Wonderfully kind and accommodating, clean restroom, no scary people wandering around. I needed to conduct a meeting over Zoom. They happily let me use the one "study room", but it's only got a side table, not an actual desk. Really uncomfortable. Parking kind of sucks. The streets are choked with other people competing for space. read more

I've been coming to this library since I was a kid and now that I have kids of my own, I'm excited to make new memories by bringing them to experience the library. The layout is still the same but everything has been redecorated over the years so everything feels very clean and modern. And while there is plenty of technology that has been put in, there are still plenty of books to choose from too. I love going to the Children's section and having the kids pick out what they want to read for that week. read more

Parking limited- street parking has 20 mins or walk a bit Entrance on one end has book store- nice/ other end has information area. Beautiful library- kids area in enclosed from the rest. Has a good amount of new books. Staff was helpful, friendly and kind. * side note- there are homeless people as in any library - some do reek more than others. I saw on someone else's post they don't accept magazine- something they should do is have a FREE box and could be filled with books or magazine for anyone to enjoy. Anyone who is donating magazine can also put in little library. read more

See all

The wifi is pretty good for a library. There are a few private desks where you can sit and work at, along with bigger tables for multiple people. Additionally, the children's room is a bit small but very well stocked, looks well taken care of and has coloring and other activities to do. The library does get a bit busy and noisy after the elementary school across the street gets out of school as many kids and parents walk around/near the library. So, if you need absolute quiet, I would recommend a different library. Overall though, it is a nice environment. There is only one restroom in the building: private and well kept. read more

Millennials be like: "Guys. We should LITERALLY have, like, a Netflix for books." Ugh. After forgetting about the SB Library for a hot minute like my aforementioned peers, I quickly remembered all that was great about this place and stopped by for an enjoyable visit. Here's what I like about this branch: 1) They have a pretty up to date collection for such a small city. I grabbed a couple 2016 Lonely Planet travel guides (in the year 2016, which is so friggen rare at any library) work-related stuff, and cookbooks. They were all in great condition, not covered in mystery stains as the horror stories go. With this great library, who needs Barnes and Noble?? Or spending money on books!? 2) Free and fast wifi is always helpful when you're studying or working on a project 3) All of the librarians defy the "SHHHH!!!! I'm a Mean Librarian!!" stereotype. Sounds really silly, but they're all super friendly, helpful, and jolly. Tip: Parking is kind of tough as there's no parking lot. There's plenty of parking along San Mateo avenue. It's never a bad idea to grab something at Never Too Latte/Starbucks and walk just 2 blocks down to this spot with your java. This place makes me happy to live in my jolly, well-connected, seemingly well-funded city of San Bruno! Hope you enjoy this spot as much as I do! read more

San Bruno Public Library - So many brand new books for borrowing!! - Libraries Near Me - San Bruno, California

I must admit, even though I live in San Mateo, I usually give new Music CDs and DVDs to donate to the San Bruno Public Library. And the Senior Reference Librarian, Tim Wallace happily accepts each and every Music CD and DVD that I have donated, some that are redesigned meaning replacing the ones that are too scratched and unplayable, and he also adds back the ones that were withdrawn before. If you have some New CDs or DVDs that are unopened and unused to give, simply stop by at the San Bruno Library, and Tim will be more than happy to take them. read more

It's not you, it's me fits in this case. Yelpers give this library 4 stars but I have been hanging out at the library in Burlingame lately, with it's multi floors, leather couches and much hotter library goers. Oh, and I've also been to the new library in San Mateo which blows this place out of the water. I mean they don't even have the self checkout set up that almost all the libraries do. I will say that this place has a special place in my heart. I got my very first library card here when we were in the 3rd grade. So, that being said, it reminds me of being a kid and those are memories I wouldn't trade for.... Well, I'd trade them for cold hard cash, but that's it. read more

Came by to return a book and checked on a status of a book I placed on hold online. The lady who helped was really nice. 2nd visit, they were closed but I was able to drop off the book in the drop box without any problems. 3rd visit, stopped by to donate books, and it was very simple and easy process. read more

This library is way too small. I went on the weekend and had to sit in the children's section to finish my book I had to return. Parking is also a pain also. It's almost non-existent! Poor planning from the city in so many ways... read more

AMAZING!!! Very good service. There are public computers you can go on and there are workers who can help you with homework. All I can say is AMAZING. read more

I just found this little library located little bit away from the down town San Bruno in a residential area. So this is not a big library, but it is very cozy and I think has all the basic things you would want, including individual seating on the second floor, plus public events. Built in 1950th, this is an example of how older building blends in with new technology. Charming :) read more

See all

Part of me doesn't want to post since this is my favorite secret library. This has been my spot that past few weeks after work. As with another library post I mentioned I am the chick with the big books (one sits on a 6 inch catalog rack, one sits on a 12 inch catalog rack) and you'd see me wheel my books in on a rolling crate. You'll probably find me at this library a few times a week after work and I leave at 8P. When I was looking for a library to hang out at, I was looking for late hours. This library is open Monday through Thursday til 9PM. Not many libraries are open that late. I'm also looking for table size. First I need a table that will fit my books and they cant be too big where I end up sharing a table with others. Their tables are perfect for me since they are round and seat 4. The first two weeks, it was pretty empty but this week I found myself fighting for a table since the library is pretty small. Less one star because their bathroom can be pretty gross. I've been meaning to ask the staff is there is a different bathroom other than the unisex single one.. read more

Went to the library today for Junior Giants Signups. They had a lower floor entrance which kept Signups separate from the main library entrance. All i can say is I'm definitely impressed by this local library. In all honesty i haven't been to the library in years. I know my kids have but this is actually the first time i had a chance to step in. When Signups were over i ventured to the upper main floor of the library. It happened to be free comic books day which was a very pleasant surprise to me and my son. I can't even remember the time i read an actual comic book lol. The kids section was full of kids, not just from the junior giants. It also had computers, an audio section, and a community bulletin section which had all the community events info. The adult section was the same with a lounge area near the magazine section. The employees were friendly and approachable. I would definitely recommend if you are a San Bruno native! read more

See all

Seriously, the best well-kept secret and killer threat to Barnes and Noble in my opinion. Whenever I want to read a newly published book or perhaps watch the latest Soprano DVD's, I just drop by San Bruno library. They have an awesome selection, and even though they don't have the granite countertops and designer color-coordinated custom furniture of the Millbrae library or the cool architecture of the Burlingame library, SB has the GOODS! And if for some reason they don't, you can place a request for the library to purchase the book or DVD that you want. Hello??!!! I can borrow my desired item for free (or a paltry 75 cent hold fee) instead of spending $50 for the new Boulevard cookbook? Or how about ditching those $15-$20 subscription fees for the library's magazine section. There's some easy math to get you richer, faster.....and maybe have enough to buy a home along the Peninsula (or a second one if you're already a grinning Cheshire cat-like homeowner!) read more

I've made it a personal mission to use and write about over 40 public libraries in San Francisco and nearby communities within a twelve month period. San Bruno is the 10th I've visited. Compared to some of the San Francisco branches, this library is dated looking. But, San Francisco has been working with multi-million$$ in bond $$$, passed by the city's electorate and augmented by private dollars raised by a very effective Friends of the Library group. The mid-century architecture here, in San Bruno, is a gem. There's lots of natural light. The collections are well organized. The children's reading room is wonderful. There are lots of tables, comfortable arm chairs, and individual study carrells with outlets for devices. It's clean. The nonfiction section upstairs has been perfect for a quiet morning of writing. One thing that is missing is an online bio of the library. SF has put a lot of effort into giving every single branch an online presence that describes its personality, history, and architecture, in addition to the collections, services and events. I think this contributes to appreciation of the place. I asked the onsite reference librarian if she had information about the history of the San Bruno library. She quickly and engagingly found a typed history written in 1974. When I asked her about any changes that might have occurred in the 42 years since the report, she said there had been none :-) Of course, there have been many! The wifi is free and fast, technology for patrons is OK, there are lots of new books, the furniture is timeless and/or newish. In short, as a community library, this one has all the necessities. It's in a walkable neighborhood, near schools, free & fast wifi, offers many services and programs, helpful staff, and books! read more

Before moving away, I took this library for granted. During my time in nursing school, I got tired of studying at my schools library and took advantage of the Las Vegas PLS while living there. Coming back post NCLEX and jobless, I was desperate to find a place to go outside of my house where I wouldn't smell like coffee but could have some real quiet and read, study, and prepare for interviews. Parking here can be a pain since it's a little limited. but it's a safe area and (when the weather permits) it's not too bad of a walk if you park somewhere further down. Since moving back, I've spent a lot of time at the library. I have caught up on so many tv shows, watched so many movies, and read a lot of books that I had to sacrifice while I was in school- all for free with my library card! The library is also so convenient now- with the app and the ability to hold books online, the hold section where you go to pick up your books, and a book self check out you don't even need to interact with anybody when you go to the library. I'll admit I do miss the interaction of trying to find your books through the shelves, but it's so convenient to be able to just order the book online and find it when you're in a rush. Overall I recommend this library as a place to study, hang out and read, or even watch Netflix on your phone. Not to mention, it's a free service where you won't get kicked out or have to buy coffee if you're not a fan of coffee/smell like coffee after leaving!! read more

In the tradition of San Mateo County's little neighborhood libraries, San Bruno's fills an important need in the community. They have a nice selection of books, all told. And a good selection of magazines. Most of the books I wanted (nonfiction) were upstairs. Everything is very clearly marked, which makes it fun to browse. I didn't interact with the staff, so I can't vouch for their helpfulness or friendliness. But, on the other hand, they weren't intrusive or rude, so there you go. read more

SB Library fed my Six Feet Under habit when I needed to backtrack and watch the first 3 seasons that I had somehow missed before I realized it was the most important thing in my life. Great interenet service to the community and they have a new children's librarian and a nice Children's program!!! San Bruno has been discussing improving the Library since I moved here 12 years ago. Currently, Measure F is the local measure aimed to find funds to better the aging builing. One editorial I read says "its fine as is" which is probably true for a lot of people. I love the library. But advocates of iimprovement site its limitations and one which resonates with me is that two floors are inaccessible to the disabled and mothers with strollers alike. A public institution should be accesible to those it seeks to serve and in this case, its mission is to serve us all. I personally though love the library in the information age, I can request books for a small fee (.75 cents) and renew my books online. http://www.plsinfo.org/ read more

Guess where I'm writing this? At the San Bruno Public Library, of course! "That library's dinky" or "they don't have good book selections," are two of the many things I heard before visiting. Sure, there are grains of truth to those statments, but it's not a bad library. When I want to order a book from another library they do it, so what if I have to wait WEEKS to get it? They always have computers available, most of the workers are welcoming, but some make me feel VERY unwelcome. This one librarian stares at me with this smug expression all the time, it's quite unnerving. But an awesome thing, as someone had mentioned, is that when Im looking for a book released recently, they have it! They have a great magazine collection, I love going in there to get my monthly dose of Vogue and Marie Claire. The graphic novel area rocks! For a comic junkie like me the selection is great! So, give this library some slack, its not a bad one... Eek, the librarian is staring at me again! I gotta go. read more

It's an older, run down library. If you have a car, drive down to the Millbrae or Burlingame library instead. I stopped in for two books because I was in the area and figured I'd save $1.50 in fees having them delivered to my library (Belmont). I probably won't be back...it's just a little depressing here. read more

Awesome infant storytime. They use props (handkerchief, rattles). The songs and books are engaging. The crowd is small (10-15 infant/parents). Parking a bit tricky as it's only residential street parking. Every Wednesday 1015-1115 but check the schedule or call ahead because it only lasts for a few weeks. read more

Great library. I love going upstairs, sitting in the 'Relationship & Self-Help' section with a small flask of vodka and a can of cola to chase it with. Nothing is more fun than reading up on how to make the most of your love life, while getting tanked at the library when no one can see! read more

SHHH!!! This is a library!!! Honestly this might be the very best library outside the city (sf). The location is right here City's Hall. Entering the place, you enter the front desk, in the left, there will be the kid's books and computer lines up. The kid's books are block off by a glass door. The computer wait is the same as any other library. If you went right from the enter way you see, the movies area. Selection is so-so. Right near it is Graphic Novels and Young Adults. Foreign books are in the far corner of the right. Now if you went straight from the enter way, you will see the stairs: the stairs will lead to non fiction books, history books, and science, medicial type books in the second floor. The first floor has the new releases and fiction books. There is a good number of tables in the first floor, but limited in the second floor. There is a small bathroom near the new release: it's a one person stall kind of restroom. It's mostly clean. Magazines and newspaper are location near there. The staff are nice and willing to help you with anything. Hope that helps you find your book. read more

Full disclosure: I have a very soft spot for libraries of all sorts and can't imagine saying a bad thing about any library. I'll go almost out of my way to find something positive about a library, just by the very nature of it's existence. This is not my usual branch, but they happened to have on their shelf a book I needed to read immediately (ideally) and didn't want to put it on hold for it to arrive at my Millbrae branch. I found it, parked on the street which was easy enough (I have no patience for difficult parking situations). It has an old-fashioned kinda quality to it, e.g. not all steel, glass and modern like the San Mateo main library, but imagine the 1980's and 1990's yesteryear kinda feel, where all the shelves are linear and stacked. It's cozy, and evokes a feeling of being able to hunker down with a good book. I needed to ask the reference librarian a question to track down the book I was there to locate, and she was great, actively taking me with her, and pulling it off the shelf. read more

Older than dirt library in serious need of a remodel - and very small too. They've only got about 7-8 Internet terminals right along the main asile where they're zero privacy. To top it off, some inconsiderate woman one seat down from me was loudly yakking into her phone, breast feeding her baby AND surfing the Internet! Would never happen at the Burlingame Library... read more

This is a great library. It looks smaller than it is from the outside, and there are only about 10 parking spots, but it has a good DVD and CD section, and the folks working here are helpful and really seem to enjoy working here. The kids section is large, and the magazine section is medium. I can easily spend an hour or two browsing here, but if you're looking for something specific, check online first, you'll likely have to go to a larger San Mateo library. read more

True -- this library is not new like SM or Burlingame, but the staff is great. They are always very helpful. SB is doing its best given budget issues to keep its kid's programs going. Free WiFi is great read more

A cute little old-school branch library. I moved here recently, and I work for another library system in the Bay Area, so naturally I checked this out during my first week in San Bruno. This is not a new shiny library like the one where I work...I'm sure that the staff here would probably agree that this building is pretty outdated for current library user's needs. Cramped stacks and not enough room for public computer use, but all in all, it's a cute little community spot, located next to the City Hall. I was impressed with their collection and found lots of great things to check out, including great cookbooks, fiction, and DVDs. It's also pretty cool that they stay open till 9 for folks that work on weekdays (although I'm glad I don't have to work that late :P). Support your local library!!! read more

I've been taking my daughter to the children's area of the library a lot this summer. she loves it. the librarian there is so nice and so helpful. it's refreshing to have in lovely san bruno. and they often have junior high student volunteers, which i'm happy to see. minus one star because the lady at the front desk questioned my daughter if she could even write her name yet. the nerve!!! haha (kidding!) read more

Great library excellent Reference staff my only beef with the library it the horrendous condition of their restrooms.

I used to live in SF and moved out here a couple of yrs ago. I visited this library a couple of weeks ago. it's on the smaller side, but it is a smaller town. During the times I was here, it wasn't too crowded. I guess it could get crowded when school is out b/c it's right across from a school. I hear alot of complaints on yelp with all the libraries evolving into a "social hall" for these kids. I remember going to a library a couple yrs ago in SF and ppl's cell phone would ring, and they would talk loudly. i guess times have changed and the rules that once were enforced are no longer. I came here to look for health books and I found a few that I wanted. I don't like the way they charge for "reserving" a book or having it sent from one location to another for pick up. SF does it for free. (Maybe that's why they're so poor). A good place to go on the weekend or before the school kids come, if you're looking for a quiet place to do some work. read more

Great retro deco library! I love this place! The wooden railings on the second floor are perfect examples of 1950's style and grace. The whole library has the comfortable feel of a place that has'nt changed since it was built. One other unique feature of this library is the excellent art collection on the south wall of the main room. On a personal note as to this Library's timeless consistency.....when I first moved to California in 1983, I went to this library and searched through the govt job listings that were kept in a plastic file located on a window sill near the reading section. I found a job. 25 years later, after retiring from that job, I went back to look for another job...... Sure enough, the govt job listings were still in the exact same place, on the same window sill that I had found them years earlier! read more

This library sucks. If you're one of those people who has trouble reading or doing homework with noise, DO NOT COME HERE. It's so loud in here. And the library is pretty small so there's no place to sit and do work in peace. It seems the source of all the noise is the librarians' area where they check people out. Behind the librarians' area there are tables and the second level of the library is open to the first level kind of like a loft. You hear everything. Beside this library being so noisy, it's old. It's in dire need of an upgrade. I hope they renovate this place soon! I'd come here more often if they resolved these issues. I can even do without the renovation. It's just the noise. I thought libraries are supposed to be quiet anyway. Ugh. I guess I'll have to drive all the way to the Millbrae library or the Skyline library to do my work. read more