Did you ever imagine a librarian on horseback, rallying support for a public library? That’s exactly how the South San Francisco Public Library began. In 1914, teacher Rue Clifford rode through town, gathering signatures to establish a library. Her efforts paid off. Andrew Carnegie funded the first Grand Avenue library in 1916. The South San Francisco Public Library outgrew its Carnegie home. A new library opened on West Orange Avenue in 1966. The original Grand Avenue building transitioned into a branch. The South San Francisco Public Library isn’t just about books. It’s a community hub. It’s part of the Peninsula Library System, connecting resources across San Mateo County. The library’s collection is impressive, holding about 166,000 volumes and serving 29,000 borrowers. Back in 2007-2008 alone, they circulated a whopping 687,000 items. Imagine the stories those books hold. The South San Francisco Public Library offers more than just lending books. It’s a dynamic space. They have homebound delivery services, diverse children’s programs, and a literacy program called Project Read. The library also houses the Community Learning Center, a collaborative space opened in 1998 for youth and adult learning. They offer 77 public computers and free Wi-Fi, bridging the digital divide. For opera lovers, the Main Library holds the Figoni Opera Collection. It’s considered the largest collection of opera CDs and DVDs in Northern California. It’s a true treasure trove for music enthusiasts. The library embraces technology. They offer online resources, e-books, and even a 24/7 online reference service called AskNow. The South San Francisco Public Library continues to evolve.
50 Fremont Center
Gazing up at 50 Fremont Center, one might wonder about the stories it holds. 50 Fremont Center stands tall at