I was here back in November and it was a very nice experience. It was close to a lot of nice places. This is a very large library wherein every individual section is bigger than other libraries. They also have a fine selection of books in Chinese. For locals they have a great place where nice events are held at this branch. Bathrooms are well maintained although there were a few glitches with the men's room. Not sure what happened but it was pretty minor. Unlike my local library printing is free. Yes I get mine has like budget issues but like how this one is very well stocked. Would come here again if I could Drawback: On Saturdays, it can be rowdy here because there will be kids of all ages wandering around. Younger kids can and may make a lot of noise. read more

Shoutout to the adult programs coordinators for the great classes like watercolor paint, Japanese art of floral arrangements, and calligraphy. All kinds of things you can learn. Check the calendar. Something cool is always happening at your local library The library is right across from the Leo Ryan park which took me a few yrs to realize even though I go to the lagoon all the time haha Parking is easy except for special event days because people who don't visit the library will park in their lot, despite the sign that tells people not to do that specifically read more

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Went here for the first time and it was too noisy. You have kids running around, talking loudly and next you have a man sitting with his computer but no headphones. You can clearly hear his movie playing. Thankfully I brought my noice cancelling headphones. Not sure if I will be coming back since I know it was just the people that made the experience unpleasant, but we'll see. read more

Or is fairly a nice clean place however I found the women's restrooms to be disgustingly dirty around and under the toilet.. when I wanted to report the the main person in charge I got rudeness from the girl that I asked to call the main person that I wanted to speak to. The main person was nice and said she would be sure janitors were told to clean thoroughly read more

On a rainy day, all I wanted to do was curl up to a good book, so thank goodness for the Foster City Library. Left my in-laws and sat in a comfy chair for an hour or two reading The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Loved the quiet and quaintness of this sweet little oasis. Thank you for the calm! 5 stars!!!! read more

Foster City Library - Libraries Near Me - Foster City, California

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It is loud. Some special events they schedule make so much noise it is more like a community center than a library. The staff is clueless to the standards of an environment needed in the library. Quiet is the very basic thing. They just don't care not only to shoosh anyone, they themselves speak out loud. Librarians used to whisper or speak so soft that it wouldn't carry away. Not anymore. Be quiet, please. Please, quiet! Quiet! read more

Hard to get info when calling the main 800 # or directly to the library itself. A recording comes on to leave a VM at the 800 #. Sneha - who answered the phone - referred me to the website - I specifically said when I first said hello - I've looked at the website... she just gave a general list very quickly and said email for info or go to the website. I did check out the site prior to calling and was unable to locate any info prior and after the call. It's very hard to find specifically what I am looking for. Most local libraries offer much more info by phone. It's unfortunate. Perhaps it was a really busy or bad day? Customer service is lacking. read more

This is a library full of political conflict. You're sitting there reading a newspaper that you normally wouldn't see. They have a decent selection. All of a sudden, some librarian claims that you're slouching and you're supposed to be a role-model for children. I didn't come here to be lectured. Not only that, reading a newspaper does not reflect political views; it's about educating myself on opinions. In addition, I also find the level of discourse here below my normal and preferred conversational abilities. It's inappropriate for librarians to be openly hostile to someone quietly minding his own business. You have people that take off their shoes and put their feet on tables at this location. Me leaning my hand on my forehead is nothing. read more

My kids and I have been coming to this library for a couple of years now. It's a great place for my kids to learn, explore, learn new activities, read, and meet new kids. The children's area is great! Big open space and has only one main entrance and exit. Easy for me to monitor my kids. They have after school activities that are scheduled in the afternoons several times a month and morning activities for babies and toddlers every week. They also have adult and teen activities as well. Staff is friendly. Library is clean and well kept. I love that my kids always ask to come to the library on a weekly basis. read more

Foster City Pros: -Bathrooms are always clean and fully available. -Plenty of seating space if you get there early, but it gets crowded after 3 pm. -Free printing up to 25 pages. Cons: -It's a bit noisy, especially if you sit close to the kid's area. -the internet connection is sometimes a bit slow. read more

Although I live just outside Foster City in Los Prados (San Mateo), I have been coming to the Foster City Library for years. The staff is super friendly and helpful. I've recently been bringing my son with me and we checked out his first book last week (one from the Percy Jackson series). In general, the Foster City Library is a great place to go when you need to bear down and study or just find a quiet place to read. The also have a couple of sections specifically dedicated to kids and teens. When I was growing up, they didn't allow you to bring coffee or drinks but beverages are now permitted so thats great news. read more

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Very well maintained. Friendly, supportive and helpful staff. Definitely one of the Best Libraries in the County.

I 3d printed there and made a super cool knife. Diego helped me and walked me through the step by step proc

Unfortunately, this is our local library. It has been quite a let down since we moved back to foster city this past summer. There are so many reasons why I am choosing a two star rating. Children's story time could use lots of improvements. For starters seating is very unorganized/ limited, adults/ caregivers whom speak second languages are too loud, do not adjust volume when asked politely leaving the little ones around unable to hear the stories being read. (Signs should be posted 'quite zone' etc.) Other languages should be offered like Spanish. Events at this location are nice but nothing special or exciting. Some seem thoughtful and engaging but most are the bare minimum. Menlo, Atherton have engaging events. This leads into my next issue.. Why is it that the events calendar for the entire month is never printed out and posted in a timely manner? It's always a few days behind when the new month starts. Also there was a huge ant problem this past summer. This location doesn't seem to be very clean, maintenance wise. To wrap this up most of the younger staff (college age students) are very engaging, delightful, and eager to help which is much appreciated. I can not say that about the older librarians/ front desk helpers. Hopeful things do turn around read more

I went here Tuesday, April 30, 2019 for about three hours in the afternoon. I wanted to do some work on my laptop. I used to come here a lot in 2013, but hadn't been here since. What I like is they have a huge desk section near the middle left end as you enter where there are like 12 work spaces attached to each other, with a light running in between the two rows of desks,and electrical receptacles at each one. Usually you see people working on laptops here. Of course, they never get 12 people, as the spaces are close enough to each other where people generally don't take the seat in between others. So six people is more common. There are also genuine carrels with outlets on the back left wall, but it is cramped back there. Some of the Yelp reviews have said the wifi is terrible here and it is noisy, but I have found it always to be fairly quiet and the wifi strong and reliable. In my time there Tuesday, there was one instance for about two or three minutes where I had no signal, but then it quickly resumed by itself. At least there was no password and you didn't have to log back into the wifi every two hours like you have to at some libraries. The desk chairs can also be a little uncomfortable, since the ones without arms have four prongs sticking put from the seat where the arms should attach, and these can be a little painful to sit on after a while. I used to bring my own thick cushion with me when I came a lot in 2013 for this very reason. What I don't like about this place is they allow people to eat their lunches and snacks here. The woman next to me took out a tuna salad sandwich, and the whole area then smelled like tuna fish. This also happened in 2013 when I saw a different woman unpack her lunch from rubber containers and begin to eat. The restroom was dirty, at least the big handicapped stall. There was also caution tape around the first stall. There are also no paper towels here; they use those XLERATOR hand dryers instead. At least there wasn't a potty training ladder here like last time. I do realize kids need to get potty trained, but some things are better done at home. Just like my friend who had diabetes needed to inject himself with insulin: he told me he does that at home rather than the restroom at the gym since people don't need to be exposed to that thing. I had complained about the potty training ladder in 2013, but the librarian blew me off. There was also an incident with a developmentally disabled adult patron here in 2013. He had a breakdown, and ended up tearing the rear-view mirror off of his car and then went outside in the parking lot throwing a temper tantrum. I was scared and watched my car from afar since he was going ballistic. Police were called (who took 15 minutes to get here, even though they were in a building in the same complex) and they surrounded him by the lobby entrance. It was funny, since he said to the officers in a childlike tone: "if you smack me, I'll smack you". Eventually, they called his mother who came and took custody of him. This library also seems to have a disproportionate number of audio books and DVD's. I guess people are too lazy to read a book and want to take the easy way out? We never had such things in my day. I will leave three stars due to the cleanliness of the restroom, attitude by some of the librarians, and people eating food everywhere. I wish I could leave 3.5 stars. read more

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Being from the east coast, quality libraries are few and far between. Enter the Foster City Library and the San Mateo Library System. The library is enormous and pre-Covid, hosted lots of educational classes for little ones to adults! During Covid, they only offer pick up for books by appointment but it is incredibly well organized. I truly enjoy the digital options. They just introduced free 6-momth memberships to the meditation app Calm! Want to enrich your learning during SIP? They offer free membership to Udemy (classes typically cost $10-15 each!). Want to listen to the latest audio book or read an e-book? Enter Overdrive and Hoopla. They always are super responsive and respond via their text line. So happy I have found this gem in the community! read more

This is a great place for a quiet study spot. There's also a great amount of books for leisurely reading. The staff is very kind, and the place is bright and spacious! read more

It's a very clean library. Everyone here is helpful and the selection of movies is pretty good. I also appreciate how you can print four sheets per day for free. read more

Ok, before you read any further, I am really a fan of this library because I am a mom and I have a 13 month in tow. This place has an AWESOME, kid friendly children's section. I could see how that could be MAJORLY annoying to people who are coming here to study. I was in that boat 3 years ago when I was studying for my licensing exam, so truly, I understand. But I am NO longer there. So that's where this review is coming from. Anyway, I've primarily been going for the infant/toddler storytime every Monday at 10:30AM for the past 6 months. It really does get busy! At times, there are upwards of 20 kids and parents/nannies/grandmas/grandpas that are there with them, so it gets hectic. And if you get a bunch of kiddos who are less than 2 years old in a library, that is guaranteed chaos. But it's welcome here! It's hilarious! It's fun! And as a parent, that's really comforting. The selection of board books and kid appropriate books has been really great. They also have a wide selection of toys, blocks, and really cool knick knacks they installed on the book shelves that kids can toy around with. Last, but not least, the parents/nannies/grandmas/grandpas who bring their kids here are almost always genuinely nice and SO understanding. Likewise with most of the librarians here. I've had such a positive experience here and it really makes me sad that we will be moving away from the area. However, I may just come back once a month just because it is so nice here. So bottom line, if you are a parent of a young child, this is a really great place to go, not only as a library, but for the social and emotional stimulation you and your child can get. read more

A great place to read all those books you have been meaning to catch up on. Well organized

this is a super cool little library just watch out for horrible drivers taking up MORE than one space for a car, yes, a car, not a limo! read more

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After going to Spices 4 today for lunch ( i will put up a review for that restaurant soon), I came here to study for a test. The library here is very clean and neat. The first thing I recognize is the quiet-ness. Millbrae does have a library, but that library is always almost filled with loud middle school/high school kids hanging outside the door, or chatting inside the library. This library also offers a good amount of tables for laptop users and has an outlet and a lamp. I enjoyed doing my study session in here this afternoon. People were considerate and kept quiet. It wasn't hard to find a table at all. They have 2 self check out counters and 2 return counters outside. Very convenient. The "hold" shelf was very neat and organized. If im in the area again, i'll definitely drop by this library. read more

Foster City Library - Libraries Near Me - Foster City, California

Have not been there since covid. I really miss this place, was sort of "my hangout"!! I do find trying to order and pick up books process difficult. read more

Pros: - Free wifi - Big parking lot. - Nice ambiance; everything looks pretty new. - Natural light due to large windows. - Lots of different places to sit/read/study: o Long tables with electric sockets for your laptop charger o Individual study desks/carrels with desk lights (for those who are hardcore studying/working) o Couches o Normal tables Cons: - There's a big children's section on one end of the library, but that means there's quite some disturbance from noisy kids at times. - Parking lot can fill up during peak hours (like Friday late afternoon). read more

Nice library. It's a good place to get some research done. After you walk in, the adult area is to the left. The magazine subscription is adequate at best and that's ok with me. Eclectic selection of CD music to ponder and lister too! Parking: EZ Bathrooms: clean. read more

What I like about this library is how spacious it is and the amount of studying tables that they have with its many outlets. When using a laptop at most public libraries you need a code to log into a WiFi. But this library doesn't require a code which is very convenient. The kids section of the library is huge and it looks fun which I like because it's welcoming children to read. read more

I came here with an old couple for upgrading their library cards last week. The staff did a good job for us with great patience. I want to give my great thanks to the staff of Foster City Library. read more

large library with plenty of reading areas, computer labs and large selection of books, audio and video...children's area to the right...play area for toddlers...ipad learning table...plenty of activities for the children...check the calendar for upcoming events...little one loves reading, singing, dancing and playing at the library...so many promotional items and gifts provided throughout the year... read more

Here's another Sunday tip. If you are in dire need to use an internet station, and you see an empty seat in front of a Windows XP machine that is logged in, but the seat has been empty for 5 minutes or more....do not, I repeat, do not even attempt to log off (or surf the net with the account logged in). Some retiree or granny type might do some verbal Bruce Lee on you, or pull in the librarian to get you to come off. And the person sitting next to that empty chair won't even have the decency to remind you that "oh I'm sorry the person that was here went to pinch a few loaves of brownies and will be right back!". And I've seen other retirees trying to fight with OTHER retirees as well over who was there first or previously, short of causing UFC style breakouts (and that's not short for Useful Funny or Cool). As far as Chinese retirees, they are sitting by the sidelines reading their World Journal and Sing Tao newpapers. If you wonder you cannot find today's edition, chances are they are hogging it. read more

DON'T MAKE ME ALEXANDRA WALLACE YOU!!! (J/K...not really because it's not racial..but kind of because.....) I've been studying for the CPA exam so it's essential that I get my studying in without distractions. The whole point of going to the library is so that I can study effectively and efficiently. This library is full of families who bring their crying babies as well as retired folks who nap & snore on the couches. When in the world have libraries become such a loud annoying playground? Why do families not control or remove their screaming kids when entering this quiet zone? Why don't the librarians give a crap? They have these awesome study booths in one end of the library but the parent's have been tutoring their kids there. When someone told the parent that there's a youth section on the other side, she explained that her daughter is distracted by the noise!?! Umm... ya...that's what we're trying to tell you!! I've spent quite a few weekends at this place and have yet to hear a "shhhssh." Unfortunately, this place is still better than studying at starbucks so this is my only option. Next time I'm bringing ear plugs!!! read more

Okay, I'm done with this library. I go to a library to get a quiet place to work and read, not listen to guys talk loudly on their cellphones or people have meetings where they loudly plan their friggin buffet party. This is not a single event, this is observations over about ten years. I'm not just talking about the kids, which is great! Let them run around and have fun! I'm talking about absolutely no policing of rude adult behavior anywhere. I'm done. Peace out. read more

Disgusting restroom. My first time at this library and was not too impressed. Loud open area, and if you want to concentrate you have to sit at the little cubicles that face the wall... Back to the restroom... It's probably more a reflection of the people who use the library than the library itself, but why would you want to hang out here with these people? 4 stalls were not flushed, with seat covers still on, with pee in the bowl. The WORST one was poop ON the toilet seat. Yes, on and not in the bowl. It made me think that someone squatted on the bowl and missed big time. The only "clean" stall did not close properly and had no lock. I had no choice but to use that. After seeing all that grossness I was just happy to find a stall I could use. Yuk. read more

The Foster City Library is my favorite library to go to. I don't like that people from outside of FC go to it though. The tables and chairs at the FC library are pretty nice. I like that the central tables near the dictionaries, have lots of electrical outlets and desk lights. The large windows have a giant remote controlled shade that the librarian monitors according to the sun's direction. Along the walls, there are private desks that you can use, that also have outlets and lights- I don't like these as much though because you're more confined. There's nothing wrong with the table (they're about 3 feet wide), but if you have a textbook, different reference books and a laptop open, you need a little more space. Dear parents, please don't leave your obnoxious and noisy middle school aged children at the library unattended. (They're only there between 3 and 5 or 6, usually.) The FCPL is not a free babysitting service. Thanks. The FC library recently started to carry DVDs within the past 6 or 7 months. I'm not sure where they're from, but it's worth a shot to come see what they have if it'll save you $4 from Blockbuster or Hollywood Video. Their CD collection is also pretty extensive. They've got lots of different stuff. I like how the FC library is set up. It's easy to find what you need and the layout is not difficult to get used to. For the most part, all of the librarians and reference desk people are nice and pretty helpful, too. I've tried playing WoW on the Wi-Fi at the library and it runs okay. Sometimes the latency is a bit high but the game runs fairly smoothly. read more

For a neighborhood library, this is pretty good. They frequently have what I'm looking for, and it's usually in stock. They also have a pretty large selection of genre fiction, which is great if you're looking for a simple read. I think, though, this library is best if you have kids. The children's section is HUGE, and the children's librarians are very nice. (Actually, all the librarians and paraprofessional staff are nice.) In addition, they have a really large media section. Lots of DVDs. Lots of tables, a decent Friends section, and a new "Discovery" room for kids/teens. And a HUGE parking lot. Definitely worth stopping in. Not my favorite to just bum around and browse, but I usually do find something I actually *want* there, so it's worth going by. read more

This is a very nice library, free wifi and printing. The atmosphere is quiet, nice and very spacious. They have lounge you can sit down and also not many people. The only thing I don't like is that they don't have a lot of good books in this location, so you will need to place a hold on the books from other location so they can ship it over to FC. You need to pay $0.75 for each hold. read more

I come from Hayward to this library if I need to get books or study on Sunday. There are no libraries open around me on Sundays so the quick hop over the bridge is fine by me. If it makes you feel better, Amy D., I did grow up in San Mateo and I can act like I am from Foster City next time I go there (sorry, I couldn't resist). They have a decent selection of books. I like the children's room which is really spacious and has a ton of children's books in different languages. The staff is super, duper friendly. read more

First time here. The cubicles in the back with lights built in remind me of being back in college and med school! This is the first public library I have seen that has this. Perfect for studying for a big exam as this area is quiet and located in the back behind the stacks, and away from the main entrance and kids section. Location is nice (next to lake), not sure if there is a cafe here but if so this is a library that has everything you need to get your study on!!! read more

Foster City Library - Libraries Near Me - Foster City, California

I've been to most of the libraries in the peninsula and even though I'm a foster city resident and love living here I have to admit that this library is not my in my top 5! It gets a little noisy sometimes because its one floor and the kids have reading story time in the morning so you can hear them screaming and laughing! So if you want to come try afternoon. Much quieter ! Also sometimes you might not find a cubi to sit in! Again lots f people and some taking a nap which is annoying cause people need that cubi to study! Anyway overall it is an okay library ! Plus is I live two min from it! read more

This library is really nice and clean. But 3 things bothers me in this library: 1- the librarians that speak loudly, even louder than other people in the library. 2- people that come here just to hang out. You can see 3-4 people siting at a table and talk to each other loudly, no books, no laptops,... It seems that they mistaken the library for a coffeeshop. 3- why study tables are placed in front of the front door? It is more wiser to change the place of book shelves and tables. So those that came here to get something done, have more focus. read more

This is a nice public library. It's spacious. It seems to have a nice selection of media to choose from.