San Mateo Public Library

San Mateo Public Library

Contact Information

Address:
San Mateo Public Library
55 W. Third Avenue
San Mateo, CA 94402
Telephone: 650-522-7818
Hours of Operation:
Main Library Hours
Genealogy Assistance Hours
Directions/Parking Map: Directions (Google map)
Email: smplref@plsinfo.org
Website
Facebook

Description of Collections

The San Mateo Public Library (SMPL) consists of three branch libraries in the City of San Mateo. It is part of the larger consortium, the Peninsula Library System. The three-story Main Library’s collection includes local historical newspapers on microfilm, historical city directories, a local history reference collection, and a historical clippings file. In partnership with the San Mateo County Genealogical Society (SMCGS), the library houses a reference genealogy collection on the second floor. These items cannot be checked out. The genealogy collection focuses on the United States and San Mateo County. Highlights include The Schellens Collection of California Materials 1852-1975, First Families of San Mateo County, and select San Mateo County vital records, obituaries, mortuary files, court records, and land records. The indexes of some of these resources are available online at San Mateo County Genealogical Society.

Services

Reference
The collection is available during the Main Library’s open hours. San Mateo County Genealogical Society volunteers are available for in-person assistance during their office hours. Research assistance and lookups are also available remotely for a fee. For more information email research@smcgs.org or see SMCGS Research Services. The San Mateo Public Library also provides obituary searches using the local historical newspaper, the San Mateo Times, for a fee.

Programming
Most programs are part of the SMCGS’s monthly meeting held on the 4th Saturday of most months. Programs are held either remotely via Zoom or in-person at the San Mateo Main Library. Most programs are free and open to everyone however a select few are open only to SMCGS dues paying members.

History

Efforts to build a community library in San Mateo began in 1883. The first library opened in 1885 in Library Hall on B Street in San Mateo. Following the 1906 earthquake, the library moved into a new, larger facility in 1907 on 2nd Avenue. Two more branch libraries opened in San Mateo: Hillsdale Library in 1957 and Marina Library in 1966. In 1968, a new, three-story Main Library opened at 55 W. Third Avenue. Once again the library outgrew that building and in 2006 the current Main Library opened in a larger footprint on the W. Third Avenue site. In 2023 the San Mateo Public Library began a partnership with the San Mateo Genealogical Society and SMCGS moved its library to the San Mateo Main Library where it resides today. History of the San Mateo Public Library

Tips for Your Visit

Search the SMCGS Library Catalog prior to your visit. Printout and bring your booklist with you. If you feel you need a consultation or assistance, please review the office hours of the SMCGS volunteers and visit during those hours. Or contact the SMCGS president via email president@smcgs.org to make an appointment.