our blog and our eMagazine services page. For newspaper access please see local eNewspapers and learn about free access to the digital edition of the New York Times.

No, due to research on how COVID is transmitted and with guidance from the county health officer, library materials will no longer be quarantined. 

We encourage you to use the self-checkout kiosks for library materials whenever possible. If you require assistance, staff will help while adhering to social distancing and masking mandates.

In order to safely minimize the handling of physical materials, we ask that items that can fit into the manual book drops be returned there. For all other items, please return to the front desk.

Yes, every location has made updates to expand their WiFi and is accessible outside of the building, 24/7. At some locations you can use our WiFi eBook Stops to download eBooks. 

Yes, staff are happy to try and assist you with technology needs. We also offer scheduled appointments with our knowledgeable staff either over the phone or in person. Contact us to schedule your appointment.

Yes! You will be able to use available public computers and laptops for sessions up to 60 minutes during open hours with a maximum of two sessions per day.

While professional cleaning and sanitation will be increased, we ask that everyone sharing the library space do their best to sanitize their usage areas before and after use. Sanitization supplies and stations will be provided by the library.

Yes, ask staff about availability at Walk-up.

To sign up for a Calm account, you must have a library card with a barcode starting with “29041,” "29731" or "29735" and an account in good standing. Fill out this short form with your library card number and email. In 3-4 business days, you will receive an email from the library system with instructions on how to set up your account.

At this time, Calm is available in English, German, French, Spanish, Korean and Portuguese. The company is looking to expand its language options in the future! You can let Calm know what language you'd like to listen to by filling out their Calm Language Request form.

Yes! Calm Kids has beginner meditations for various age groups up to 18 years old. The Calm Kids meditations are under the "Kids" category of the "Meditate" screen. Calm also includes more than 30 Sleep Stories for Kids which can be found in the "Kids" category of the "Sleep" screen.

You will receive an email from San Mateo County libraries 3-4 business days after you’ve submitted the form. In your email, there will be a code to use to sign up for a Calm subscription. Please follow the below steps:

1. Visit our landing page to subscribe. This should be done on a computer or your mobile browser (not in the Calm app itself).
2. Once on the web page, sign in to your Calm account or create an account if you have not already.
3. Once you have signed in, enter your Library card number to activate subscription access on your Calm account.
4. Log into the Calm app or website with the same account you used in step 2. (Make sure to “X” out of the initial setup questions, and then you'll see a page prompting you to Create An Account. At the bottom, there is the “Have an Account? Log In” option. Use that to log into your account.)
5. The new premium subscription will be active, and the full content library will be unlocked.

Most sessions and tracks in the Calm app can be downloaded for future listening offline. For more on using Calm without an Internet connection, visit Calm’s Support site.

Calm is a mindfulness and meditation app and service. Calm offers audio-guided meditations, music, courses, sleep and relaxation tools, and more. The app is available from the App Store and Google Play Store. You can also access Calm via the web.

Check out our Calm page! It covers some of the highlights of what Calm has to offer. You can also visit the Calm’s Support site, which has articles on how to use Calm, including this one on getting started.

Feel free to contact our Customer Care Team for additional details by calling 1-833-YES-SMCL (1-833-937-7625), texting at (650) 851-0147 or emailing through our Get in Touch form.

Whether you need help placing a hold on an item or have special considerations, we are here to help you!

You must live within the service area of San Mateo County Libraries in order to log in and reserve passes. Discover & Go is set to track your zip code. If you do not qualify to reserve a pass because your zip code is not in our service area, we recommend that you try your home library (within your own zip code) since many local library systems offer Discover & Go.

Below is a list of other libraries in the Peninsula Library System that also participate in the Discover & Go program. If you have a card through one of these libraries, follow the link to log in and print out your passes.

• Burlingame Public Library
• Daly City Public Library
• Menlo Park Library
• Redwood City Public Library
• San Bruno Public Library
• San Mateo City Public Library
• South San Francisco Library

In looking at our experiences with our fine-free senior and youth cards, industry research, and the results of the many libraries that have already eliminated overdue fines, we found that:

• Elimination of fines results in higher library use and increased customer satisfaction.
• Fines do not effectively incentivize on-time returns.
• Overdue fines negatively impact library use, particularly by lower-income people.
• Revenue from fines is less than the cost of staff time to collect fines.

As a result of these findings, the Library JPA Governing Board approved the elimination of fines for the late return of library materials and directed staff to update the Library Material Access and Selection Policy.

Patrons who accrued overdue fines before January 7, 2019 on San Mateo County Libraries materials will have those fines waived automatically. Overdue fines accrued on items owned by City or Community College Libraries in the Peninsula Library System will not be waived. Charges for lost or missing items will not be waived.

In order to ensure that library materials are returned, San Mateo County Libraries will charge patrons replacement fees when an item checked out for 3 weeks has been overdue for 30 days, or when an item checked out for 1 week has been overdue for 7 days. Once an item is returned to the library, the replacement fee will be removed from the patron’s account. The Library may block accounts with excessive charges until items are returned or the charges are paid down.

In order to ensure that library materials are returned, San Mateo County Libraries will charge patrons replacement fees when an item checked out for 3 weeks has been overdue for 30 days, or when an item checked out for 1 week has been overdue for 7 days. Users owing more than $15 in fees will lose borrowing privileges. Once an item is returned to the library, the replacement fee will be removed from the patron’s account and borrowing privileges restored once the balance is under $15.

We recommend that you place free reserves or holds on checked out items you want. Placing a hold will block the item from being renewed and deliver it to the library of your choice within 3-5 days of it being returned. You’ll receive a notification by email or phone when the item arrives at your preferred library, and you will have 10 days to check it out.

Overdue fines represent less than one percent of our overall budget and do not impact services. Libraries have found that overdue fine revenue is less than the cost of staff time to collect fines. Eliminating overdue fines will help the library by increasing equitable access to materials and freeing up our staff to focus on enhancing service to our communities.

San Mateo County Libraries work with local City and Community College Libraries in order to make a more extensive range of collections available to our patrons. Patrons who check out materials from other libraries using their San Mateo County Libraries card by visiting these libraries or placing holds may be assessed fines based on the policies of the owning libraries. Items requested through the LINK+ inter-library loan service will not accrue late fines.

If patrons use a City or Community College library card to check out San Mateo County Libraries items, they will not be charged overdue fines. Overdue fines will not be assessed on any of our materials kept past the due date, regardless of the type of library card used.

Yes, you will continue to receive reminders of due dates for library materials. We encourage patrons to return items on time in order to make them available for others to use, and to renew items they would like to keep beyond the due date.

Please continue to support us by making a financial donation by check or online. Learn more.

The book club is once or twice a week for 1.5-2.5 hours. Each book club lasts a month so the minimum commitment is 4 weeks.

The Book Club meets with the boys unit on Thursdays: 6-7 pm (Time commitment 5:45-7:15 pm) plus flexible planning time

The book club meets with the girl units on Sundays at two different times:  6-7pm Youth Facility and 7-8 pm (Time Commitment 5:45 pm -8:15 pm) plus flexible planning time

Want to learn more or get started? Contact us.

Your PIN by default is the last 4 digits of the phone number on your account.

To change your PIN, log in to your account and go to My Settings or visit one of the San Mateo County Libraries and a staff person can change it for you.

Your barcode is your library card number starting with 2904.

The first time you log in, you'll create a username. You can log in with your username from then on or you can continue to use your barcode.

You may update your email address online. Log in to your account and go to My Settings.

To update your card please visit one of the San Mateo County Libraries. You’ll need to show a current valid ID with your photo, name and address to complete the process.

To update/renew your card please visit one of the San Mateo County Libraries. You’ll need to show a current valid ID with your photo, name and address to complete the process.

Yes, cards must be updated every five years. You'll be notified when logging into your online account if your card is close to expiring. You can also see your card expiry date under Account Information in your My Settings.

If you lose your library card or key chain, please call one of the San Mateo County Libraries as soon as possible. You’re responsible for all materials, fines and fees checked out on your library card until its loss is reported.

Please visit one of the San Mateo County Libraries to replace your card. You’ll need to show a current, valid ID with your name, photo and address. Replacement cards are free.

Our tutors and learners generally meet once or twice a week, for about 1 ½ hours each session, at a library or other community location.

No, we offer a 6 hour tutor training that provides our tutors with the knowledge and skills they need before they are paired with a student. These skills will help tutors feel prepared and comfortable to build a positive learner-tutor relationship and to structure weekly lessons in order to support the learner in meeting his or her goals.

We highly value both personal and professional diversity in our tutors because we believe that every individual contributes something unique to their student and to the literacy program. We only require that tutors be 18 years or older, get fingerprinted and attend a 6 hour orientation & training. We are looking for volunteers who have:

• Confidence in reading and writing skills
• Empathy, flexibility, and patience
• A willingness to learn reading and writing strategies
• A collaborative spirit
• A good sense of humor

Although a CO.STARTERS facilitator needs to have experience starting and running a business or cause, he or she doesn't have to be an expert on everything. Rather, a facilitator's role is role is to guide participants through the program by asking the right questions, drawing on the knowledge in the room, and using available resources and connections in the community to point participants in the right direction. A strong facilitator must enjoy working with groups and have a passion for helping other entrepreneurs succeed.

The training will consist of one half-day and one full-day session that introduces potential facilitators to the concepts, methods, and approach to CO.STARTERS. Facilitator training participants will learn the week-by-week program workshop topics and how to effectively deliver theCO.STARTERS model to aspiring entrepreneurs enrolled in the cohort.

The next CO.STARTERS training is not scheduled. Please check back.

CO.STARTERS is a nine-session program; the cohort meets one evening per week for three hours. Sessions are not held during holiday weeks. Attendance is fundamental to success.

The CO.STARTERS program is a cohort of fellow aspiring entrepreneurs who will share their ideas with others in the program. Unlike programs where the focus is on the conventional considerations of starting businesses (financing, permitting/regulations, etc.), our program focuses on insights, relationship-building, and models. Participants will work with mentor/facilitators and fellow participants on how to make their ideas work in a sustainable way. If you want to explore your business idea with experienced entrepreneurs and fellow aspiring entrepreneurs and turn it into success, then this program is right for you.

Aspiring entrepreneurs who have recently launched a business or simply have a business plan that they want to pursue are welcome in this program.

Participants must attend all nine sessions.

The next CO.STARTERS is not scheduled. Please check back.

This is a nine-session program; the Cohort meets one evening per week for three hours. Sessions are not held during holiday weeks. Attendance is fundamental to success.

The program is designed for small groups of up to twelve participants. Since space is limited, we are working to ensure that participants will be committed to attending all nine sessions and completing the program. Participants in the program will be chosen based on the application process.

If you don't get a spot in the current Cohort you are still eligible for the next scheduled CO.STARTERS cohort.

Yes! This program is free to enrolled participants.

Participants enter into a facilitator-led, collaborative process with a small and supportive group of like-minded peers. Working together, participants identify their assumptions about why and how their businesses will work, and then talk to customers in order to validate their ideas. This approach enables entrepreneurs to rapidly uncover flaws in their concepts and find viable models more quickly. Participants leave the program with a deeper understanding of how to create a sustainable business, articulate their models, and repeat the process with the next great idea.

CO.STARTERS is a platform to help communities grow local business. This nine-week program equips aspiring entrepreneurs with the insights, relationships, and tools needed to turn business ideas into action. Unlike traditional platforms, CO.STARTERS uses the lean business modeling methods popular among high-growth startups to businesses of all kinds.

Yes, our 3D printers are available by reservation at all of our locations. Visit our Rooms/Equipment Reservation page and guidelines for more information.

For questions and support please contact our customer care team by phone, text, or email, or visit one of our 13 locations.

Service for the hotspots is available in the US anywhere within the T-Mobile or Verizon coverage area. International service is not available at this time.

No, the service is provided by SMCL. The devices have unlimited data and provide 4G/LTE connection to T-Mobile or Verizon networks.

The devices are part of the In-Luck collection which cannot be renewed or placed on hold.

The devices should be returned to the location where they were originally checked out.

All San Mateo County Libraries will have devices available to check out.

Any San Mateo County resident 18 years and over with a library card.

Yes! We offer WiFi hotspots and WiFi hotspot/laptop combos. This program provides wireless hotspots with unlimited data. WiFi hotspot/laptop combos include Microsoft Office along with popular browsers. The devices are part of our In-Luck collection and can be checked out for 3 weeks.

Unfortunately the wireless network is not secure because it is open to the public and does not require passwords, certificates, or applications to connect. We recommend you not perform any sensitive transactions such as online banking while connected to the library wireless network.

• On your laptop or mobile device, locate the [Library Name] Wireless Network to connect. (i.e. San Carlos Library, Millbrae Library,...etc.)
• Select the network and connect.
• Open a browser. You will be presented with the SMCL WiFi User Policy. Accept to continue.
• You will be redirected to the SMCL website.
• Decline if you do not wish to connect.

All printing is currently free with a 25-page limit! Customers can go to the print release stations to retrieve their print jobs. 

Vist our PrintAnywhere page for more information.

No, all browsers run in privacy mode. Privacy mode does not save any information about which sites and pages you’ve visited.

You can use available public computers and laptops for sessions up to 2 hours during open hours with a maximum of two sessions per day.

Yes, visitors can obtain a day pass. The pass can be used on any available Internet computer.

San Mateo County Libraries will no longer provide Inter-Library Loan services to library cardholders. However, there are several libraries in the Peninsula Library System (PLS) that continue to offer this service.

Please contact any of these other libraries for more information.

Overdue fines for LINK+ items will be waived as a result of our elimination of overdue fines starting January 7, 2019. Replacement cost for a lost or damaged LINK+ item is $115.00.

Note: If an item is lost, there is a $115 replacement charge payable to the lending library. Some libraries may accept a replacement copy or list price of the lost item. Contact any SMCL location for more information.

The loan period is 21 days with one renewal (for an additional 21 days). You can renew items by logging in to your eLibrary account or by asking a Library staff member. Renewal must be done within 2 days of the due date.

You may cancel a LINK+ hold by logging in to your eLibrary account and clicking Cancel next to the item.

Note: If the item is In Transit or Received, the request may not be cancelled.

LINK+ items are held at the Customer Service Desk of the Library you selected as a pickup location. A staff member will check out the LINK+ item for you. When you are done with the LINK+ item, it must be returned to the Customer Service Desk at your original pickup location.

Borrowers are limited to 20 LINK+ items at one time. Each LINK+ transaction counts as a hold. Users may have up to 20 holds on their account at any one time.

You will be notified via email when your LINK+ item has arrived. You can also log in to your eLibrary account to view your holds. The library will hold the LINK+ item(s) for 10 days. If not picked up by then, the item will be returned to the lending library.

Items usually arrive within 6 days.

Patrons may request items that are not in our online catalog. The item must be listed as "available" in the LINK+ Catalog to be requested. When you place a request for an item on LINK+, it is counted as a library hold. You may only have a total of 20 holds at any given time.

Note: Some items appear in the LINK+ catalog but are listed as unavailable or checked out. These items cannot be borrowed.

LINK+ is a combined catalog of books from participating public and academic libraries throughout California and Nevada. Members of the LINK+ consortium utilize a single searchable catalog to seamlessly borrow books from each other.

To get to LINK+ click on Services and then on LINK+ (Inter Library Loan). You may also click on
Try your search in LINK+ when performing a catalog search.

To borrow from LINK+ you must have a current SMCL card in good standing. To apply for a card, fill our our online form. Once you have your SMCL card, follow the instructions below:

• Locate your item in the LINK+ Catalog and check the holdings by selecting the link that reads, for example, 6 LINK+ libraries have this item.
• Click Request this item.
• Choose San Mateo County from the institutions list and click Submit above information.
• Type your Name and Barcode, choose your Pickup Location, and then click Submit.
• The book will be sent from the owning library for pickup at your chosen SMCL location.

Alexander Street provides information about accessing video from their service. This service includes PBS Video Collection.

hoopla provides information about accessing music from their service.

hoopla provides information about accessing music from their service.

We offer eBooks/eAudiobooks, eMagazines, eMusic and eVideos.

More information on the program is available at our Museum Passes.

Once the pass has been printed your reservation cannot be cancelled.

You can cancel a pass that has not been printed by logging into Discover & Go and clicking on Cancel Pass. Please remember that once the pass has been printed your reservation cannot be cancelled.

Most attractions do not have an annual limit per library card number; however, there are some attractions that have placed a restriction on the number of times you can use a pass. You will find details about each pass within the Attractions page while logged in at Discover & Go.

You can have two active reservations at a time. For example, if you make one reservation for a visit in June and you make a second reservation for a visit this Saturday, you can make another reservation after you complete your visit this Saturday.

You can see which museums and cultural destinations are available within the Attractions page while logged in at Discover & Go.

There are various limitations on using the Discover & Go passes. One of them is that you cannot use an eCard to get them, so you will need to come to one of the San Mateo County Libraries and get a library card in order to use the Discover & Go system.

As a San Mateo County Library card holder, Discover & Go provides passes for numerous museums and cultural institutions throughout the Bay Area.

Each Discover & Go pass expires immediately after the reservation date, so there are no returns required and no possibility for overdue fines! This unique program allows library users to make reservations online by date or by attraction and print out a pass.

Patrons without Internet access can reserve a pass by telephone or in person and print out a pass at their local library.

• In order to make a reservation, you must have a valid San Mateo County Library card, and be at least 16 years old (according to your library card account).
• You cannot use an eCard or institution card.
• You can have up to 2 reservations at a time.
• You can cancel a reservation only if you have not already printed the admission’s pass.
• The pass is for use only by the person named and only on the date specified. No photocopies are allowed. Valid ID is required.
• The number of persons admitted per pass varies by attraction. Consult the Attractions page while logged in at Discover & Go regarding admission.

If you would like to discontinue the text messaging alerts service all that is required is to send the word QUIT to pls@shoutbomb.com You will receive a reply asking for your barcode and pin number. If both are valid, the system will inform you that the account has been deleted and no future messages should be expected.

Currently, Shoutbomb is only available in English and Spanish. In order to text in Spanish the appropriate keyword that corresponds to the English equivalent must be utilized. Below are the Spanish translations for each of the English keywords.

Note: In some cases the keywords are always in English.

If there are items to renew, you will receive a notification via text message. You have the option to reply with the key phrase RL, which is an abbreviation of renewal list. You will receive one or more messages that contain the title of the overdue items. In order to save on space, the length of the titles is limited to 25 characters. Allowing enough characters to identify the item while reducing the number of messages received.

If there are items on hold that are available to be picked up you will receive a notification via text message. You have the option to reply with the key phrase HL, which is an abbreviation of hold’s list. Once HL is texted, you will receive one or more messages that contain the title of the items on hold. In order to save on space, the length of the titles is limited to 25 characters. Allowing enough characters to identify the item while reducing the number of messages received.

On the "To": type the number 121, in the body type pls@shoutbomb.com (space) then type the message.

Create a new contact and instead of adding a phone number add pls@shoutbomb.com. Give the contact a name that will be easy to remember, for example “library text”. Text the newly created contact as you would text any other contact.

If you are experiencing any issues with the service or you would like to make a suggestion for improvement, please text/email your comments to PLS.support@shoutbomb.com.

The initial release of the software supports English and Spanish. Additional languages will be added depending on demand.

By default each message type is turned on and eligible for delivery once you sign up. No further action is required. However, each message type delivered by the Shoutbomb service can be turned off any time after you sign up.

Each message type has its own keyword and sending a text message with only this keyword to pls@shoutbomb.com will turn each message type off. Sending the same keyword in text message again will turn it back on.

Keywords:

• FEES - for Fees/Fines Notice.
• HOLDS - for Hold Notice.
• RENEW - for Renewal Notice.

Regular Commands:

• SIGNUP + card# + PIN# - Registers for text messaging service.
• TEST - Tests your connection to Shoutbomb service.
• RENEW - Toggles 2-day due date warnings on or off. (automatically turned on when you register)
• HOLDS - Toggles hold notices on or off. (automatically turned on when you register)
• FEES - Toggles notification of when fees have been added to your account on or off. (automatically turned on when you register)
• OVERDUE - Overdue notice Opt In/Out
• IOWEU - Display Fines and Fees
• RESEND - Resends last message from Shoutbomb.
• HL - Request a list of items currently on hold.
• RA - Request to renew all eligible items.
• RL - Request a list of current items eligible for renewal.
• RI - Request a list of current items not eligible for renewal.
• RW - Request a list of reasons items not eligible for renewal.

Advanced Commands:

• ISBN - Texting ISBN + a 10- or 13-digit ISBN number searches library catalog for book.
• UPC - Texting UPC+12 digit UPC number searches library catalog for media.
• ADDCARD + card# + PIN# - Request another library card be added to your existing user profile. No limit on the number of additional cards.
• DROPCARD + card# + PIN# - Request to delete an additional library card number.
• ZIPCODE - Request to update users profile with zipcode of their home library.
• ADDEMAIL + email address - Request to update users profile with an email address.
• DROPMAIL - Request to update users profile by deleting existing email address.
• NOTICES - Request for current [on/off] status of RENEW, HOLDS and FEE notices.
• HELP - Request detailed description and how-to use each keyword.
• QUIT + card# + PIN# - Stop this text notices service.
• SWITCHPHONE - Change the phone number receiving texts.

The Shoutbomb service processes all requests within 60 seconds of receiving your message. If you do not receive a reply do the following:

1. Wait at least 4 hours and see if the reply arrives.
2. If after 4 hours, you still have not received a reply, send the keyword RESEND to pls@shoutbomb.com. You can only use the RESEND command once per day. This limitation is in place to protect from spam messages.
3. If you do not receive a reply after 3 attempts over three days, then send an email detailing your issue to pls.support@shoutbomb.com.

Note: We cannot guarantee timely delivery of your message to us nor timely delivery of our message to you. Your provider is responsible for delivering outgoing and incoming messages once they are sent. Most providers deliver the messages promptly.

You’ll need a text messaging capable phone, subscription to text messaging (confirm with your cell phone service plan) and your cell phone must be able to send a text message to an email address.

Send a text message with only the keyword TEST to pls@shoutbomb.com. You should receive a short reply message “Test Successful”. This message indicates that your phone will work with the Shoutbomb service.

If you receive a reply, telling you that we could not understand your message this typically means you sent a keyword in the wrong format. For example, SIGNUP is correct while SIGN UP is not. Keywords must be one word only – no spaces or punctuation.

Sometimes library notifications go into your spam/junk folder, even if you have gotten them in the past. This is due to the nature of spam/junk filters and email providers’ efforts to stem the tide of spam/junk mail. As spammers change up their methods, so too must email providers.

Library notices are sent out every morning around 5:00 AM from library-notices@plsinfo.org. Please add the address to your email providers’ contacts and the messages will always be recognized as a valid and not sent to spam/junk.

If you have checked your spam/junk folder and the notifications aren't there:

• Email providers have different rules for handling spam/junk mail up to and including deleting it. Also, if you are using an email reader app (Apple Mail, Thunderbird, Outlook full version, etc.) it will have its own spam/junk mail filter as well, so the above workaround will need to be set both in the app and your email provider.

I added library-notices@plsinfo.org to my contacts but I'm still not getting library notices:

• At this point we recommend you contact your email provider about the issue.

Notifications are available through email, automated phone calls or text messaging.

By including your email address in your account, you choose to receive notifications by email instead of by phone. This includes notifications for holds and materials nearing their due date.

We email courtesy reminders two days before the due date for all materials. Returning or renewing material by the due date is the cardholder’s responsibility.

If you do not have an email address in your account, we'll send you automated phone notifications of holds and overdue materials.

You can sign up for text messaging alerts from the Shoutbomb service. See below.

You can sign up using our library card form.