New year. New visit to the Burlingame Public library on primrose Avenue in Burlingame, California. Today's treat was one of their swap days. Today's swap day revolved around games and puzzles. Picked up a couple of puzzles from a family members, and the children of my friends. Separate from that. Spent some time in the computer lab. Working on some stuff. They have some decently new Macintosh systems to work on. Not my native OS normally. But I like it. I like the fact that they have both windows and Mac and tosh systems. In the end. I don't care because I'm operating system agnostic, and welcome the experience on just about every operating system you can imagine.. The maker lab at this library is also excellent . Environmentally it's hard to go wrong with a visit to the Burlingame Public library. It's a beautiful building inside and out. read more

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I am so happy that this library offers access to iMacs! I needed one, and they were able to provide it. I also noticed that they offered a lot of creative software. My suggestion: book it if you really need it. The building is also very pretty, and the staff is really helpful. There's also a coffee shop inside if you don't want to stop somewhere on your way here read more

Excellent library with 3 floors and a huge selection of books, magazines, newspapers and more. They even have the German magazine der Spiegel that I like to read sometimes. Plus many other foreign languages materials. They have some conference rooms and study areas that can be reserved. The staff are very friendly and helpful. There is also a cafe that serves food and drinks. read more

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I've been going to Burlingame Public Library for as long as I can remember--probably since I was 4 or 5, and I'm 27 now. I've always had great experiences there and have spent so much time over the years picking out movies, doing homework, and just reading. It's always been a comfortable, welcoming place for me. That said, I recently had a weird experience that threw me off. I went in with a friend about 20 minutes before closing and we were just browsing the DVDs for sale. As it got closer to closing (maybe 5-10 minutes left), a staff member came up to me and asked what I was doing while I was sitting and waiting for my friend. I told her I was fine, but she came back again and suggested I sit outside, and then came back yet again. It felt unnecessary, especially since there were other people still in the library and we fully planned to leave at closing time. She mentioned that it was some type of safety thing?? When I asked why she was approaching me specifically, it just felt a bit rude and uncomfortable. She told me to have a nice day.... I still appreciate the library overall, but that interaction didn't sit right with me it would have been nice to be treated with the same consideration as others lady who said that was a caucasian lady with a bob or mid length light brown/blonde hair read more

The prettiest public library I've seen in the Bay Area. Clean and cozy. There is a little cafe with coffee and snacks. The bookstore has extremely well priced books. As a bonus, the library is haunted. read more

11/11/2023 Sat This library is pretty good size with three stories. Beautiful architecture in "Italian Renaissance" style designed by Burlingame architect Col. E. L. Norberg according to the website. Also it said in 1971, Burlingame had the largest city library for its population of any city on the Peninsula. I haven't been to many libraries in the Bay Area but that was my first impression that this library is quite large compared to the few other city libraries I've been to. This library debuted back in 1909, it's more than a century old! The third level housed some foreign books (Spanish, French, Chinese, etc...), not a huge collection though. It also has a outdoor terrace/patio which will be nice to sit outside during the warmer seasons. Also it has a few individual cubbies, a quiet zone and a meeting room. The second level which is the main level where the entrance is has the children section, teen zone, and quiet zone with tables and chairs. Restrooms are also on this level. As soon as you walked into the library, you are greeted by an owl statue. The lower level has a media/tech lab (there's a 3D printer), couple smaller huddle rooms, and tables and chairs outside of the rooms. A few lounge chairs in the atrium under the stairwell. This library definitely one of the nicer libraries I've been to. Well done City of Burlingame! read more

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I personally keep coming back to this library even though I live in the East Bay because the book selection is incredible, the architecture is beautiful and it is a peaceful place to study / get work done! Definitely my most favorite library I have been to read more

Burlingame Pros: -Bathrooms are always clean and fully available. -There is always plenty of seating space regardless of the time of the day. -Classic look library with very comfy chairs. Cons: -No free printing in the lot next to the library, but 2 hour parking on the street if you can find a spot. read more

A lovely three-floor library with nooks for many different ages and needs. The library staff were warm and welcoming. I hope to find a reason to stop in again soon! read more

This is such a cute little library! Well, actually it looks bigger inside than it appears! 3 floors, and a cute (actually little) adults-only roof terrace. There's plenty of spaces to read, relax, and use the computers. They have these fun little summer challenges (I just put in my raffle for the goat farm tour) and a gazillion events for anyone and everyone. So cool! read more

This is as a library should be--fast wi-fi, ample space so people can sit without being crowded together,separation between areas--the list goes on! San Jose libraries seem cheap by comparison. The Burlingame main library is in a nice building with three levels, and there are historical spots through the interior.Anson Burlingame was a real person, and you can find paintings of him as well as artwork, including a needle word picture of the library. The spaces are nice and quiet--at least when it first opens. The computers aren't near windows, so you won't get a headache from using them, and they are spaced apart as they should be. In San Jose they re too cheap to even get shades! All in all a great place to study or find books. They also have a cafe and book sale nook. read more

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Pros: Great selection of books, plenty of DVDs to borrow. They also allow patrons to print 3 pages (black and white, 15c per page) or up to 1 page (color, 45c per page) with their $0.45 a day allowance for printing. Library staff was friendly and helpful. Cons: They no longer have Hoopla for ebooks, and that was my main source for comic books to read. If not for this they'd get 5 stars. read more

Burlingame Public Library - current hours as of May 2022 - they extended Monday to Thursday hours from 6pm to 8pm - Libraries Near Me - Burlingame, California

This is one of my favorite libraries to study in. I really love the ambiance here. It has a old world charm about it and feels like a place full of character. I study at one of the tables on the first floor and there is plenty of room and good lighting. I also like that there is a cafe here, so I don't have to run out to get something to eat. For my purposes, this library is superb. My only problem is the parking. There is no free parking here. Were there free parking, I would likely spend all day in this library studying. read more

Minus one-half star for frequent homeless patrons. As I write this there's one in the front room of the second floor cleaning her (his?) socks out, clearing her throat, snorting and belching really loudly every two minutes, and cursing under her breath. She smells like toe jams and is creating a hygiene hazard. To launder her wardrobe, she's digging the sand and debris out of her socks and other articles of clothing, letting the debris fall onto the foot rest and then wiping the debris onto the floor with her bare hand. I'm going to go vomit now. Minus another half a star for the circumstance that none of the library staff are attentive enough to have noticed. I would go complain to one of the employees but I don't want to make a scene. Minus another half star for the fact that I just walked into the restroom and stepped in human shit. There was a turd in the middle of the large stall in the men's bathroom. Not blaming the staff, (as the turd probably landed there only a few minutes earlier), but the quality of the people who come here - the type of people who would defecate in the middle of the stall and not bother to pick it up. That leaves a total of 3.5 stars, which I've rounded up to 4. read more

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This branch is large, clean, well-stocked, with informative and courteous staff. It was my first time in this branch, and I plan on going back. read more

Thankfully, people still go to the library (sans COVID). What a beautiful Spanish architecture and an amazing library, well organized, soothing decor, helpful librarians. read more

Burlingame Public Library - Beautiful Spanish building for a library. - Libraries Near Me - Burlingame, California

Love this library! I go out of my way to study here. I am one of those people who needs the right working environment in order to be productive. They did this very cute thing for Valentine's Day where they match you up with a blind book date. I definitely saw this on tumblr or Twitter but it is still very cute. read more

Burlingame Public Library - No V day date? No problem! - Libraries Near Me - Burlingame, California

Love this elegant and cozy library Great place to hangout as they have wifi! This section to the left of the entrance is super quiet and comfortable if that's what you are in the mood for. Plug in power for your electronics is a win-win!! read more

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Very nice quiet library right in downtown Burlingame. The patrons at this library are all very quiet and I don't recall hearing anyone making unusual noises which is a good thing. Overall, the facility looks very clean, modern and spacious. If you get bored and are looking for a book to read in the library, then you've came to the right spot. Great place to browse the selection of books they have on the shelves when you have time to spare before your bus or train arrives. Even the restrooms here are clean which is a good thing. Free Wi-Fi? Bonus points for this amenity! Additionally, this is one of the cleanest libraries I've been to! read more

Second nicest library I've been to in the Bay Area. (The nicest being the Santa Clara library). Nice selection of books. Clean seats to sit in and read at in just about every section. This is especially important in the magazine section to my husband - he doesn't really read books but can be kept entertained for hours by the car and geek magazines while waiting for me to finish browsing. Wish they'd expand their DVD selection and not charge to put books on hold. read more

I remember flipping through an issue of "Dog Fancy" here. (Please don't judge.) It's hard to think of a more beautiful public library than the one in Downtown Burlingame. It's a Mission style gem built I'd guess in the 1920s surrounded by mature trees. Inside it's all arts and crafts style pimped out and the roof reminds me of a cozy gabled lodge. It's a great place to curl up with a book, or if you're me apparently an issue of "Dog Fancy." read more

This is one of the cleaner libraries I've been to, but I need a different card from my SF card since they are not interconnected on the system. Good selection of books, but I couldn't find the Depeche Mode CD I was looking for. Ample parking around. Wish SF had so many open spaces to park. read more

I love this library because of its semi-annual book sales (Spring and Fall)--weekend public book sales in the Lane Community Room, which is a huge room completely full of all kinds of books. The entire sale is very organized and each section is labeled (Fiction, Literature, Children, etc). If you go on the last day of the sale (Sunday), you will be given a paper grocery bag to fill up for only $5!!!! This is great if you love to read and it's also great to bring your kids and let them fill up a bag!!!! Many parents bring their kids and it's so great to see them get so excited about buying books. I highly recommend coming here. read more

This is one of my favorite places at the Burlingame City. There are a lot of people around and the staff are warm and welcoming. There is huge collection of magazines and a quiet reading space along with that. One of my favorite spots is the Biography - non fiction section. Their collection is really good. I would spend everyday at this library, if I had the time. read more

A beautiful library set in downtown Burlingame which feels like a small, affluent town. There's a lot of good choices in selections as well. Staff is generally helpful. NOVEL ACCESS/TYPES: B to B plus SERVICE: B LOCATION: A minus read more

The best public library in the Bay area. Lot's of room to work. Nice selection of DVD's and music CD's. Lot's of books. Great children's section. read more

Burlingame Public Library - Libraries Near Me - Burlingame, California

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This review is for the passport services: Pros: - The lady who helped me (I think her name was Azita) was very helpful and kind, she was willing to call the passport services to make sure I was taking the right steps for my situation -Everyone at the library was very helpful and accommodating -Quick and easy to make/change a reservation (www.burlingame.org) -Private quiet room to process everything & no distractions -They take photos (though the lighting isn't great so don't expect them to be amazing) -Passport came in only 2 weeks even though it wasn't expedited Cons: -Parking was weird, it looked like there were parking timers, but it seemed like no one was paying for the parking -The parking structure is quite large and so directions toward the library are a little vague, I ended up walking around before getting to the entrance -The photocopy machine is coins only, so make sure you have some Overall, this was a great experience and will probably come here again or recommend to everyone read more

Great library nestled in the downtown area. There are plenty of seats with outlets. Staff is welcoming and helpful. Generally quiet and other times loud when the high school students come. Great spot to get work done. read more

Beautifully maintained library. Nice outdoor balcony on 2nd floor. Storytime on fridays is very well done and coordinated. Good selection of books. Nice staff. read more

I love the inside of this library. It is huge and they added a coffee shop recently. There are lots of chairs, and comfortable ones at that. We've been able to get loans from other libraries through Burlingame and they come pretty fast. We also use their eBooks and once you get the hang of it that is really cool. We listen to Sherlock Holmes and Beatrix Potter audiobooks too and you can do that all on your iPad. read more

I love my local library! Not only is it less than a 5-minute walk from my house, but it's absolutely beautiful. Picturesque. A library card from the City of Burlingame is free. Pretty sure that's the case in the entire State of California, correct? Why not take advantage of the books, music, wifi/internet and events for all ages? Just finished a book about Hawaiian Princess K'aiulani and just started another biography on Nancy Lancaster. Good stuff, perfect for hanging outside on a sunny day. read more

There is virtually nothing un-five-star about the Burlingame Library. Not only does it look like a library out of a storybook -- central staircase, warm wood and stack upon stack of lovely books -- it has a sunny terrace blooming with flowers and Wifi. Outlets, too. It's almost surreal to settle into an umbrella'd table and get to work on the old laptop in such a glamorous yet FREE setting. Cushioned armchairs colonize each section of literature and non-fiction -- grab a curated volume from the up-front Staff Picks, take a seat in upstairs Mystery or let the kids roam the integrated Children's section until they find the tale of choice. Prefer backlit glyphs over paper and ink? Hit up the dozens of in-house computers to fetch emails, update your status or do some research -- there are PCs enough for all in the wired first-floor carrels. You don't have to be a book worm to appreciate the Game's fine library, but bibliophiles will be rewarded with big grins and heavy backpacks. read more

Today's my third visit at this library, and it's honestly the best library I've been to so far. They have their own parking garage which has meters & have a two hour limit. But all meters are free starting 6pm. You can always find street parking as well in the surround streets pretty easily. The library is spacious, pretty beautiful looking. Bathrooms are decent. My favorite thing about this place is the cubicles downstairs in the NonFiction floor. I love having my own personal space all to myself versus sharing space with other people especially strangers. Hahaha.. read more

What's with all the homeless people in and around this library? There's apparently a halfway house close by that I'm unaware of that's turning this library into the day time hang out for every smelly phlegm-filled bum in the area. I've never realized how much louder homeless people are than those with homes. Sure there was the guy-with-a-home that had to use his extra loud keyboard with his laptop but the vagrant belching away in the corner was much louder. Little kids chattering about non-sensical issues are much quieter than the indigent who brought his lunch to the library. Did his lunch have to be wrapped in plastic bag upon plastic bag? Not to mention how, dear god, I hate hearing people chew. Even when the homeless are doing what should be silent activities, they're noisy. Take for instance, the bum who incessantly filed his nails for an hour practically over my shoulder. If you hear that noise long enough, it makes you want to rip someone's finger nails off one by one. The library services are available to everyone but doesn't everyone mean tax paying citizens? Working on my lap top while listening to some homeless dude snore like a leaf-blower does not make for a pleasant library experience. Sometimes there's also a crazy man across the street who yells at every woman walking by. The library can't control that but I thought I would add that in. read more

This a wonderful library that I frequent when I need to get my study on for big tests. I love all the seating options available in different rooms and on different floors. Its like I can take my pick of the litter every time I go in. I found myself a nice cozy corner that I get all to myself free of any traffic distractions by passing people plenty of light. I also love how this library makes outlets accessible at every table practically for laptop and other electronic needs. The book selections are great and the library as a whole is always nice and clean and never looks run down. I never thought I would look forward to hitting the library when I need to remove myself from distractions at home but here I am, reviewing my trips to this library. Oh and by the way, there is a parking structure connected almost to the library itself for public Burlingame parking. If you head toward the back wall you will see metered parking specifically for the library if you look very carefully. I didn't know but in the same floor of the structure you can get metered parking at 25 cents for 15 minutes for a max of 2 hours, or you can head toward the back wall and get 25 cents per half hour for a max of 9 hours I believe. Having to walk 30 extra feet for alot more metered freedom is quite worth it. read more

IF YOU FREQUENT THIS PLACE PLEASE READ THIS! I've grown up with this library. I've spent many hours of my childhood reading "Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs" and my high school years studying on the third floor for AP exams. I love the Burlingame library to bits and piece. This historic facility begs for hours and hours of nerdiness but unfortunately, this place has been attracting a different crowd. I'm not talking noisy people (those patrons shall always exist regardless of how strict the library staff), or the people who bring food in, or even the people who are annoyingly wait to use the internet computers...oh no...I'm talking about the CREEPERS. Case in point: A few months ago I was studying in the cubicles when I suddenly heard a shriek from across the stacks. Shortly after the shriek this man screams "Whoa lady chill the fuck out!" and I see a silhouette of a body dart for the elevator. Concerned and slightly confused, I walk over to the origin of the eminent scream and the lady angrily says to me, "That fucker just touched me! He took his hand and rubbed it against my back!" Unsolicited touching. NOT COOL. Anyway, I avoided the third floor for awhile and after I buried that scary memory in my head I started going back. Today I was on my 3rd hour of virology when I suddenly noticed this young white man - wearing "skater" shoes, baggy jeans, and a beanie casually holding a book. As he meandered around I could tell he was staring at the women in the cubicles at the corner of his eye. I didn't make much of his presence until this: Instead of sitting down and reading his book on the plethora of couches available he chooses to sit on a stepping stool, at the end of the stacks near the fiction section, right next to me. Literally. I could feel this mother fucker BREATHE. To make matters more uncomfortable he was facing me, profusely shaking his legs while intermittently spreading eagle. I was certainly unfamiliar with those leg exercises he was doing whilst reading "Fast Food Nation." I tried to remain alert while containing every ounce of panic, but that made it nearly impossible for me to study. Within minutes I decided to jump ship and as I'm about to get up the man REACHES OVER TO ME. I sorta dodge his reach and start shoving my stuff into my backpack, freaking out yet attempting to act like nothing happened. Did I also mention that I was harassed by some creepy white guy last week while at the bus stop at SF State? I'm not detracting patrons and potential patrons from coming here. Please, go to the Burlingame library and utilize all the resources they have available. This is a terrific place to bring your children and to study, but please be aware of your surroundings and sit in locations which are visible to the public. If you feel uncomfortable leave your surroundings and speak to a librarian. After this incident I immediately reported it to a staff member and she helped me find a new study spot and had other librarians keep eye on the creeper. read more

Normally I'd be found on the corner peddling the smack talk on a library with such a limited selection, but really that just means fewer distractions to deter me when I come here to read, write, meditate on my art or avoid my debtors (seriously, quit it Tyrone, I'll pay you when I have the money). The only item on my "cons" list that I wish to share is that while the staff is "double espresso con panna with opium" friendly, the other patrons are the opposite of that. I always see people mad dogging me when I'm at the "wireless hotspot". I find it unnerving. Not being stared at, but the not knowing why. Is it my pokemon desktop wallpaper? Is one eyebrow plucked higher than the other? JUST FUCKING TELL ME NO DON'T SAY IT THIS IS A LIBRARY FOOL JUST WRITE IT DOWN ON ONE OF THOSE SLIPS OF PAPER BY THE CATALOG COMPUTERS. You know what this library needs? A Xanax dispenser next to the hand sanitizer. read more

I wish I could give this zero stars...sooo upset about this I went in on Friday with a bunch of overdue books. They had been accruing fines and so I turned them in in the slot and went up to pay the fines. The exchange went like this, almost verbatim: Me: I just returned a bunch of books, they're late so I'd like to pay my fines Lady behind desk: *scans my card* okay you have $18 dollars worth of fines. Me: great, let's pay em off! Lady: okay what can do as well is go ahead and renew all the books that you just turned in so that they stop accruing fines, just in case they don't get checked in today. Do you want to do that? Me: umm yeah let's do that *seems kindda weird to renew books already checked in but I've done it at other libraries and it makes sense to save me about $2-3 if the books weren't checked in that day* Lady: okay great....*does some stuff on the computer*....okay that will be $39. Soooo we then got into a discussion about how and why my fines doubled just by renewing them. It was a back and forth of her explaining what she explained in the discussion above, which of course doesn't explain why I suddenly have to pay twice as much, and me not understanding her reasons. She said that she "isn't sure how to explain this to you any clearer". (Very rudely) After another five minutes where I actually left the counter to grab a DVD I needed and calm down before freaking out on this rude lady, I go back to the desk and she says "it costs money to renew overdue books"!!!!!! So that explains it. I told her that if I would've known that I obviously wouldn't have wanted them renewed! Who would??? Honestly, who picks that option, why would anyone pay to renew books that they just checked in? She should have explained that it costs money when she gave me the option. She was so rude, acting like I was the one who was in the wrong. I feel like she scammed me out of 20 bucks and if I had more time (I was nannying and had the girl with me) and if I didn't need desperately to check out the DVD, I absolutely would NOT have paid! I would have made her refund the fines because I believe it is her responsibility to let patrons know about all fees before taking actions with their library account. From now on I will be dealing with anyone BUT this lady IF I go back to this library... read more

This place is so special. There's a certain magic to it that I just can't place. I have been coming here for at least a decade, and it's only had minor changes, which I like. It's a very comfortable space for anyone who wants to get away from the world for a while. It has a very established, old-time, and historic feel to it. It's furnished with dark hardwoods, brass, marble, etc., and the building is shaded by a thick grove of trees that really add to the aesthetic. I hope this gem will keep inspiring the generations to come. This library is something to be experienced, not described. read more

As a junior and high school student, I used to do all my research here! Anybody remember microfiche? Right off Burligame Avenue, parking may be tight, but I always rode my bike here. It's a small quiet, neighborhood library, where you get what you need quickly. I used to borrow all kinds of books here, and pay all sorts of late fees. I may not have been here for a while, but I have a lot of memories about the moth ball aroma, and dark isles. read more