USA > California > San Mateo > Arts and Entertainment > Libraries

San Mateo County Library

San Mateo County Library, serving an area of 270,000 residents, has a collection of 460,000 books and periodicals; in addition, there are 63,000 CDs, records, cassettes and other audio materials, as well as 8,000 video items, such as DVDs and VHS tapes. Internet terminals are available for use by the general public.

Staffing consists of 105 employees, of whom 42 are fully accredited librarians, plus volunteers. The system comprises12 branch libraries, plus one bookmobile. Annual expenditures on the library collection total $1,380,000. Patrons make 1,540,000 visits annually, and check out materials 2,100,000 times. Thirty-nine percent of all check-outs are children's materials.

This facility houses administative offices. Branch libraries are listed below.