San Mateo County Libraries
Library function; provider and jurisdiction must be verified.[1]
Source checked October 26, 2026[1]smcl.org
Opens this office’s own website. CountyWiki does not process applications, take payments or provide personal records.
Contact details & office locations ↓Online services & information
Use the links below for official services and provider information. Check each service’s instructions and service area.
Official public library system associated with San Mateo County for browsing. Independent city library systems may also serve the county. Membership rules, branch service areas and every address in the county are not implied by this association.
Read the actual provider’s reviewed topic below. Eligibility, digital-only versus physical access, youth requirements and fees remain specific to this system; county association does not unify independent city or partner-library rules.
Before you start
- Information & documents · Card update/renewal at SMCL with current photo/name/address ID
- To update/renew your card please visit one of the San Mateo County Libraries. You’ll need to show a current valid ID with your photo, name and address to complete the process. [3]
- Availability · Five-year card update cycle
- Yes, cards must be updated every five years. You'll be notified when logging into your online account if your card is close to expiring. You can also see your card expiry date under Account Information in your My Settings. [4]
- Availability · Report lost card promptly; liability until report
- If you lose your library card or key chain, please call one of the San Mateo County Libraries as soon as possible. You’re responsible for all materials, fines and fees checked out on your library card until its loss is reported. [5]
- Information & documents · Free replacement at SMCL with current name/photo/address ID
- Please visit one of the San Mateo County Libraries to replace your card. You’ll need to show a current, valid ID with your name, photo and address. Replacement cards are free. [6]
- Availability · City/community-college partner library policies can differ; shared cards do not unify fees
- San Mateo County Libraries work with local City and Community College Libraries in order to make a more extensive range of collections available to our patrons. Patrons who check out materials from other libraries using their San Mateo County Libraries card by visiting these libraries or placing holds may be assessed fines based on the policies of the owning libraries. Items requested through the LINK+ inter-library loan service will not accrue late fines. [7]
Check the provider’s specific aids, request notice periods and branch/service-area conditions. Home delivery, interpretation and staff assistance retain their own eligibility and availability limits.
Before you start
- Accessibility · Staff collection retrieval limited by workload; home delivery at some branches only
- If you have a disability, library staff will retrieve books, media and other items from the library collection for you on request. Request this service at any San Mateo County Libraries location. Library staff will get a reasonable number of items for you, based on staff availability and workload. Some branches also offer home delivery service for homebound patrons. Please inquire at your local branch about this service. [12]
- Accessibility · Voice/video language and ASL interpretation during open hours
- In order for our staff to be able to effectively assist all members of our community, San Mateo County Libraries utilizes a voice and video interpretation system that is available during our open hours. We can locate a certified, professionally trained interpreter for your language in a minute or two. You will be able to talk to the interpreter on the phone or for American Sign Language, see a video interpreter, who will relay your requests or questions to a library staff member. When you come to any of our locations, please ask staff for interpretation services so that you can be sure we will understand each other. Staff have a flyer with different languages printed on it if you prefer to point to the language of your choice. [13]
- Accessibility · Reasonable printing/copying help, possibly later collection
- Library staff will print or photocopy a reasonable number of items for you. Request this service at any San Mateo County Libraries location. Library staff may ask you to leave selections for later copying when there is no time for extended individual help. [14]
Fees
Fees are quoted only when a source document supports the amount and conditions.
| Service | Amount | Conditions & source |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement lost library card | $0.00replacement card | Visit SMCL with valid ID showing name/photo/address; city/community-college partner rules may differ.[9] |
These are individual fee items, not a quote for your total. Other charges or exemptions may apply; confirm the total with the office.
Forms & documents
Official forms and document pages for this office’s services.
Sources & last checked4 source pages · 14 citations
Sources were checked by an AI-assisted research process. A checked website does not mean every service or fee on it has been reviewed.
- [1] SAN MATEO COUNTY LIBRARIES — library services (opens in a new tab)
SAN MATEO COUNTY LIBRARIES · Official library page — provider identity and services
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
San Mateo County Libraries Homepage
- [2] Public Library Administrative Headquarters Directory — live 2025 report (opens in a new tab)
California State Library · Live 2025–26 administrative headquarters report — SAN MATEO COUNTY LIBRARIES
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
SAN MATEO COUNTY LIBRARIES125 LESSINGIA COURTSAN MATEO944024065(833) 937-7625N/AN/Ahttps://smcl.org/get-in-touch/http://smcl.orgAnne-MarieDespainDirector of Library Services
- [3] My account and card FAQ (opens in a new tab)
San Mateo County Libraries · My account and card FAQ — 06081 p1
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
To update/renew your card please visit one of the San Mateo County Libraries. You’ll need to show a current valid ID with your photo, name and address to complete the process.
- [4] My account and card FAQ (opens in a new tab)
San Mateo County Libraries · My account and card FAQ — 06081 p2
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
Yes, cards must be updated every five years. You'll be notified when logging into your online account if your card is close to expiring. You can also see your card expiry date under Account Information in your My Settings.
- [5] My account and card FAQ (opens in a new tab)
San Mateo County Libraries · My account and card FAQ — 06081 p3
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
If you lose your library card or key chain, please call one of the San Mateo County Libraries as soon as possible. You’re responsible for all materials, fines and fees checked out on your library card until its loss is reported.
- [6] My account and card FAQ (opens in a new tab)
San Mateo County Libraries · My account and card FAQ — 06081 p4
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
Please visit one of the San Mateo County Libraries to replace your card. You’ll need to show a current, valid ID with your name, photo and address. Replacement cards are free.
- [7] My account and card FAQ (opens in a new tab)
San Mateo County Libraries · My account and card FAQ — 06081 p27
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
San Mateo County Libraries work with local City and Community College Libraries in order to make a more extensive range of collections available to our patrons. Patrons who check out materials from other libraries using their San Mateo County Libraries card by visiting these libraries or placing holds may be assessed fines based on the policies of the owning libraries. Items requested through the LINK+ inter-library loan service will not accrue late fines.
- [8] My account and card FAQ (opens in a new tab)
San Mateo County Libraries · My account and card FAQ — 06081 reviewed card topic
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
To update/renew your card please visit one of the San Mateo County Libraries. You’ll need to show a current valid ID with your photo, name and address to complete the process.
- [9] My account and card FAQ (opens in a new tab)
San Mateo County Libraries · My account and card FAQ — 06081 fee 4 replacement lost library card
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
Please visit one of the San Mateo County Libraries to replace your card. You’ll need to show a current, valid ID with your name, photo and address. Replacement cards are free.
- [10] My account and card FAQ (opens in a new tab)
San Mateo County Libraries · My account and card FAQ — 06081 form 0
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
library card form
- [11] San Mateo County Libraries — Accessibility Services (opens in a new tab)
San Mateo County Libraries · San Mateo County Libraries — Accessibility Services — 06081 accessibility
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
If you have a disability, library staff will retrieve books, media and other items from the library collection for you on request. Request this service at any San Mateo County Libraries location. Library staff will get a reasonable number of items for you, based on staff availability and workload. Some branches also offer home delivery service for homebound patrons. Please inquire at your local branch about this service.
- [12] San Mateo County Libraries — Accessibility Services (opens in a new tab)
San Mateo County Libraries · San Mateo County Libraries — Accessibility Services — 06081 accessibility p5
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
If you have a disability, library staff will retrieve books, media and other items from the library collection for you on request. Request this service at any San Mateo County Libraries location. Library staff will get a reasonable number of items for you, based on staff availability and workload. Some branches also offer home delivery service for homebound patrons. Please inquire at your local branch about this service.
- [13] San Mateo County Libraries — Accessibility Services (opens in a new tab)
San Mateo County Libraries · San Mateo County Libraries — Accessibility Services — 06081 accessibility p7
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
In order for our staff to be able to effectively assist all members of our community, San Mateo County Libraries utilizes a voice and video interpretation system that is available during our open hours. We can locate a certified, professionally trained interpreter for your language in a minute or two. You will be able to talk to the interpreter on the phone or for American Sign Language, see a video interpreter, who will relay your requests or questions to a library staff member. When you come to any of our locations, please ask staff for interpretation services so that you can be sure we will understand each other. Staff have a flyer with different languages printed on it if you prefer to point to the language of your choice.
- [14] San Mateo County Libraries — Accessibility Services (opens in a new tab)
San Mateo County Libraries · San Mateo County Libraries — Accessibility Services — 06081 accessibility p8
Source reviewed October 26, 2026View supporting excerpt
Library staff will print or photocopy a reasonable number of items for you. Request this service at any San Mateo County Libraries location. Library staff may ask you to leave selections for later copying when there is no time for extended individual help.