Neat library with a fair amount of amenities. Has a decent makerspace jn back. Doesn't have a lot of available plugs for laptop users though. read more

Great library! Super friendly staff and clean space. Really cute in comparison to other nearby libraries.

Very beautiful, brand new library. Looks like it was recently either upgraded or renovated. Pros: Not a lot of folks, very quiet Extremely clean bathrooms! And everything else overall. Beautiful furnishings- solid wood, solid rock, it is truly luxury architecture. Books all seem pretty new or at least in great condition. Huge selection of kids books in a spacious kids area with floor to ceiling windows. Very large and well equipped maker space with 3d printer and laser cutter. The guy working there was kind and happy to explain the services they provide and restock any art supplies kids need. Cafe outside - a branch of cafe Colette (redwood city cafe) with really tasty croissants and cookies. Cons: not great for kids. It is very quiet so unless your kids are very quiet you'll probably be feeling anxious the whole time. Not sure why some reviews say there's a lot of toys, there wasn't anything aside from some magnetic blocks and fancy cushions (including vitra bears which are like 2k a pop). read more

Atherton Library - Libraries Near Me - Atherton, California

A beautiful space! I was hoping to work here sometimes, but it is NOISY! The front door makes a mind numbing squealing sound and there are kids yelling and chatting and one running up and down the length of the library. I feel as old and crotchety as the hills saying this, but I want the library to be a quiet, almost sacred space. One fix might be to put desks in the "Quiet Room". It's so beautiful that I might return on another day and hope that my earplugs work! read more

This is a new library that my friend invited me to so the kids could play in the play area. I love love love the design of this place. I wish whoever designed this place could design my home and backyard. I didn't actually check out the books or anything. But it is a perfect place for children to browse books and play. The staff were very friendly, and apparently there is a petting zoo on some days. There's a beautiful seating area outside and nice, small fountain. There are lots of trees, and the climate is absolutely perfect to sit under them. The only thing I think is missing is a cafe to enjoy coffee outside. ;) If I lived closer, I'd probably come here every day with the kiddos. read more

Atherton Library - Gorgeous - Libraries Near Me - Atherton, California

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Interested to know why the branch manager is suddenly no longer working there. Nice, quiet place that is until the loud rambunctious kids come in and the staff seemingly waives the quiet expectation of a library. Some of these children activities and games should be taken outdoors. The on grounds "sugar shop" needs a healthier menu like fresh fruit, salad and natural juices. read more

I love this recently rebuilt library for all ages, but especially for my young toddler! Great indoor and patio facilities with a large seated kid's area and plenty of kid's books for all ages, including board books strategically placed at ground level, and a rotation of games / educational toys. I've recently started taking my toddler son here almost every day after daycare (while I'm on maternity leave) to read and participate in their programming -- currently they have an after school program targeting K-5 which has included a bubble vendor, STEM / robotics, seasonal crafts, and art. They also have other sessions including toddler storytime, though I haven't been able to participate in any based on timing. There is always a table with pens and paper for drawing if your kids need a break from the books. During the summer they also hosted -- as part of the broader San Mateo library chain -- a summer reading challenge, which included free books for kids when they finished their previous book. Very clean facilities -- including bookable rooms, a quiet space, maker room, and bathrooms make this a great option for adults looking for a place to read, work on the computer, or print (free pages with a generous 20 page limit). You can also do curbside pick up, rent bicycles and other materials (DVDs, etc.) outside of books. Staff is always friendly and helpful! The one thing I'd flag is this is not the library I'd choose if you're looking for the largest selection of books for research, etc. Overall I'm excited to have this library nearby and anticipate coming frequently with both children for several years. read more

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Beautiful library, gorgeous, lots of activities, nice indoor and amazing outdoor spaces. Lots of activities at the library! Love it!

A beautiful library with a wonderful children's section. Interactive materials, comfortable seating, many board books at a child's level. Big, tall windows to provide natural light and doors that open to the patio. A nice place to spend the afternoon. read more

Atherton Library - Entrance & outdoor area - Libraries Near Me - Atherton, California

The library has been totally rebuilt since I was last there. It's just gorgeous now. Nice selection of books, and a great venue for any interesting library events. read more

Very clean library...organized...great kids section ..on knock i would say is they removed all the little toys they had for kids ( I get it kind of) just make a sign that says clean up after your kids. Either way it was a great experience read more

Hardly a library at this point... yes, it contains books... however, if you plan on reading the books there or even studying, you will be accompanied by screaming children and parents who lack the ability to control them. I live walking distance from the library, so I frequently stop in. It would be a rare occurrence if there WERE NOT kids running around screaming while people were actively trying to ignore them and get their work done quietly. The kids section should be separated from the library, but at this location, you will have to deal with both! read more

This is a very small, one room library, for Mom and kids. Not for general use. Don't come if u need a quite study time read more

This is from the view of the parents of a toddler (and most likely, the toddler herself based on her giddiness as soon as she steps in everytime). It's totally awesome! their baby, toddler and children's programs are great fun and well thought out. our toddler is totally enamored with it. The fact that the library is small and single story and not super crowded makes it perfect for the little people. My wife has gone to baby story time, music, and movie night. The toddler dance party sounds right up our daughter's alley since she shimmy's incessantly, so they'll attend that soon. Kudos to the staff as they are all extremely nice and supportive of the youngsters. They are just great. While we live by the almighty new Mitchell Park Library, the hominess and rich programs of Atherton keep us huge fans. read more

Atherton Library is a quaint little library tucked away in a quiet residential area. The library is essentially one big room and has a homey feel to it compared to the large contemporary ones you usually see nowadays in the Bay Area, but Atherton still meets your basic free Wi-Fi and computers needs. There's also a 3D printer, and you don't see that very often in libraries! read more

A quaint, tucked away library off the beaten path, next to the Caltrain station and police station. I used to come here with my Dad a lot when I was a kid and we'd be greeted by Mark right when we entered. Since going away for school and not really hanging out at the library there have been many new additions such as about 6 computers for users to use the Internet and maybe about 2 or 3 by the book stacks that I guess are used to search for books within the San Mateo County library system. What's cool is that they've even added wifi to the place! It is a small library so all noises can be heard such as the door slamming when entering or leaving or when you walk to the bookshelves, you'll hear creaks in the floor and sometimes you'll be able to hear someone else's conversation. Their DVD and CD collection is impressive for the size of the library. They have a self check-out, but there aren't too many tables for people to do work or study. 2 hour parking from M-F from 8AM to 5PM. read more

I get around. To libraries that is. Since moving to the area in late August, I have made my rounds. I love the Peninsula Library System because I can always find the book I am looking for. To save the $.75 it costs to request something and have it delivered to your library of choice, I usually pick it up myself at whatever library it is at. Aside from the small fee, this also saves me any wait time, because when I have something in mind, I am rather impatient. My impatience has led me to several of the libraries in the area, and recently, to this little (and I mean little) gem. When I drove to Atherton Public Library, I thought I must have put the address into my GPS incorrectly. And then I saw it. Too cute for words. It's small, but they use their space wisely. Because the library is somewhat limited in what they carry, this probably isn't a place I would go back to just to browse. It would be a good place for someone who is completely overwhelmed by other libraries though, or someone who gets lost easily. Hours are somewhat limited. Last I checked Monday - Wednesday 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Thursday - Friday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, and Sunday 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM. If reviewing a library makes me nerdy, I am fine with that. Smart chicks are good in bed too. And won't bore you to tears when you aren't between the sheets. read more

It's a cool little spot, but it is small, essentially one room. There's a real chance you'll be disappointed if you're looking for a library that's half-way quiet once in a while. The kids' areas part of the room and kids are kids, sure, but no shortage of parents don't make the first effort to keep the kids even a little bit quiet. (My upbringing was far from harsh and strict, but my parents had no time for me and my sisters doing stuff like being loud in libraries or anywhere in public, -- unlike a whole lot of parents these days.) read more

I've lived in Atherton for my whole life and considering that this town has no commerce- the charm is hard to find between the 50's style ranch houses and the multi million dollar houses that are taking over. The Atherton library is just the pinch of cute that this town needs. Over the years, I've been to the library for many reasons, and they always seem to help. I often came here during my SJSU years to study because it was more peaceful than studying at home or my sorority. I recently ventured back here because I am taking care of a small child and his mother mentioned that the library does a toddler reading session every tuesday morning. I like the baby and all, but it's nice to get some fresh air and adult interaction =). Whhhhhat a cute idea! There were lots of kids there, mostly between 2-4 years, making my 13 month old seem so small! The librarian was sweet with a great temper and read several fun stories to the kids. I love how precious the Atherton library is- if you need 3 million obsolete books at your disposal there are other libraries which will suit you much better. Parking is limited but available none the less. read more

Great for young ages, a small quaint building with great library basics and strong library values. read more

Atherton Library - 3d printing at the library - Libraries Near Me - Atherton, California

Wow, what a cute little library! Its probably not the best place to find a huge selection of books as the place is super tiny.. but what it lacks in books, it makes up for in charm! My favorite place here is the secret garden in the back. Its crazy quaint and peaceful. I could imagine myself just coming here and lazying away the weekend to a good book. Such a hidden gem! read more

Atherton Library - Libraries Near Me - Atherton, California

Talk about a tiny library. The Atherton Public library is probably one of the smallest, if not the smallest public library in the San Mateo public library system. That said, I have found that because it is tucked deep in Atherton, books located here rarely get checked out. I have been able to check out numerous books located at Atherton even when they are in heavy demand elsewhere. This library also has all of the standard library amenities - reasonable amount of parking, free wifi, a comfortable reading environment, reading programs, etc. Given how awesome San Mateo's public library system is, and how many of the branches are easily accessible, it is hard to give Atherton's library more than three stars. Here's hoping that this library will be expanded at some point. read more

We have come to this library fairly often for years to check out books, using our address or phone number always returning them and never having a problem. Today, a librarian, one who I wasn't familiar with, was extremely rude about it, saying he wasn't going to let us check out books (myself and two children) because we didn't have a photo ID. The librarian who works there often and surely knows us by face allowed us to check out the books, saying that he was a visiting librarian from another more strict library. He stood there the entire time she checked us out, giving us a dirty look. His behavior was disgusting, especially in front of children. He should be fostering excitement in children about checking out books, not making them feel like criminals. read more

I love this little library. It's my favorite library of all the libraries in San Mateo County and that's saying lots! The review just before me calls it "the secret library" and that describes it perfectly. I really don't want anyone else to know about it cuz it's my secret little spot. But they also deserve a great review and kudos for how they manage this library. The staff are just so friendly and wonderful. I always say it's the library "where everybody knows your name". I am greeted like a friend when I walk in the door. This is the advantage of a smaller library and I know the larger ones simply can't do this. I find more current interesting books here than I do in the bigger libraries. The DVD movie selection is also very good. I have all my "holds" sent to this library cuz the parking is easy and it's such a convenient location. I don't know who is responsible for putting the books out on the special section displays but i usually walk in and clean those right off the shelf. There is a charming garden in back that I think most people miss. I overheard a patron talking about new plans for an Atherton library and it kind of made me sick. I just don't want this little library to change. It's perfect the way it is. read more

Charming, cozy little place. Would be delightful to hang out and work or read here ... except that it is SO loud! From the kids to the elderly patrons to the many front-desk (!!) staff/volunteers, all seem to be unaware that the library is not the place for their constant loud chatter. Is "Silence in the Library" a relic of the past? read more

Yesterday I really wanted to check out I Know This Much Is True by Wally Lamb. I went to the Redwood City Library and the catalogue said it was in and also at Atherton Library. I went to the Fiction seciton and could not find it. I checked twice. I was going to ask a librarian to help, but there were four people ahead of me in line. Then I went to Atherton Public Library today with my friend. She had never been. It's the cutest library and very clean and organized. The librarian was really sweet and helpful. I've also gone when there was story time and it is so funny to see the kids try to sit still. It's great to know that places like this still exist! read more

i loove this library. i call it "the secret library" it's very hidden and quiet. i enjoy this silence. it is tiny but has all the good books, and almost all the new novels. it has a pretty big selection of dvds too. you realllly can't talk in here. everyone will be hearing your conversation and knowing your life story. and that is the beauty of a proper library. read more

This library reminds me of my childhood. It is one of the small things that hasn't changed very much over the years. This is the place to go if you want peace and tranquility. This library is tiny, but it still offers a great selection of new books and many computers. The peace can be broken when the children come for an event like storytime, but that is all part of the Atherton library's charm. read more

It's nice that it's there, but it could be better. Great location. Beautiful outside. Feels like a large portable building inside with the negativity of fluorescent lights. I would love to see a remodel of the inside, or at least using "warmer" lighting. read more

Small library.nice environment. Please bring ur headset, there's no study room!

It's a very peaceful library. The librarian at the front desk was very nice to me and answered all my questions. I was able to make it just an hour before they closed! Thankfully they changed the closing time to 6 instead of 5 on Fridays! read more

APL is located in an idyllic little intersection near the quaint free-parking Caltrain station and across the street from Atherton's Gomer Pyle-era municipal buildings. It is a small library but carries an astonishing array of DVDs. I was able to properly satiate my Queer As Folk obsession through APL. Probably oweing to the number of wealthy housewives in the area, there is also a very good collection of cookbooks and parenting books that I avoid because they make me feel guilty and inadequate. The elderly patrons have no doubt had an influence on the voluminous collection of suspense and mystery novels, as well as large treatises on how to figure out Medicare Part B and the like. The children's section is rather small. Their CD selection isn't terrible--they have The Editors, Talking Heads, lots of REM, etc. But they also have Hootie & The Blowfish, Sheryl Crowe, and NO Radiohead (!). One of the greatest features of this library is its generous hours--pretty much 10 to 7pm everyday! Where I grew up, the library was open maybe 4 hours a day, 3 days a week, so I'm impressed. Overall, it's a good library, particularly good for DVDs, recipe books, and all interests geriatric. read more

Old school library with a small town feel. It feels remote and is in a quaint little pocket of Atherton. The library itself is small and not really up to date looking, but that is part of its charm. read more