California Collection

The San Mateo Public Library has a large collection of California history materials with an emphasis on San Mateo and the Bay Area.
The San Mateo Main Library offers:
  • A reference print collection focused on local history materials.
  • A clipping file of topics from local newspapers from the 1940's, 1950's and 1960's.
  • San Mateo City directories from the 1900's - present.
  • Historical maps of San Mateo and the surrounding area including Sanborne insurance maps.
  • Local newspapers on microfilm.
For more information, please contact (650) 522-7818 or email us at smplref@plsinfo.org
California Collection

Historical Images


Online Archive of California
The Online Archive of California brings together historical materials from a variety of California institutions, including museums, historical societies, libraries, and archives. Over 120,000 images and 50,000 pages of documents, letters, and oral histories are available. 

San Mateo County Historical Association Online Collections Database
Browse or search for photos, documents, and objects related to San Mateo County history.

San Mateo Library's Photographs on the Online Archive of California
Over 200 images are available through the Online Archive of California's web site. The collection contains both historical images of the City of San Mateo and the 101st Airborne, San Mateo's adopted sons.  Please contact us to order copies of photographs owned by the San Mateo Public Library in the Online Archive of California.