Library is pretty big. There's a free parking lot right in front. Quiet area. If you take elevator Upstairs there's a rotunda and a community room where a workshop was held. Very Large room plenty of space for many people San Mateo county libraries are amazing, Great programs offered In the teen section there's a cool vending machine and for $5 you can get a little craft kit read more

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Not the library I was raised with since so much remodeling but there's some perks like they have events here and have lil get togethers . Check that calendar in the lobby. They have some great sales too. My favorite lately has been ordering movies and music . It comes really fast . I was surprised. The staff is great here too. read more

San Carlos Library - For some reason they're closed even tho it says they close at 8pm - Libraries Near Me - San Carlos, California

We went to the San Carlos Library today to return and borrow new books. It's another world! Good thing A knew how it all works. She and B took care of everything as Popo watched in amazement. Everything is automated with scanners. They scan in the returns and get a receipt. Library is really nice. To virtue books, you scan your library tag, enter your pin code and scan each book. You can opt for an emailed receipt or a printed receipt. All done and away you go. I guess librarians have better things to do than check in and check out books. read more

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Very helpful knowledgeable people working there, I had a very good experience enrolling as a new member

The San Carlos Library is my go-to place for getting work done and hanging out with a book in their comfortable chairs. Great staff. Beautiful architecture. Comfortable chairs and large tables. Only suggestion is that teens who are doing group projects or who just want to hang out and talk do so in the Teen room or in one of the conference rooms. It gets a bit too loud in the main work area otherwise. read more

The library is my go-to place for both academic work and leisure reading. I recently requested assistance with finding textbooks for my course, and the staff provided immediate help, even offering suggestions for supplementary materials. The library's collection is vast, and its resources are well organized and easy to access. The study spaces are quiet and perfect for long hours of concentration. The value is unmatched - not only are the services free, but the quality of resources available is better than many paid subscriptions! read more

Never checked out a book here as I only come here to do work while my daughter is training. I'm sure the selection is great. This review is more for ALLLLLL the distractions going on here. There is so much noise and chatter in this library it's a wonder how people can even study or read, or do anything here. Everytime I come here, which is multiple times a week, kids are talking loud, doors slamming loud, students working together on something loud...everything is just....loud and obnoxious. read more

This place is disguisting!! Homeless people hang around inside sleeping. They stink up the chairs and leave a lingering foul smell in the area. This use to be a place to go and study and do homework. Not anymore. This place is so loud with kids running around screaming. And just people being loud and disrespectful. Not coming here anymore. Very sad environment for a library. read more

San Carlos, like all county run libraries, refuses to install an efficient and convenient 24/7/365 drive-up drop-off book return which would be easily installed across from the entrance where three fat ugly bollards now sit. It would allow the driver to put down the window and return materials as with city run libraries. Mornings cars are lined up in the red no stopping zone waiting their turn to return materials at the hole in the wall before library opening. Some folks leave their driver's side door open, some leave the motor running even with kids in the car. If you would like to have a drive-up drop-off contact one or more of our City Council officials and write to the county library Director Anne-Marie Dispain at dispain@smcl.org and let your voice be heard. read more

Great library, very competent staff, comfortable and private seating. There is one problem. It is not quiet at all and the staff are part of the problem, not the solution. Just be aware that if loud interruptions from people talking at the top of their lungs is something you are trying to avoid, this is not the place for you. read more

Let me take a moment from my obsessive reading to talk about this library. Having not owned a library card in 20+ years which was pre-technology, San Carlos library and the Peninsula Library system in general has completely blown me away in the past 2 weeks! I am a moron for not coming here sooner! I feel like I've been stranded on a deserted island for years, only to discover there was a 5-star resort on the other side the whole time. So how'd I find this 5-star resort on my island? After a year of it being out I just had to read Where the Crawdads Sing and figured a fellow bibliophile would own it. Nobody did but half the people I asked were all, "JuST gO TO thE LibRarY" so I showed up, got a card AND the book with the help of a wonderful woman, and my life changed forever. This isn't the biggest library but it doesn't even matter because you can reserve books online, they can bring them from other PLS locations if not available at your local library, and they will put them on a shelf and notify you via email when they're ready! Like Instacart for books but free. You can choose regular print, large print, audiobook, e-book, theres something for everybody. And don't even get me started on the other services. A coworker tipped me off that you can access Morningstar reports online through your account. To have free access to profressional analyst reports that financial firms pay thousands of dollars a year to subscribe to.....WOW. Theres also tons of other library benefits to take advantage of and the breadth of resources they provide to the community is phenomenal. Please come here or to your own local library, you won't regret it. Enrich your mind. Learn new things, explore new worlds fictional or real. You don't have to pick up an epic novel, even light fun reading quickly gives me better vocabulary, make me more thoughtful, and eases my stress from all the craziness in this world. I highly recommend books for the mind heart and soul! read more

There are so many programs and events here for both kids and adults. I absolutely love the evening arts and crafts for adults. The kids section is always stocked with new releases that keep kids interested in and excited about reading. My one complaint is that the adult side can get rowdy when the teenagers get out of school, so it's not a good time to go there if you're looking for quiet time. Also, the back of the adult side seating area tends to smell a bit when people with less than stellar hygiene hide out there. I personally avoid sitting back there. I have seen the staff wipe everything down at the end of the day, so I definitely go to the adult side in the morning knowing it's been cleaned. read more

San Carlos Library - Tile doodling for adults - Libraries Near Me - San Carlos, California

Having a library within walking distance of home is a great luxury, one that I'll miss dearly while this library is shut down for a few months for renovations. I'd probably end up spending a lot more on Kindle books if it wasn't for this place. Stopping by to pick up some children's books is a somewhat regular part of our weekend routine. Camille really enjoys drawing with the little pencils, bashing the keyboards, playing with the toys in the kids' area, and picking out books. They do a nice job of showcasing interesting books in all parts of the library. Looking forward to the reopening! read more

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I am amazed by the Children's section of the library. There are a wide variety of books for all ages. There are well organized activities on a daily basis which are updated on their website. Thy have boxes of toys which are brought out on certain days after children's activities. Really impressive set up and lots of fun for little ones. Checking out and Returning books is effortless and quick. I would love to see more books for infants and toddlers as well as a better stacking area for them. They are currently placed in 3 x buckets. read more

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I came here to study for an exam a couple of times, and honestly wish this place was better since I am so close to it. Every time I would come in on the weekend, there would be young adults basically screaming while playing their computer games together. The library staff never once came over to ask them to lower their voices and it was super distracting. Another issue of concern is the smell of the place, they have quite of few guest who appear homeless just using their chairs to sleep in. I don't mind them being here as it is a public space but if they could put in some air scents or purifiers it would help. They seem to have lots of fun activities for children which is awesome, just wished there was a quiet space available for those who need it. read more

This library is SO LOUD and the librarians don't even attempt to lessen the noise. I'm sorry but it's literally the entire Community Center getting together in here just to socialize. Could not study at all. read more

This review is for the children's section of the library only. I really like the children section here, it is very big and has lots of interactive toys for young children to play with. I have not made it out to storytime here but it seems like there's a nice open area for the book reading. There are four computer set up specifically for toddlers although the sound on the headphones is not the best. This place is a great location to come to you when it is raining outside and your kid needs to come and let out some energy. For the adult side I would agree with some other reviewers that say that the organization system at this library is rather weird. Books are just organized by category and not by the dewey decimal system. You can still find books by using the catalog and going to the section that your book is located. Overall it is a nice library which has a separate section for small children which allows the large area to remain quiet. The hours of the weekdays are pretty good since it is open until 8 PM. read more

San Carlos Library - But some art here - Libraries Near Me - San Carlos, California

just down the street from the house...finding similar set-up to foster city...separate section for toddlers with a play area...finding a cockpit area to drive and play...pegs to push in and out...clock to turn...ipad learning area...books, videos, music and more...various event throughout the week...baby sign language is excellent and would highly recommend...quite entertaining and well done....check out the events at https://smcl.bibliocommons.com/events/search/fq=branch_location_id:(1S) read more

Praised Jesus:) San Carlos Library is now open to the public! I so missed this library since, the lockdown of all businesses! I am so relieved that the staff maintains daily sanitizing throughout library and face coverings must be worn at all times for everyone's safety and well-being. read more

I am reviewing the children's section in this library only. This is a small and remodeled library and it is really cute. There is a dome ceiling when you enter the library and it appears as a lit starry sky. My daughter is always in awe of this ceiling when we walk in. (She hasn't yet seen the starry sky ceiling in New York City's Grand Central Station, but I digress! hahaha.) The kid section is absolutely great. There are games on the wall entrance for kids to enjoy and there are also games and play areas for toddlers and young children. There is a wide selection of board books, and young reader books, and young adult books as well. It seems they updated the computers for kids. They are now touch pad screens (like an iPad) with ABC Mouse games on them. These are good games for learning reading and counting. My daughter always loves to do the games when we go. They have a lot of the kid books on shelf display across the walls, so they are easy to see. Since my daughter is almost 5, she can look at those by cover and pick out what she wants to borrow. Checking out is a breeze with the self-serve section that is all computerized. It is so easy, my daughter does it herself. This place is a staple for us. read more

San Carlos Library - One of the play areas in the kid section of the San Carlos Library. - Libraries Near Me - San Carlos, California

This library is very spacious. It's also easy to find parking spaces. I came here on Saturday. There are still many empty seats for people to study. I will definitely come back here more. read more

This is definitely a very nice library. It feels pretty new and is a safe environment. It feels a little bit on the smaller side but that just makes it really nice and cozy. They have a pretty decent selection of movies and music here, so it's basically unlimited free rentals! There is a very small bookshop in the front of the library, where most titles are $3. I picked up The Emperor of All Maladies in very good condition for $3 here. read more

I'm closer to the Redwood City library but it blows so I go to San Carlos instead. First off, the staff is almost always superb and helpful and while there may be one or two not so helpful types there, it usually isn't enough to make me wish to go elsewhere. They've made it into a plush building now with lots of computer terminals (which are usually free enough except when the kids are there playing games or chatting online) , private rooms, comfortable couches in back, a huge children's section, lots of newspapers and a pretty good sized selection of books, as well as DVDs. Item availability isn't a super big deal to me as I typically am placing holds and it only costs .75 cents to have it shipped. The big thing to me is the warmth and the helpfulness of the staff. read more

Free wifi Air conditioned facility Helpful staff Need longer hours and their bathrooms need to be kept up as they are often out of supplies. read more

Very clean and quiet library. I don't think this library gets as much traffic as Belmont library. They have two study rooms worth large dry erase boards good for meetings and Private tutoring. You just have to check out dry erase pens at the front desk. The location is in the same parking lot as the San Carlos city hall, so it may be tricky to locate if you haven't been here before. read more

This library might be on the small side, but I have such fond memories of coming here and heading towards the Young Adult sections in the back, picking over fantasy books and graphic novels to peruse until my mom was done with work. I also love love the Friends Bookshop, such a cute little nook where you can get trendy titles in great condition at extremely low prices, pretty sure it's open when the library is. I've gotten many a quality hardcover novel from this little store. They are well-known for their two story sky-lit dome that's apparently spectacular for solar eclipse watching. Plus their monthly book sale is poppin' too; last time I was there they let you fill up a bag for $5. read more

UPDATE: I can't believe this library no longer puts call numbers on their books!!! I put a huge stack of CDs on a shelf for what I thought would be "just a minute" while I went to get the 1 book I really came to that library for (and then someone ended up moving them because they must have thought they were abandoned). I never would have expected it would take more than 2 minutes to find this book, but apparently, the San Carlos library has given the heave-ho to the tried and true DEWEY DECIMAL SYSTEM. So, when I went to look up the book's call number in the computer, it showed "call numbers" for every OTHER library that this book was at, EXCEPT the one I was at. The computer simply indicated that they had it in the library, and that it was in the self help / personal improvement section. It was like a joke. I went to the section and there were HUNDREDS of unlabeled books, in no particularly obvious order, on different shelves, that I had to look for, in order to find this one book. SERIOUSLY????? I felt like looking around to see if I was on candid camera. True, it was my bad that I made the *assumption* that it should only take 2 minutes to locate the book. I had so many CDs to check out, that with the new system of "having to stand there and scan every book on the shelf" didn't allow me the time to do both. Luckily I was able to get someone to help me find it. But I am writing this update to state to the people in San Mateo county who made the decision to get rid of call numbers at this library. WHAT WERE YOU THINKING??? Listing call numbers on libaray books is such a BASIC thing for a library. This is the bay area, where most people can't stand to wait half a second for a page to download on our computers! Do you really expect people to just stand there and spend ten minutes looking for a book that should only take about 15-30 seconds to find with a call number?? The explanation I got, for the change, was something to the effect of, people like to browse (???). Anyway, one of the staff members (who found my stack of CDs and put them away) also found my cell phone (which I meant to thank her for holding... though my worn out protective screen makes my phone so ugly I guess I shouldn't be surprised no one stole it). The folks at this library still deserve 5 stars for their helpfulness, AND they've even made improvements and additions to the interior, adding a whole new children's area that is awesome. I am really impressed with this library, it is beautiful and always has the best selection of CDs (I think that's the other reason I went a little nuts... I haven't been here for years, so they had a lot of music. I kept picking up different CDs and thinking, OMG, they have this CD??? And this one too???). My plan is to listen to them all on my CD player for the next week while I get some major work done in my office. But back to the call numbers... or lack thereof... the people at San Mateo County need to reinstate their old (but necessary) numbering system. For anyone else who feels the same, please call the San Carlos Library at 650.591.0341 (if the SC library staff has a better # to call, please let me know & I'll change it). --------------------------- Previous review: This is a great library and I can't believe anyone would give it a one-star review. I don't know what planet has libraries with fancy play areas and play dough for all the kids, but I would hope some people would be understanding enough to realize, you're not going to get the same thing at every single library. There are plenty of other libraries with kid-friendly stuff. I happen to be an adult who loves it here. May want to try foster city. Or better yet, if you have a kid and you want them to have fun for a couple of hours... try taking them to a PLAYGROUND, not a library. And yes, there are cozier chairs out there. You know where? At my HOUSE, in my living room. But I'm not at my house, I'm at the library, to do research, etc.. It's funny to see what will make people give things a ONE star review (like, not a 2 or 3 star review, but ONE star, NOT for rude staff, not for lack of materials, but for chairs that aren't "cozy" and lighting and decor that's not juuust right). When I was working on a book a few years ago, I actually used to come to THIS library to work on it... I actually LIKED the furniture and lighting. You know how many people out there would LOVE to have a library as nice as the ones we have on the peninsula? How did our culture get so friggin spoiled? Jusssayin! Update: I was here earlier this week and the staff was soooo helpful. I really appreciate all they do. There were tons of people here, using the computers to surf the net, and there were people all over the library, studying, reading, etc.. Didn't see any of them complaining about the furniture or lack of play dough, but... maybe they were just *whispering* their grievances. It is, after all... a li read more

San Mateo County Library has this program going on now through December 30, 2010 called FOOD for FINES. You can clear library fines while providing food to those in need. Bring non-perishable food items to participating libraries and your library fines will be waived! The food goes to the Second Harvest Food Bank. http://www.smcl.org/en/content/food-fines-0 What else is good about this library? + Lots of books + Large video section + Great kids' section + Free parking in lot and side streets + Helpful staff This is a superior library. 5 easy stars from me. read more

To be fair, my review is only of the CD section. I've never checked out a book here. I've never ventured past the front/right section of the entry. Hell, I don't even have a membership here! But one day as we were heading across the bay to visit B's folks, he said we had to stop at the library. Now, I have been recommending books to him for months and he claims never to have time for them, so I had to question this literary pit stop. Within minutes of our arrival, I understood. This place is packed with awesome music! Particularly appealing to the rock/indie rock persuasion. But there was also country, blues, jazz, classical...We had to limit ourselves to 8 each, and that meant leaving so many good ones behind! I got excited and returned to Oakland to discover all the treasures that lay waiting for me in my local libraries' music sections. Not so much, it turns out. Kind of what I would have imagined a library cd collection to be. So whoever stocks the San Carlos library music section, my computer and I thank you. You rock. read more

If you ever want to know what a community is like before deciding to live there, check out its public library. The San Carlos public library is big. It has tons of books, CDs, newspapers, and other library resources. It is architecturally beautiful inside. It has tables and chairs all over the place, each with an outlet for the laptop-totting patron who wants to do his/her homework here. Its layout is excellent. CDs are conveniently located along the right wall. DVDs are right out front. Books are arranged logically along the left wall. A number of checkout kiosks line the entrance. Numerous catalog terminals are sprinkled all over the place. Comfy sofas can be found at the back for the occasional snooze or the quiet read. Outside the library are bulletin boards advertising not only library events but also what is happening in the community. The library is also a stone's throw from San Carlos downtown and a small park meaning one can really make a visit to this place part of a lazy weekend afternoon stroll through this quiet town. Driving around San Carlos, one gets the impression that this town is probably a nice place to live in. This library further strengthens this impression. read more

Nice! Today is my day to check out the Peninsula Library System. I get to hang here while my son is at martial arts training. But the San Mateo Main Library puts this to shame. I'm tempted to give this library only 3 stars because in comparison to San Mateo Main, Redwood City Main, Foster City, and Belmont it's not "as good" as those libraries... Parking : Great WiFi : Free Books: Good business section. Other Pluses: + Nice tables with individual power sources and lights! read more

Although the place is really small, it has a wide selection of books, magazines, CDs and DVDs. The people that work here are very nice and helpful. The vending machines and the fact that it is a block away from downtown is very convenient if you want to get a cup of coffee so you don't fall asleep while studying. If given the chance, I will definitely choose to study here over some other public libraries I know. If only I still live in San Carlos... read more

This library is pretty amazing. Plenty of parking, computers to use, DVDs to check out, and seating everywhere. even though i don't have any kids, their children's area is quite big compared to other libraries. while looking back at some of the books i used to read, brings down memory lane back when i was a kid. Staff is great and friendly. Always helpful and attentive. They always have some kid of event for either kids or adults going on during the week or on the weekends which is a major plus. The round ceiling in the entryway is my favorite:) Go pick up a book! read more

This place has changed my life! I'm fortunate enough to live a couple blocks away and, since discovering this place, I no longer buy any books. Period. I love the fact that you can search for a book online, request for it to be on hold (it costs 75 cents) and you receive an email when it's ready to be picked up. Simple as that. When I walk in, I go straight to the cubicles where my books are waiting, check them out with the electronic scanner (there's never a line!) and... time permitting, I'll browse the DVD shelves for a bit to see if anything catches my fancy. Manga lovers - there's also a graphic novel section at the back of the library. Hate to sound repetitive, but really, what more can you ask of your neighborhood library?? read more

Like in a prison, the librarian looks at me like I'm hiding a shank in my sleeve and about to get violent with one of the other inmates, or patrons in this case. Expect to receive the first degree if you try to pay off one of their exorbitant fines at the desk, with that particular middle-aged librarian. Two stars for the nice patio and the particularly bizarre homeless people which makes for an interesting afternoon. read more

Among the nicest libraries in the Peninsula. Not as big as downtown San Mateo, but it has more charm. The worst thing is parking, but even that isn't that bad. The best part is the 3rd Sunday of each month, their "friends of the library" book sale expands to the 2nd floor and they have great deals. All hardbacks are $2 and all paperbacks are $1. Each month they have some titles for $0.50. Best places for used books. read more

The San Carlos Library used to be a good library, but every since they did away with the Dewey decimal system along with more than half of their books, it no longer resembles a library but is more like an airplane lounge. It is sad to find a lovely library with so few books. Shelves have few books and many are displayed face out. One looks for non-fiction titles in a specific area of study, and is disappointed that there are only a few books. read more

I have only been to the San Carlos Library once...yesterday. I was totally impressed and I was only there for a good 5-10 minutes! I had completely forgotten to print out my résumé for a job interview so I stopped here to use their computer, printer, and copier. I was stuck in traffic due to the rain and had only 5-10 min. to spare before I had to jet across into Redwood City. I had lost my library card a while back and explained this to the gentleman. He was quick and offered me a 30 min. guest pass. Who knew libraries did this? I was blown away and got my stuff taken care of and left for my interview. I will definitely be back and to sign up for a replacement library card. For those who complain about not having a comfy chair to sit in to do research or write, you might want to try your own home, a Starbucks, or Barnes and Noble at Hillsdale and quit complaining! It's a library, not a furniture store! read more

Studying for the ARE has allowed... err forced me to frequent many of the San Mateo county Library's.. My 2 cents about the San Carlos Location Pros: - Free underground parking - Paper towels in the bathroom! (basic yes, but some branches only have the blow dry machine) - Vending machines - Comfortable chairs (only certain ones) - Peets coffee a short walk away - Good WiFi speeds Cons: - poor lighting (some areas are simply to dark) - mushy soft chairs (certain ones, you'll know it when you sit in it) - Lights off 5 minutes before closing (see below) - Closes at 6 on Thursday - The chairs at the tables along the side are not particularly comfortable To the people who work here: Turning the lights off 5 minutes before closing is just plain rude(!). Yes I/we all understand that you want to go home - we all do after a long day at work, but sometimes part of having a JOB that deals with the public is staying a few minutes late. We have all had to do this before. Admittedly this isn't as bad as the woman at the Belmont branch who would walk around 10 minutes before closing and tell each and every person "we are closing, we are closing..." Yes I know you announced that 3 times on the speaker phone already. read more

Great library. Very large, extensive collections of CDs, Children's, non-fiction. Many places to sit and read, with comfortable library chairs. Also, like a bookstore, they have a lot of books set up with the covers facing you, to catch your interest. The place was very clean, including the bathroom. Counter personnel were very nice. Self-checkout is available. Benches and bike racks outside. A very comfortable place to browse books and read. read more