We will close the Main Library Nov. 26, 2009, for a general maintenance and improvement project. We will paint, replace worn carpet, upgrade the electrical capacity, add computers, and re-arrange to more effectively use the space.

We anticipate re-opening in April 2010. This date is subject to change depending on construction schedules. Please check back often for updates on our progress as well as our grand re-opening plans. You may also sign up to receive email updates about the project, re-opening plans, and upcoming library programs.

All of our public services (except Project Read) will transfer to our Grand Avenue Branch Library (306 Walnut Avenue) during the time the Main Library is closed. Much of Main Library’s most popular collections (e.g., DVDs, new books, books on CD, etc.) will be moved to the branch library. During the closure of the Main Library, the hours at the Grand Avenue Branch Library will be extended. Project Read will continue to offer services on the lower level of the Main Library with access through the exterior stairs.

For questions about library materials and services or your account, please call the Grand Avenue Branch Library at 650-877-8530.

Yes, we still need a new library. This project addresses long-overdue maintenance issues and will help this building better serve our current needs. Unfortunately, the existing building is not capable of fully meeting even our current needs. It is inadequate to serve our growing population and expanding technology, collections, and services.

The project is funded through Redevelopment Agency funds, Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, and a generous donation from Genentech, Inc.

Extended Hours
Monday – Thursday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

There are no story times scheduled in December. Beginning Jan. 4, the story time schedule will be expanded at Grand Avenue Library. Please check the Kids page for the schedule, or call the Grand Avenue Branch Library (650-877-8530). You may also sign up to receive email updates about Library events.

• DVDs (approx. 7,000 feature films)
• New Books
• Holiday books and music
• Books on CD
• Music CDs (Spanish as well as English)
• Spanish-language books, magazines, DVDs
• Internet access
• Local history collection
• Story times for children starting Jan.4
• Tax forms (state and federal forms)

Grand Avenue Branch Library, on the corner of Grand Avenue and Walnut Avenue, is located in the heart of downtown South San Francisco next door to City Hall. The entrance is on Walnut Avenue (a one-way street going from Miller Avenue to Grand Avenue).

Visit our Locations page for directions to the Grand Avenue Branch Library.

To get from the Main Library to the Grand Avenue Branch Library
By car:

• Turn left out of the Main Library (840 West Orange Ave.) parking lot

• Turn right onto Westborough Blvd
• Continue across El Camino onto Chestnut Ave
• Turn right at Miller Ave (continue on Miller past Walnut Ave. to City Hall parking lot) OR
• Turn right at Walnut Avenue to arrive at 306 Walnut Avenue (Library entrance)

Click here to view map.

By bus:

• Take the SamTrans 132 southbound that stops in front of the Main Library.
• The 132 will continue on Orange Avenue, turn onto Grand Avenue and stop in front of SSF City Hall.
• The Grand Ave. Library will be to the left of City Hall with the entrance on Walnut Avenue.

• The Library/City Hall parking lot is at the corner of Miller and Walnut. Weekdays there are several Library parking spaces, reserved permit spaces may only be used by Library patrons after 6 p.m. and on weekends.
• There is metered parking on Walnut Avenue in front of the library’s entrance.
• Additional metered parking is available on Grand Avenue and on Maple Avenue
• All metered parking is free after 6:00 PM Monday - Saturday and all day on Sundays and holidays.
• Free parking is also available on Miller Avenue and on Grand Avenue below Spruce Avenue

If you do not change the pick-up location to another library, your holds will automatically go to the Grand Avenue Branch Library when the Main Library closes. Grand Avenue Library is located at 306 Walnut Avenue. For questions about your account, please call 650-877-8530.

If you prefer to pick up your holds at another library, go into your record and change the pick-up location. You may change the location if the item has not already been sent or is not yet “in transit.” (Once the item has been sent or is “in transit,” the only way to change the pickup location is to cancel the hold and place it again).

As always, you may return books to any library in the Peninsula Library System or you may put them in the book drops at the Main Library. Returned items will be checked in daily.

You may pay your fines at any library in the Peninsula Library System (i.e., any public or community college library in San Mateo County). You may also pay your fines online: go into your account and click on the link underneath “My Library Account” labeled “unpaid fines and bills.”

San Bruno Public Library, 701 Angus Avenue West, San Bruno (650) 616-7078
Daly City Public Library, Serramonte Branch, 40 Wembley Drive, Daly City (650) 991-8023

Space is limited at this time. If you have current best sellers and DVDs to donate, bring them to Grand Library. For other donations please wait until we reopen or give them to another nearby library. For questions about book or other types of donations, call 650-829-3876.

Please continue to use your local library. Main Library staff will be transferred to Grand Avenue Library during the closure and would love to see you at Grand. You can also help us get the word out about our temporary closure.