June 21, 2021
Contact:
San Mateo County Libraries
communications@smcl.org
Priscilla Bermudez, 650-339-2247
SAN MATEO, CA — San Mateo County Libraries is celebrating an expansion of services and open hours beginning Monday, August 2.
“We are excited to announce that starting next month all of our libraries will transition towards more robust, pre-pandemic services and offerings,” said Library JPA Governing Board Chair and Millbrae Councilmember Reuben Holober. “After a challenging year, our mission of creating an inclusive sense of place and an environment for learning is more meaningful than ever. We can't wait to strengthen our community bonds by welcoming more people back to our libraries.”
All thirteen libraries will provide community members with increased access to library services and spaces by expanding hours. Library hours effective Monday, August 2 will be Mondays and Tuesdays 10am-8pm and Wednesdays through Saturdays 10am-5pm. Pacifica’s two libraries will have adjusted hours that include: Sharp Park Library: Mondays 10-8pm, Tuesdays 12-8pm, Thursdays and Fridays 10-5pm, and Saturdays 1-5pm; and Sanchez Library: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays 1-5pm.
During the library’s open hours, the public is invited to browse and check out items, pick up holds, use public computers, access makerspaces and equipment, as well as reserve and utilize community and private study rooms. Our libraries are youth settings, so masks are still required for both vaccinated and unvaccinated patrons. The libraries will continue to monitor public health guidelines to ensure that everyone remains safe and healthy during this next phase of reopening.
“This is another step forward in a careful and thoughtfully phased approach to reinstituting library offerings and access,” said Anne-Marie Despain, Director of Library Services. “It’s been incredible to witness the impact our libraries have continued to have despite needing to adapt our services in light of the pandemic. The entire library team has been awaiting this next step and looks forward to offering more of our wonderful services and impactful experiences to our community members.”
San Mateo County Libraries will continue to expand service hours and programs to pre-pandemic levels throughout the rest of the year, as public health conditions and staffing levels allow. Libraries will continue to offer an expanding array of digital materials, online resources and an exciting line up of virtual programs and events for all ages.
Additional news and updates about library operations and services are available on smcl.org.
About San Mateo County Libraries
San Mateo County Libraries is a Joint Powers Authority that operates libraries in the communities of Atherton, Belmont, Brisbane, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Millbrae, North Fair Oaks, Pacifica, Portola Valley, San Carlos and Woodside. San Mateo County Libraries ignite growth through transformative experiences. Visit smcl.org for information about our community libraries, extensive digital and physical collections, innovative services, and numerous online resources and virtual programs and events.
