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Foster City Library
Rating Details »
- Hours:
Mon-Thu. 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Fri. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sun. 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
26 reviews for Foster City Library
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.
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I remember Foster City's library when it was brand spanking new. It was airy and bright, was well-organized and quiet, and had ample parking outside. Its book selection was so-so but one would hope that its collection would improve over time.
Since then, other branches of the San Mateo system have improved - Belmont, San Mateo just to name two branches that have been remodeled. In comparison to these libraries, Foster City library isn't so great any more. Its book collection is still average and the newer libraries have equal or better amenities including an inviting fireplace at the new Redwood Shores branch.
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.
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.
poor selection of books, and now they are closed for some kind of interior re-design. i mean really? and in this economy? spend the tax dollars on BOOKS and computers you stupid mo-mo's.
My first time at this library was just last week, and it is the second library I've been to in the area. Nice big building on the outside, giant one room on the inside....had a different feel to it for sure...I particularly liked their crafting selection, including several books I saw on Chinese knotting, and even scrapbooking...surprisingly better craft book selection than the San Mateo Main Library...but, I suppose each library is different and specializes in different subjects...I enjoyed their new-book area; it almost inspired me to read....yah....next time, maybe. =) Love that this library is so close to the park/lake...a good opportunity to take a nice stroll afterward.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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!!!
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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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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!
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.
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?
The facility is very nice, but the library is very noisy. They seem to never pay attention on the mothers that bring their noisy children, but will catch those that whisper softly. The librarians are also very rude.
Best library in the Bay Area!
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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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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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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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?
Cancelled my Netflix account because movie selection is so decent here. Great kids section and story time.
the facility itself is nice. it's not a big library but i guess it's big enough for all the high school kids i see hanging out there. i can never find the book i want but i can easily reserve one (for a fee) so that i get an email notice and it's waiting for me when i go in. apologies to all the people waiting on me to return my overdue books.
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