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San Mateo Celebrates! — April 19–25, 2026

San Mateo Celebrates! is a week-long community festival amplifying the connection, discovery, and exploration that happens in our libraries year-round. Held during National Library Week, we invite residents and visitors alike to experience the library as a living civic space where ideas, culture, and community meet.

The 2026 festival is especially meaningful as it coincides with the 20th anniversary of the San Mateo Public Library Main Branch, a building that has served as a gathering place for learning, imagination, and the exchange of ideas and cultures since opening in 2006. Throughout the week, the library will host conversations, exhibits, performances, and family-friendly activities that reflect the past, present, and future of our community.

  • April 19–25, 2026

    Events take place throughout the week at different times of day. Some programs are drop-in experiences while others may have limited seating.

    → View the full schedule of events on the Events page.

  • San Mateo Public Library – Main Branch
    55 W 3rd Avenue
    San Mateo, CA 94402

    All programs will take place inside the library—including the Oak Room and patio, Laurel Room, Friends of the Library bookstore, lobby, and exhibition spaces.

  • Directions

    Going South on Highway 101

    Take the 3rd Avenue exit. Go west on 3rd Avenue about one mile. The library will be on the left side of 3rd Avenue after you cross El Camino Real.

    Going North on Highway 101

    Take the 3rd Avenue exit. Go west on 3rd Avenue. Drive about one mile. The library will be on the left after you cross El Camino Real.

    Going South on El Camino Real

    Turn right onto West 3rd Avenue. The library will be on the left.

    Going North on El Camino Real

    Turn left onto West 3rd Avenue. The library will be on the left.

    Public Transportation

    By Train
    Caltrain serves downtown San Mateo. Exit the train at the San Mateo stop. Walk south on B Street. At 3rd Avenue, walk west. The library is at 55 West Third Avenue. View Caltrain Schedule

    By Bus
    SamTrans is available. Routes 250, 252, 295, and ECR stop in downtown San Mateo. View SamTrans Schedule

  • The Main Library has two levels of underground parking, including handicapped spaces. Parking is free but limited to two hours. The entrance is to the garage is on West 3rd Avenue. An elevator is available to take you to the ground level. The garage is open during library business hours.

    Alternative Downtown Parking

    If the library garage is full, you can use nearby city-owned facilities: 

    On-Street Parking

    2-hour limit applies Monday–Saturday; free after 6:00 PM and all day Sunday.

  • The San Mateo Public Library is fully ADA accessible.

    Available accommodations include:

    • Elevators and accessible restrooms

    • Wheelchair-accessible seating areas

    • Accessible entrances throughout the building

Explore More in San Mateo

Planning your visit? Explore the shops and restaurants of downtown San Mateo.

Explore Downtown San Mateo →