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Foster City Library
Category: Public Services & Government Libraries Libraries [Edit]
1000 E Hillsdale BlvdFoster City, CA 94404
(650) 574-4842
- Hours:
Mon-Wed 10 am - 9 pm
Fri 10 am - 6 pm
Sat 10 am - 5 pm
Sun 1 pm - 5 pm
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
44 reviews for Foster City Library
44 reviews in English
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Review from Connie W.
12/28/2011
I'm really surprised at all the not so positive reviews for this library...
The facility is pretty new and it's pretty spacious. It's well lit and they also have a pretty good selection of DVDs and CDs available for check out (and it's free!). The staff has always been helpful and courteous.
The children's department is great - they have big books as well as board books available for check out, on top of regular hardcover children's books. Their kid's section is pretty solid.
There are huge stuffed animals sitting on the couches so your child can read to them. There are quite a few round tables with chairs so kids can read, do homework, color, etc. They also have four computers (with headphones) for kids to play on, as well as about 6-8 computers for adults to use with their children.
There is some sort of storytime everyday from Monday through Saturday. The schedule is listed below. The volunteer who does the storytime on Mondays (Mike) is fantastic! He not only reads a few books to the kids but also sings a few songs. He uses puppets to talk and he is so understanding about kids walking up to him, picking up his books/puppets, etc. I've been to storytimes at other libraries where the librarian will insist that all the kids remain seated the entire time, which is ridiculous for toddlers.
Itsy Bitsy Infants Storytime - Mondays at 10:30 AM (0-12 months)
Babies & Books Storytime - Tuesdays at 10:30 AM (0-18 months)
Pajama Storytime - Wednesdays at 7:00 PM (All ages)
Toddler Storytime - Thursdays at 10:30 AM (18-36 months)
Preschool Storytime - Fridays at 10:30 AM (3-5 years)
Family Storytime - Saturdays at 10:30 AM (All ages)
The hold section is very organized and they have a solid selection of books in the adult section. The library is well lit and clean. Parking is free and it is right across from a beautiful park and lake.
Considering all the budget cuts going on, it is amazing that Foster City Library is still opened 7 days a week. That in itself deserves at least 4 stars! Oh, and for the month of December they do Food for Fines where you can bring in canned food to donate and they will clear your fines! They bring all the donated canned food to those who need it. Definitely a worthy cause that benefits everyone! -
Review from Jaime C.
1/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
I live in a house with five other people, two of whom don't have jobs and blast music all day, and one who works from home, along with three dogs and a needy attention-hogging cat. I need some goddamn space if I want even the slightest chance of getting into law school (aka: I'm studying for the LSAT).
So I come here. Why not? The exterior is phenomenally ugly, but it's been here long enough that I'm not bitter. I just want to study.
Whom ever designed the INTERIOR of this place is a fucking asshole. The air conditioner clacks incessantly as if rain is pounding on the wall with the force of Thor. People are answering cell phones, and people are generally not very quiet. I had to leave after two hours instead of the four I was hoping to get in, and when I got home to check my answers from the practice tests, found myself with more wrong answers than the last time I did one. What.
I won't be back. I guess I have to deal with my brother blasting NAS, because that's quieter than what this library can deliver. -
Review from Christina G.
Los Angeles, CA
11/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Didn't look at the books, went straight to the bathroom, which is conveniently located on the right hand side and right before you enter the children's section. A few computers... makes me miss the Cupertino Library.
You have to pass by the police station to get to the parking lot... -
Review from M C.
San Francisco, CA
2/8/2012 1 photo
A small parking lot with a lot of people who cannot drive in small areas. A very big library with a adult, teen, pre teen and children's area. This separation is nice when there is someone creepy looking at the kids.
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Review from Renee H.
San Mateo, CA
10/25/2011
Very nice library staff and great kids' reading area. It's not the biggest library, but it's well stocked and it's easy to find what you are looking for. We have yet to attend any of the library events, like the kids' reading sessions, but overall, it is definitely a nice library for the neighborhood.
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Review from Stephy L.
After going to Spices 4 today for lunch ( i will put up a review for that restaurant soon), I came here to study for a test.
The library here is very clean and neat. The first thing I recognize is the quiet-ness. Millbrae does have a library, but that library is always almost filled with loud middle school/high school kids hanging outside the door, or chatting inside the library.
This library also offers a good amount of tables for laptop users and has an outlet and a lamp. I enjoyed doing my study session in here this afternoon. People were considerate and kept quiet. It wasn't hard to find a table at all. They have 2 self check out counters and 2 return counters outside. Very convenient.
The "hold" shelf was very neat and organized.
If im in the area again, i'll definitely drop by this library. -
Review from Alyssa C.
San Francisco, CA
5/27/2011
This library is pretty big and wide. Plenty of parking and it's in a nice area.
I was invited to an event at this library through a friend. I went on a weekend. Great selections of magazines and the children's room is big. Most kids sections at other libraries are usually small not this one.
However I'm not gonna come back to this library anymore only because I don't live in this county and it's an hour commute. -
Review from Grace C.
9/18/2010
Pros:
- Free wifi
- Big parking lot.
- Nice ambiance; everything looks pretty new.
- Natural light due to large windows.
- Lots of different places to sit/read/study:
o Long tables with electric sockets for your laptop charger
o Individual study desks/carrels with desk lights (for those who are hardcore studying/working)
o Couches
o Normal tables
Cons:
- There's a big children's section on one end of the library, but that means there's quite some disturbance from noisy kids at times.
- Parking lot can fill up during peak hours (like Friday late afternoon). -
Review from Lilly O.
San Mateo, CA
5/13/2008
I come from Hayward to this library if I need to get books or study on Sunday. There are no libraries open around me on Sundays so the quick hop over the bridge is fine by me. If it makes you feel better, Amy D., I did grow up in San Mateo and I can act like I am from Foster City next time I go there (sorry, I couldn't resist).
They have a decent selection of books. I like the children's room which is really spacious and has a ton of children's books in different languages.
The staff is super, duper friendly. -
Review from Amy D.
10/30/2005
The Foster City Library is my favorite library to go to. I don't like that people from outside of FC go to it though. The tables and chairs at the FC library are pretty nice. I like that the central tables near the dictionaries, have lots of electrical outlets and desk lights. The large windows have a giant remote controlled shade that the librarian monitors according to the sun's direction. Along the walls, there are private desks that you can use, that also have outlets and lights- I don't like these as much though because you're more confined. There's nothing wrong with the table (they're about 3 feet wide), but if you have a textbook, different reference books and a laptop open, you need a little more space.
Dear parents, please don't leave your obnoxious and noisy middle school aged children at the library unattended. (They're only there between 3 and 5 or 6, usually.) The FCPL is not a free babysitting service. Thanks.
The FC library recently started to carry DVDs within the past 6 or 7 months. I'm not sure where they're from, but it's worth a shot to come see what they have if it'll save you $4 from Blockbuster or Hollywood Video. Their CD collection is also pretty extensive. They've got lots of different stuff.
I like how the FC library is set up. It's easy to find what you need and the layout is not difficult to get used to. For the most part, all of the librarians and reference desk people are nice and pretty helpful, too.
I've tried playing WoW on the Wi-Fi at the library and it runs okay. Sometimes the latency is a bit high but the game runs fairly smoothly. -
Review from Maria S.
4/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is just as good, if not better, than a college library. Though I'm going to SFSU right now where the library is still under renovation, so who knows after that opens. Good place to study, free wifi, lots of laptop friendly stations everywhere. There's a cool kids section on one end, far from where it's nice and quiet to study on the other. Easy to park and good for group study sessions too. Just wish I lived closer, but it's worth the commute to this place.
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Review from Jasmine D.
South San Francisco, CA
8/29/2007
Lots of nice tables, chairs, and couches to both spread out and study or curl up and read. I love the nice big windows since natural lighting is ideal for reading. All the tables and workstations have power outlets. The wireless internet is easy to connect to and doesn't require passwords or anything like that. All the staff I've dealt with have been so extremely nice and friendly.
My only gripe is the limited selection of books (-1 star) But, you can place holds on books located at other libraries and they'll deliver them to the Foster City location for $0.75. I wish I could give them half a star for that. -
Review from Robert B.
Foster City, CA
4/9/2007
FC library has been good to me.... I always stop by when I have a cold to stock up on videos - all you want for 7 days - it's like a non stop video fiesta! The selection has current movies and a bunch of classics you would never rent, but to watch them for free is great!
I love that the library has an online database and you can check out selections from other branches - and have them waiting for you at your local one. This has been a great resource!
Being a smaller Branch, there isn't the huge assortment like redwood city or San Mateo main had, but it's concentrated and well stocked for it's size.
People need to check out the library more - and help support it too!!! -
Review from Beethoven C.
Palo Alto, CA
Updated - 4/6/2011
Yes, they remodeled. Yes, the children's section is really nice and bigger. That said, the book count is still not that good and compared to other libraries in the San Mateo system it is just at par. At par equals three stars.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/29/2009
I remember Foster City's library when it was brand spanking new. It was airy and bright, was… Read more »
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Review from Goshen F.
San Francisco, CA
12/18/2008
Beautiful library, but I found the selection of books to be too skimpy. But Foster City is a tiny picturesque town, so I can't compare this library to that of San Francisco's. Overall, its a nice little library.
Update: 5/19/09
They revamped it a bit. The Children area is located at the end of the library, much better than before. We went there on Wed 1030am for story time, and it was immensely crowded. 30 kids plus caregivers. The story lady was not as enthusiastic as I liked. -
Review from Karly L.
Foster City, CA
9/10/2008
This is the library in my home town and I have to say it is very nice. Admittedly, I will cheat on it from time to time with the San Mateo Main branch. Even though it is small they seem to always have what I am looking for. They have a large collection of oversized art books, even an Alphonse Mucha one I looked for forever, and I could even check it out. They have the nicest and most helpful staff, ever. The building is nice and clean, bright, and there is always a ton of comfy seating.
The only thing that can get annoying is that a lot of the local middle school kids hanging around waiting for the parents to pick them up. They seem to have no qualms about answering their cell phones or talking quietly in groups about things that I find very disturbing. Not the libraries fault I know, but still a little weird.
Over all, I really like it!Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Chantal D.
San Luis Obispo, CA
1/31/2008
I LOVE this library so much that I had to express it somehow, while sitting in it, so I decided to blab away on Yelp since this is a library, and I shouldn't really be talking out loud anyway.
Lights at every table, but big huge windows let in natural light so most of the time you don't even really need to switch it on. Outlets more accessible here than they are at my own house! Friendly staff. Saw a post for a job opening there and a few days after I noticed it had been taken down, I inquired the front desk about it and they said that they had received 15-ish applicants and were testing them already! WOW! That number of applicants just shouts "I WANT TO BE HERE AS MUCH AS YOU DO!" ...to me at least.
My only vice is that there could be a little more artwork on the wall... and it's not an unforgivable one either, just the walls seem pretty lackluster when I let my eyes stray from my work. -
Review from jazzy l.
San Francisco, CA
6/19/2010
I love the free parking and one level spacious library.
They have an area with comfortable couches and ottoman's for magazine reading. negative one star for lack of private study rooms.
Will have to explore the wifi and report on Yelp!Listed in: My libraries
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Review from LinLin L.
San Francisco, CA
7/10/2010
The library has great parking.
People are nice. It's clean and well organized.
They have free wireless you can use inside or outside the building.
The only thing that sucks is they do not serve coffee or sandwiches or snacks. I think they need to step their game up a bit and provide resources for people to stay. If I am reading for five hours and start to get hungry I will have to leave and go get something to it. And chances are I won't come back. However, I would be inclined to stay if they had a coffee shop. This would also help with them generating money. I don't get why they don't do it.
Otherwise the library is nice and convenient. -
Review from Jenn M.
Burlingame, CA
9/14/2009
This review is based on the studying atmosphere. I don't know anything about the services.
Maybe I'm spoiled because I've spent a lot of time at the Burlingame library. This place is pretty manky . . . dirty carpets, white washed, and really bright lights. Its very mid-90's and dated in that bright white, really bright light kind of way. While I was there, I saw a lovely gentleman who was either looking at porn or male gentle diseases. Fun times in the FC.
There is free internet, which I think it pretty standard these days but +1 star for that. +1 star for having a ton of parking. +1 star for the air con.
Overall, it was functional - there we a lot of desks, some comps, etc. -
Review from Alexandra K.
Foster City, CA
8/16/2010
The parking is easy and it's near Safeway, Jamba Juice/Starbucks, and .. the police station. Inside the library is nice and clean. The reason why this library receives one star (if I could go lower, I'd go to zero) is because of the staff. They're rude. SO RUDE. If I don't need their help with anything, I try to talk to them as little as possible. It's always a bad experience whenever I have to talk to them. Hey, if you don't like working here then DON'T WORK HERE. Not only have I received bad treatment but my cousin as well. Hell, they even accused her of something she didn't even do. She may be a minor, but I don't appreciate them talking down to her.
Fail, Foster City Library, fail. -
Review from Rebecca M.
San Mateo, CA
5/24/2011
Parking is accommodating. Librarians are very helpful (except one grumpy guy but I avoid him). Children's book section is fantastic. Beware during story time, though, of many parked strollers and toddlers running amok. Adult section could be larger however I usually come here with my children so we are satisfied. Great Wi-Fi.
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Review from Gloria H.
7/1/2007
I don't go there nearly often enough or as much as I should but this is a great library. It's spacious and bright w/ natural sunlight.
Visit and enjoy! -
Review from Gordon S.
San Mateo, CA
7/9/2008
I've been going to this wonderful library since it first opened. Compared to other library's in the San Mateo area this one is the best especially for children.The kid area is secluded from the rest of the library,with computers just for them. They have story time everyday for different ages.
The main section has plenty of computers and tables. One of the few library's I've been to that has crowds waiting for the doors to open each morning. The staff is friendly and helpful. I just cant say enough good things about this treasure. -
Review from Fabiana H.
San Francisco, CA
7/28/2009
Ups: Easy parking, no meter. Good variety of books.
DOWNs: compared to the one in RWC this one is no good. The enviroment isn't nearly as nice. And the study area isn't as quiet. -
Review from C S.
San Mateo, CA
4/11/2006
Is currently my favorite library. Can't wait until San Mateo opens back up, though. Four more months!
And I guess Amy can tell people are from outside F.C. by her...surveys? -
Review from S L.
San Francisco, CA
7/23/2007
I like the fact that I can always find the latest cd releases which no one has already picked out. Maybe since I frequent the library a lot has something to do with it.
The new book section is always on point and I always find something new to read on the bus ride to work. -
Review from Matthew g.
Manhattan, NY
first time going to the library since i was a tiny little kid. pretty nice place. real clean and lit up. the internet is pretty quick here. nice lil place to hang out for some quiet time. didnt really look at the books or dvds, just sat at one of the circle tables with the rolly chairs! played on my ipad the whole time with headphones. i was surprised how many people were here, but there was enough chairs and tables for everyone. theres a big parking lot for everyone. just wish it was open longer, especially on weekends.
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Review from kimberly C.
Foster City, CA
8/30/2010 1 Check-in Here
Love my neighborhood library, great books for kids ... But what's up with it not being open on Sunday !!
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Review from Mari J.
Upland, CA
11/1/2006
Never checked out a book here, but there little tiny book selling room is quite delightful. They really pack the books in and I usually can find something good there. The prices are quite affordable as well. I'm sad they no longer have free Internet, but many good times were had using their computers during the summer of '03 before high speed internet was available in homes.
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Review from Amy R.
San Francisco, CA
6/13/2006
The library facilities are very nice. It's a great place to read/study and the librarians are polite and helpful. The only problem I have with it is its comparatively weak selection of books.
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Review from Diana M.
San Francisco, CA
12/19/2008
This library knocks my socks off. The venue is beautiful and organized. Selection of books is pretty reasonable. DVDs and CDs are actually selections that I am interested in and not some old junk (although I have seen some old stuff in there) . The best part? If they don't have it, you have the opportunity to reserve it at another branch and they will bring it to that branch. That has the tendency to get me in a little trouble. I don't really interact with the staff too much but the interaction that I've had has been pleasant.
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Review from Stacey W.
Foster City, CA
6/19/2007
one of my favorites.. friendly staff, you get to print for free (3pages/day), well organized library! I always borrow DVDs here! nice view, great place to learn.
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Review from Kerri K.
San Francisco, CA
8/13/2008
Best library in the Bay Area!
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Review from Shauna S.
4/30/2009
Shortly after I got my library card here, I discovered the book sales section. I've gotten quite a few good books in here as a result. The library itself -- doesn't seem as vast as it could be and rarely do I find the things I want. Usually I just end up settling for a purchase instead (and since they range between $0.50-$1.00 you can't really go wrong). The staff could also be more helpful -- usually when I get up to the desk there's someone there that doesn't ring up books or tends to something else so I have to wait around for a while which can be annoying.
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Review from jaydee d.
Brisbane, CA
5/16/2010
Free books by the water! Here's what you do at the newly renovated library.
1) Check out a comic book or people magazine out for the day.
2) Walk over to the park.
3) Profit.
And by "profit" I mean enjoy the afternoon. if you want to stay in the library, it's brand new. -
Review from jenn w.
CA
2/14/2007
Cancelled my Netflix account because movie selection is so decent here. Great kids section and story time.
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Review from Milk and Cheese ..
San Francisco, CA
7/18/2007
Right close to work, so I stop by here about once a week to pick up holds and browse the stacks. I have never walked away without checking out at least a book or CD, so I really find it well stocked. The "books for sale" nook is really very cool and I wish every library had one :-). The best thing about this facility is that it's hooked up to the rest of the Peninsula Library System and you can get books shipped from other participating libraries. The worst thing is that they charge you $0.75 for every hold you request (I dock one star for this). It's cheaper than buying the durn book in the first place, but need I remind that the SF Public Library system allows you to request holds gratis?
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Review from cornPops I.
San Bruno, CA
1/7/2009
i hate this liabry the staff is very rude and they seem to have crazy people running around yelling at children its disgusting. the staff is very rude and moody and threatans people. The staff dosent care and are very LAZY!!!!!!! they just cant seem to get of their butts!! i think that libaries should be sweet but i hated this liabry its cheap disgusting and dirty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! did you know they had a LEAK FROM THE SEWEAR and it dripped all over the kids room and they didint even change the carpet!!!!!!!!!! they dont have friendly staff. THere is a staff who is especially horrible. Its a short man that is very mean a disrespectful
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Review from Angie D.
Burlingame, CA
2/19/2009
Dont judge a book by its cover. Although its outer looks may be appealing, This library has to be the worst I've ever been to.
1.) The staff at this library is soo rude. They are not helpful at all. They come over and always try to find something to reprimand you about, whether it's whispering too loudly or drinking water near computers! They seem to hate the middle school kids who come afterschool! All in all, they just seem to be in bad mood every day.
2.) They have a very poor book selection and their DVDs are very old.
