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Main Library
55 West 3rd Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94402
Phone: (650) 522-7800
Fax: (650) 522-7801
Accounts (Circulation)
(650) 522-7833
Children's Desk
(650) 522-7838
Adult Reference Desk
(650) 522-7818
Fiction & Audiovisual
(650) 522-7817
San Mateo, CA 94402
Phone: (650) 522-7800
Fax: (650) 522-7801
Accounts (Circulation)
(650) 522-7833
Children's Desk
(650) 522-7838
Adult Reference Desk
(650) 522-7818
Fiction & Audiovisual
(650) 522-7817
Important Coronavirus Updates
Lobby holds pickup and computer appointments are available at the Main Library during open hours. Due to varying staff levels and limited deliveries, the Library will need more time to fulfill holds. Please allow up to two weeks for your holds to arrive from other PLS libraries.
Overdue fees will not be incurred for items due. Checked out library items can be returned at the Main, Hillsdale, and Marina Libraries during book drop open hours. For more information please see our library COVID-19 FAQs or www.cityofsanmateo.org/coronavirus.
Hours of Operation
| Day | Open |
Closed |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 10:00 AM |
2:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 2:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM | 2:00 PM |
| Thursday | 2:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM | 2:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM | 2:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed | Closed |
See Holiday Hours
The Main Library has two levels of underground parking, including handicapped spaces. Parking is free but limited to two hours. The entrance is to the garage is on West 3rd Avenue. An elevator is available to take you to the ground level. The garage is open during library business hours.
Going South on Highway 101
Take the 3rd Avenue exit. Go west on 3rd Avenue about one mile. The library will be on the left side of 3rd Avenue after you cross El Camino Real.
Going North on Highway 101
Take the 3rd Avenue exit. Go west on 3rd Avenue. Drive about one mile. The library will be on the left after you cross El Camino Real.
Going South on El Camino Real
Turn right onto West 3rd Avenue. The library will be on the left.
Going North on El Camino Real
Turn left onto West 3rd Avenue. The library will be on the left.
By Train: Caltrain serves downtown San Mateo. Exit the train at the San Mateo stop. Walk south on B Street. At 3rd Avenue, walk west. The library is at 55 West Third Avenue. View Caltrain Schedule
By Bus: SamTrans is available. Routes 250, 252, 295, and ECR stop in downtown San Mateo. View SamTrans Schedule
Parking
The Main Library has two levels of underground parking, including handicapped spaces. Parking is free but limited to two hours. The entrance is to the garage is on West 3rd Avenue. An elevator is available to take you to the ground level. The garage is open during library business hours.
Directions
Going South on Highway 101
Take the 3rd Avenue exit. Go west on 3rd Avenue about one mile. The library will be on the left side of 3rd Avenue after you cross El Camino Real.
Going North on Highway 101
Take the 3rd Avenue exit. Go west on 3rd Avenue. Drive about one mile. The library will be on the left after you cross El Camino Real.
Going South on El Camino Real
Turn right onto West 3rd Avenue. The library will be on the left.
Going North on El Camino Real
Turn left onto West 3rd Avenue. The library will be on the left.
Public Transportation
By Train: Caltrain serves downtown San Mateo. Exit the train at the San Mateo stop. Walk south on B Street. At 3rd Avenue, walk west. The library is at 55 West Third Avenue. View Caltrain Schedule
By Bus: SamTrans is available. Routes 250, 252, 295, and ECR stop in downtown San Mateo. View SamTrans Schedule