- Home
- Government
- Departments
- Library
Library
View a List of Upcoming Events.
About San Mateo County Libraries
The San Mateo County Library (SMCL) is a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) that operates libraries in the communities of Atherton, Belmont, Brisbane, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Millbrae, North Fair Oaks, Pacifica, Portola Valley, San Carlos and Woodside. San Mateo County Libraries ignite growth through transformative experiences. Visit smcl.org for information about our community libraries, extensive digital and physical collections, innovative services, and numerous online resources and virtual programs and events.
Designed to serve our communities with an expanded collection, range of resources and events for all ages, the new Atherton Library is a place for discovery.
About the New Atherton Library
This light-filled new library is tucked among old-growth trees near the town’s brand-new Civic Center.
Features of the New Library Include:
- A large and welcoming front porch that encourages community connections and conversations under the canopy of the majestic oak trees.
- A quiet reading room that leads out to the library’s back porch for visitors to read and reflect in solitude.
- Flexible and expanded spaces and collections to support all ages and interest levels.
- A makerspace and digital lab with 3D printers, a high-performance laser cutter, GoPro camera kits and a deck for makers to find inspiration outdoors.
- Tech offerings including laptops and WiFi hotspots available for checkout, plus computers and printers onsite.
- Multiple meeting rooms including the renovated Historic Town Hall celebrating Atherton’s unique history and new Willie Mays room, named in honor of the Hall of Famer, a beloved Atherton resident and legendary San Francisco Giant.
- Children’s area
- Teen and adult section
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to study or interested in learning how to use the latest tech, our library is here to serve you with our expert team and array of materials.
- Atherton
- Belmont
- Brisbane
- East Palo Alto
- Foster City
- Half Moon Bay
- Millbrae
- Pacifica
- Portola Valley
- San Carlos
- Woodside
- Unincorporated areas of the county
Policies
Library policies are set by the Library Administration and the JPA governing board. Policies provide the structure for the implementation of the library's mission, vision, and strategic plan.
Library Services
The San Mateo County Library offers a wide range of services, resources, and programs to meet the needs of the residents in the community.
Annual Reports
The San Mateo County Library develops an Annual Report which highlights accomplishments each Fiscal Year.
History Resources
Work by the Former Atherton Library Building Steering Committee
Library Funding
Process to Study New Library Options
- Mailer One for June 2011 flyer (PDF)
- Mailer Two for September 2011 (PDF)
- Community Outreach Activities (PDF)
- Focus Group Arts and Heritage Notes (PDF)
- Focus Group Parents Note (PDF)
- Focus Group Teens Notes (PDF)
- Email Note Sent June 23, 2011 by Town of Atherton (PDF)
Library Study & Atherton Library Trends
- Atherton Library - Services to Schools (PDF)
- Atherton Library Trends (PDF)
- KPage Completed and Current Projects (September 13, 2011) (PDF)
Building Programs
Environmental Assessment
- ASCE 31 Report Structural Evaluation Report (PDF)
- FEMA 356 Life Safety Building Performance Evaluation (PDF)
- Environmental Screening and Traffic Analysis July 2011 (PDF)
- Traffic Report Revised September 2011 (PDF)
- Traffic Study Memo (September 16, 2011) (PDF)
- EIR Scoping Meeting Transcript (December 8, 2011) (PDF)
- Errata Memo from Scoping Meeting (PDF)
Site Selection
- Community Meeting 3 September 8, 2011 Slides (PDF)
- Atherton Site Evaluation Report - Final (PDF)
- Site Diagrams (PDF)
- Group 4 Library Projects (PDF)
Additional Material
Library Steering Committee Historical Documents
- Environmental Screening Analysis and Traffic Analysis (PDF)
- Resolution Number 10-30 Library Partnering (PDF)
- HP Park Master Plan (PDF)
- Atherton Library Current Site Plan (PDF)
- Atherton Library Needs Assessment Memo (PDF)
- Atherton Library Needs Assessment Attachment (PDF)
- Library Design Services Agreement (PDF)
- ASCE 31 Report Structural Evaluation Report (PDF)
- FEMA 356 Life Safety Building Performance Evaluation (PDF)
Phase I Architect Selection Related Documents
- Request for Proposal Library Building Project (PDF)
- Project Process Flow (PDF)
- Pre-Bid Meeting Location Information (PDF)
- List of Pre-Bid Attending Architects (PDF)
- Revised Architect Selection Criteria as of January 14, 2011 (PDF)
- RFP Phase I Submitted Questions and Answers (PDF)
- ALBSC Short List (February 2, 2011) (PDF)
- Library Architect Selection Recommendation from February 9, 2011 (PDF)
- Community Meeting 3 Final Presentation (PDF)