Librarians will lead free storytimes and children's programs at three San Mateo locations throughout August, giving families with kids from newborn to age 5 a reason to get out of the house before school starts.
No registration is required. Space is limited, though, and the library says capacity will be strictly enforced at every session, according to the city's children's programs page. Doors open 10 minutes before each program. One rule worth noting: adults must be accompanied by a child.
Storytime in the Park
The outdoor option runs every Wednesday in August at 10:30 a.m. at King Park, 725 Monte Diablo Ave., for ages 0–5.
Main Library programs
At the Main Library, 55 W. 3rd Ave., two rooms host four weekly programs led by named librarians:
Book Bubble room (48-person capacity):
- Pajama Storytime with Ms. Madison, Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m., ages 0–5
- Hora de Cuentos en Pijama with Ms. Elena, Thursdays at 5:30 p.m., ages 0–5 (Spanish-language)
Oak Room (60-person capacity):
- Move and Groove with Ms. Alisa, Mondays at 10:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., ages 18 months–5 years
- Baby Storytime with Ms. Erica, Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., ages 0–18 months
The Main Library is open Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. It is accessible by Caltrain (San Mateo stop) and SamTrans routes 250, 252, 295, and ECR. Free underground parking has a two-hour limit.
Hillsdale Branch
At the Hillsdale Library, 205 W. Hillsdale Blvd., Mr. Joey leads Toddler Storytime on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. for ages 18 months–3 years. The room holds 35 people.
Launchpad tablets for checkout
The library also lends Launchpad tablets, pre-loaded devices that work without Wi-Fi. Families can check out up to three per library card for 21 days. The tablets cannot be held or renewed and are available only to San Mateo residents or San Mateo Public Library cardholders.
The full August children's calendar is posted in both English and Spanish on the library's website.
