San Mateo Public Library – Hillsdale Library

im happy with all the san mateo libraries. years ago they had to decide how to keep all of them open. they got to keep all 3 libraries open by having shorter hours and having branches closed certain days of the week. the main library got to have the longer hours and all week open. having 3 evenly located in the city is nice.

I love this library mostly because we can walk to it. Unfortunately, they always have the rudest, grumpiest old ladies working the front counter. Go to the Redwood Shores Branch where you will find the best selection of books, lots of privacy and a teenager eager to help.

In the middle of a residential area not far from the HIllsdale Shopping Center. If you’re a HIllsdale High School student, this place is next door to the school. Has one study room that can be reserved for meetings or general use by phone, or you may ask to use it with permission of the staff — a reasonable request that keeps squatters, teenagers blasting music and other crap from usurping the resource. The environment is quiet and conducive to getting some studying done.
The library is small though, and may not have the most books. Additionally, the lot only has about 5 spots so be prepared to park side of street, which hasn’t been an inconvenience.

Conveniently located. Computers are usually available, and has come in handy since my internet has been down for some time. First 3 printed pages are free.
Nice selection of cook books, dvd’s and CD’s to be such a small space.
They do have off hours and sometimes no street parking but if you pick up a schedule you’ll know when not to go.
I also signed up for text so I get an alert when my materials are almost due and I renew on line.
Libraries are awesome! Free resources with a nominal late fee. Not to mention a lot of the employees volunteer their time so that we have access.

Ah, Hillsdale Branch of the SMPL. Is it the biggest library? Nope. Is it the coolest? Nuh-​uh. Is it the most modern? Most definitely not. But darn it, I really love it anyway!
The collection fits the neighborhood well: it seems to be mainly comprised of cookbooks (wonderful selection), fiction (some great stuff there, too), and a lot of children’s books. And of course, if this is in your neighborhood, you can pay that minimal fee and they’ll get you any book in the system within a few days.
Staff has always been friendly. Additionally, they have a few computers that don’t tend to be busy, except (surprise!) right after school.
And the periodicals… you’d think a local branch would have a selection of magazines akin to your dentist’s lobby, but no – I’ve spied stuff as arcane as Utne Reader in there.
So if you live nearby, or you’re heading down to Hillsdale Mall or Trader Joe’s, and want to pick up a book for the weekend, drop by (NB check the hours before you go, because that’s the one thing that can be wonky).
Four stars for what it is… when it could be much worse.

This tiny library is actually the Hillsdale Branch of the San Mateo Library.
Features:
— DVDs check out for 1 week (instead of 3 weeks in bigger libraries)
— closed on Friday and Sunday (somewhat irregular and limited hours)
— small parking lot and street parking
I’m glad this library is there (the more the better, IMO), but it’s not the most dazzling library with its modest offering of materials.

I’ve been informed that this is not a county owned/​operated library. If it was, it would receive a lot more funding and be a little bit more updated. This particular branch is operated by the city of San Mateo. So gonna bump it up a star as a recognition of their lack of funding.

This library isn’t actually a part of the San Mateo County Library System, but the San Mateo Public Library System. You will definitely find this branch on the San Mateo Public Library website. It is a small branch, and the collection is on the small side, but it does cover a good range for many different types of users. The furniture is dated, but it’s clean and comfortable.