San Bruno Public Library

San Bruno, United States

3.5

Open now

19 reviews

Free Wi-Fi

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Telephone:
+1 650-616-7078
Website:
www.sanbrunolibrary.org
Address:
701 Angus Ave W, San Bruno, CA, 94066
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:
0.8 miRental Car Center
0.9 miWest Field Road
0.9 miSan Bruno
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Wi-Fi
Free

Today

Today 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Open now
Local time (San Bruno) 11:17 Tuesday, 3 June 2025

Business hours

Monday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Tuesday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Wednesday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Thursday 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Friday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

Starting September 11, 2015 the library’s open hours on Friday will expand to 10 – 5. Our many services include Free Wi-​Fi, computers with full Microsoft suite, laptops for in-​library use, Friendly Storytimes, Free events, e-​books, Full-​text magazine and newspaper research on line, information for school assignments, reading recommendations, help finding community services.

History

Established in 1955.

The San Bruno Public Library was established as a city department in 1955, under the leadership of Decima Allen. Mrs. Allen also is the inspiration for the name of neighboring Allen School. Mrs. Allen is remembered in this way: «Known as a lover of good books and one who has the interests of the children at heart.» She was also a longtime member of the school board. On June 7, 1955 Mrs. Allen and her staff packed up the 25,000 books and moved them to the present location. The library now boasts about 140,000 items (including audio books, music, movies), plus tens of thousands of articles in reference databases as well as downloadable digital books.

Libraries in San Bruno have a much longer history, From at least 1916, there has been a library in town (previously it was a part of the San Mateo County Library System).

View archives of San Bruno photos & ephemera at the Online Archive of California oac​.cdlib​.org/​i​t​e​m​s​/​a​r​k:/13 030/​kt5d5nc9

San Bruno Public Library also recommends

The Fratello Marionettes

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Theatres

San Bruno Public Library says,

«Fratello Marionettes has performed at the San Bruno Library several times. They are very professional and engaging with shows that appeal to all ages.»

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19 reviews of San Bruno Public Library

No registration required
Place rating: 4
San Mateo, CA
In the tradition of San Mateo County’s little neighborhood libraries, San Bruno’s fills an important need in the community.
They have a nice selection of books, all told. And a good selection of magazines. Most of the books I wanted (nonfiction) were upstairs. Everything is very clearly marked, which makes it fun to browse.
I didn’t interact with the staff, so I can’t vouch for their helpfulness or friendliness. But, on the other hand, they weren’t intrusive or rude, so there you go.
Place rating: 1
Santa Clara, CA
This library is way too small.
I went on the weekend and had to sit in the children’s section to finish my book I had to return.
Parking is also a pain also. It’s almost non-​existent! Poor planning from the city in so many ways…
Place rating: 2
Rockville, MD
It’s an older, run down library. If you have a car, drive down to the Millbrae or Burlingame library instead.
I stopped in for two books because I was in the area and figured I’d save $ 1.50 in fees having them delivered to my library (Belmont). I probably won’t be back… it’s just a little depressing here.
Place rating: 2
San Bruno, CA
This library sucks. If you’re one of those people who has trouble reading or doing homework with noise, DO NOT COME HERE. It’s so loud in here. And the library is pretty small so there’s no place to sit and do work in peace. It seems the source of all the noise is the librarians’ area where they check people out. Behind the librarians’ area there are tables and the second level of the library is open to the first level kind of like a loft. You hear everything. Beside this library being so noisy, it’s old. It’s in dire need of an upgrade. I hope they renovate this place soon! I’d come here more often if they resolved these issues. I can even do without the renovation. It’s just the noise. I thought libraries are supposed to be quiet anyway. Ugh. I guess I’ll have to drive all the way to the Millbrae library or the Skyline library to do my work.
Place rating: 4
San Francisco, CA
Awesome infant storytime. They use props (handkerchief, rattles). The songs and books are engaging. The crowd is small (10 – 15 infant/​parents).
Parking a bit tricky as it’s only residential street parking.
Every Wednesday 1015 – 1115 but check the schedule or call ahead because it only lasts for a few weeks.
Place rating: 2
San Bruno, CA
Small library, sometimes crowded depending on time of day. There are other larger libraries in area but this is convenient as I can take bus to San Bruno Avenue and it is just a short walk down El Camino.
Did encounter one major problem. When I tried to renew one of my books out, it told my library card had expired. Seems when they set me up (I was using a temporary one until they issued the new one) they forget to remove the expiration date on the temporary so it carried to the new card. You would think the library clerk would have noticed that BEFORE issuing the card.
Place rating: 4
San Bruno, CA
I used to live in SF and moved out here a couple of yrs ago. I visited this library a couple of weeks ago. it’s on the smaller side, but it is a smaller town. During the times I was here, it wasn’t too crowded. I guess it could get crowded when school is out b/​c it’s right across from a school. I hear alot of complaints on Unilocal with all the libraries evolving into a «social hall» for these kids. I remember going to a library a couple yrs ago in SF and ppl’s cell phone would ring, and they would talk loudly. i guess times have changed and the rules that once were enforced are no longer.
I came here to look for health books and I found a few that I wanted. I don’t like the way they charge for «reserving» a book or having it sent from one location to another for pick up. SF does it for free. (Maybe that’s why they’re so poor). A good place to go on the weekend or before the school kids come, if you’re looking for a quiet place to do some work.
Place rating: 2
San Francisco, CA
Older than dirt library in serious need of a remodel — and very small too. They’ve only got about 7 – 8 Internet terminals right along the main asile where they’re zero privacy. To top it off, some inconsiderate woman one seat down from me was loudly yakking into her phone, breast feeding her baby AND surfing the Internet! Would never happen at the Burlingame Library…
Place rating: 4
San Bruno, CA
Guess where I’m writing this? At the San Bruno Public Library, of course!
«That library’s dinky» or «they don’t have good book selections,» are two of the many things I heard before visiting. Sure, there are grains of truth to those statments, but it’s not a bad library. When I want to order a book from another library they do it, so what if I have to wait WEEKS to get it? They always have computers available, most of the workers are welcoming, but some make me feel VERY unwelcome. This one librarian stares at me with this smug expression all the time, it’s quite unnerving. But an awesome thing, as someone had mentioned, is that when Im looking for a book released recently, they have it! They have a great magazine collection, I love going in there to get my monthly dose of Vogue and Marie Claire. The graphic novel area rocks! For a comic junkie like me the selection is great!
So, give this library some slack, its not a bad one… Eek, the librarian is staring at me again! I gotta go.
Place rating: 3
Burlingame, CA
It’s not you, it’s me fits in this case. Unilocalers give this library 4 stars but I have been hanging out at the library in Burlingame lately, with it’s multi floors, leather couches and much hotter library goers. Oh, and I’ve also been to the new library in San Mateo which blows this place out of the water. I mean they don’t even have the self checkout set up that almost all the libraries do.
I will say that this place has a special place in my heart. I got my very first library card here when we were in the 3rd grade. So, that being said, it reminds me of being a kid and those are memories I wouldn’t trade for… Well, I’d trade them for cold hard cash, but that’s it.
Place rating: 4
Los Angeles, CA
SHHH!!! This is a library!!!
Honestly this might be the very best library outside the city (sf). The location is right here City’s Hall. Entering the place, you enter the front desk, in the left, there will be the kid’s books and computer lines up. The kid’s books are block off by a glass door. The computer wait is the same as any other library. If you went right from the enter way you see, the movies area. Selection is so-​so. Right near it is Graphic Novels and Young Adults. Foreign books are in the far corner of the right. Now if you went straight from the enter way, you will see the stairs: the stairs will lead to non fiction books, history books, and science, medicial type books in the second floor. The first floor has the new releases and fiction books. There is a good number of tables in the first floor, but limited in the second floor. There is a small bathroom near the new release: it’s a one person stall kind of restroom. It’s mostly clean. Magazines and newspaper are location near there. The staff are nice and willing to help you with anything. Hope that helps you find your book.
Place rating: 4
San Bruno, CA
A cute little old-​school branch library. I moved here recently, and I work for another library system in the Bay Area, so naturally I checked this out during my first week in San Bruno. This is not a new shiny library like the one where I work… I’m sure that the staff here would probably agree that this building is pretty outdated for current library user’s needs. Cramped stacks and not enough room for public computer use, but all in all, it’s a cute little community spot, located next to the City Hall. I was impressed with their collection and found lots of great things to check out, including great cookbooks, fiction, and DVDs. It’s also pretty cool that they stay open till 9 for folks that work on weekdays (although I’m glad I don’t have to work that late: P). Support your local library!!!
Place rating: 4
San Diego, CA
Great library excellent Reference staff my only beef with the library it the horrendous condition of their restrooms.
Place rating: 5
San Bruno, CA
Great library. I love going upstairs, sitting in the ‘Relationship & Self-​Help’ section with a small flask of vodka and a can of cola to chase it with. Nothing is more fun than reading up on how to make the most of your love life, while getting tanked at the library when no one can see!
Place rating: 4
San Bruno, CA
I’ve been taking my daughter to the children’s area of the library a lot this summer. she loves it. the librarian there is so nice and so helpful. it’s refreshing to have in lovely san bruno. and they often have junior high student volunteers, which i’m happy to see. minus one star because the lady at the front desk questioned my daughter if she could even write her name yet. the nerve!!! haha (kidding!)
Place rating: 4
San Jose, CA
Part of me doesn’t want to post since this is my favorite secret library.
This has been my spot that past few weeks after work. As with another library post I mentioned I am the chick with the big books (one sits on a 6 inch catalog rack, one sits on a 12 inch catalog rack) and you’d see me wheel my books in on a rolling crate. You’ll probably find me at this library a few times a week after work and I leave at 8P.
When I was looking for a library to hang out at, I was looking for late hours. This library is open Monday through Thursday til 9PM. Not many libraries are open that late. I’m also looking for table size. First I need a table that will fit my books and they cant be too big where I end up sharing a table with others. Their tables are perfect for me since they are round and seat 4.
The first two weeks, it was pretty empty but this week I found myself fighting for a table since the library is pretty small.
Less one star because their bathroom can be pretty gross. I’ve been meaning to ask the staff is there is a different bathroom other than the unisex single one.
Place rating: 4
San Bruno, CA
SB Library fed my Six Feet Under habit when I needed to backtrack and watch the first 3 seasons that I had somehow missed before I realized it was the most important thing in my life.
Great interenet service to the community and they have a new children’s librarian and a nice Children’s program!!! San Bruno has been discussing improving the Library since I moved here 12 years ago. Currently, Measure F is the local measure aimed to find funds to better the aging builing. One editorial I read says «its fine as is» which is probably true for a lot of people. I love the library. But advocates of iimprovement site its limitations and one which resonates with me is that two floors are inaccessible to the disabled and mothers with strollers alike. A public institution should be accesible to those it seeks to serve and in this case, its mission is to serve us all.
I personally though love the library in the information age, I can request books for a small fee (.75 cents) and renew my books online.
Place rating: 5
Millbrae, CA
Seriously, the best well-​kept secret and killer threat to Barnes and Noble in my opinion.
Whenever I want to read a newly published book or perhaps watch the latest Soprano DVD’s, I just drop by San Bruno library. They have an awesome selection, and even though they don’t have the granite countertops and designer color-​coordinated custom furniture of the Millbrae library or the cool architecture of the Burlingame library, SB has the GOODS! And if for some reason they don’t, you can place a request for the library to purchase the book or DVD that you want.
Hello!!! I can borrow my desired item for free (or a paltry 75 cent hold fee) instead of spending $ 50 for the new Boulevard cookbook? Or how about ditching those $ 15-​$ 20 subscription fees for the library’s magazine section. There’s some easy math to get you richer, faster… and maybe have enough to buy a home along the Peninsula (or a second one if you’re already a grinning Cheshire cat-​like homeowner!)
Place rating: 5
San Bruno, CA
This is a great library. It looks smaller than it is from the outside, and there are only about 10 parking spots, but it has a good DVD and CD section, and the folks working here are helpful and really seem to enjoy working here. The kids section is large, and the magazine section is medium. I can easily spend an hour or two browsing here, but if you’re looking for something specific, check online first, you’ll likely have to go to a larger San Mateo library.