Dungeons and Dragons

Challenge yourself to a Dungeons & Dragons one-shot! For new players and old. This one-shot is intended for middle and high school students. Handbooks and dice are provided. Bring a level 5 character you created yourself, or play with one of our premade slime chara......More

Challenge yourself to a Dungeons & Dragons one-shot! For new players and old. This one-shot is intended for middle and high school students. Handbooks and dice are provided. Bring a level 5 character you created yourself, or play with one of our premade slime characters! Space is limited, please register online to reserve your spot. Sessions will be in Meeting Room B in 2025. Email sancarlos@smcl.org if you have any questions.

Centennial Lab: Digital Archiving Station

Digitize your home movies and photos! We will be hosting a digital archiving station in conjunction with the San Carlos Centennial celebrations. Our Memory Lab can digitize the following: Photos, negatives, and photographic slides VHS and VHS-C cassettes Audio cass......More

Digitize your home movies and photos! We will be hosting a digital archiving station in conjunction with the San Carlos Centennial celebrations. Our Memory Lab can digitize the following: Photos, negatives, and photographic slides VHS and VHS-C cassettes Audio cassettes 8mm and Super-8 film (no audio) 3.5" floppy disks (DOS or Windows format only) CD-R and DVD-R data discs First come, first served.

Tuesday Playday

Free play is an important part of learning, even for school-aged kids! Kids learn cooperative and cognitive skills through free exploration, plus relax a bit after the rigors of the classroom. So take a break and drop-in Tuesdays to play with some building toys or try ......More

Free play is an important part of learning, even for school-aged kids! Kids learn cooperative and cognitive skills through free exploration, plus relax a bit after the rigors of the classroom. So take a break and drop-in Tuesdays to play with some building toys or try some games with friends.

Meet Alka Joshi, Author of Six Days in Bombay

On Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 5:30 PM, San Mateo County Libraries is excited to host an in-person author talk at San Carlos Library with Alka Joshi, author of SIX DAYS IN BOMBAY and the Jaipur Trilogy. Keep an eye out at your local San Mateo County Libraries br......More

On Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 5:30 PM, San Mateo County Libraries is excited to host an in-person author talk at San Carlos Library with Alka Joshi, author of SIX DAYS IN BOMBAY and the Jaipur Trilogy. Keep an eye out at your local San Mateo County Libraries branch for giveaway copies of Six Days in Bombay! We will also have a limited number of door copies available for attendees at the talk. Six Days in Bombay is a sweeping story of identity and self-discovery inspired by the iconic Indian painter, Amrita Sher-Gil, known as the “Frida Kahlo of India.” In 1937, Sona, a young Anglo-Indian nurse meets Mira Novak, a famous half- Indian painter, when she arrives at the hospital after a miscarriage. Over the course of a week, Sona becomes captivated by Mira’s stories of worldly adventure and reckless love and the women develop a special bond. When Mira dies under mysterious circumstances, Sona immediately falls under suspicion. The key to proving Sona’s innocence leads her across a tumultuous Europe teetering on war, thrusting her into cultures and situations she’s never had to face. Born in India and raised in the U.S. since the age of nine. Alka Joshi has a BA from Stanford University and an MFA from California College of Arts. Joshi's debut novel, The Henna Artist, immediately became a NYT bestseller, a Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick, was Longlisted for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize, and has been translated into 30 languages. The Secret Keeper of Jaipur (2021) and The Perfumist of Paris (2023) completed the Jaipur Trilogy.  In 2024, Joshi was selected for the Forbes 50 over 50 List, celebrating women who are shattering age and gender norms across all sectors of the American economy and culture. She is currently working on her fifth novel.

San Carlos Stitchers

Do you like to crochet or knit? Bring your own crochet, knitting or hand craft sewing project and meet other local stitchers in this informal drop-in group. We meet weekly from 6-8 PM on Tuesdays.

Tech Tutor Drop-In

Got burning questions about your phone or laptop? Whether you're puzzled about sending email attachments or adding new contacts, fear not! Swing by with your device and chat with our tech-savvy staff for personalized assistance that'll leave you feeling empowered and r......More

Got burning questions about your phone or laptop? Whether you're puzzled about sending email attachments or adding new contacts, fear not! Swing by with your device and chat with our tech-savvy staff for personalized assistance that'll leave you feeling empowered and ready to conquer the digital world! Please note, sessions are limited to 10 minutes.

Teen Make-a-Wellness-Kit

Personalize your own wellness kit by decorating a pencil pouch and choosing items to help you find ease throughout the day. You can also craft a Dopamine Menu of feel-good activities beyond scrolling on your phone. This program is for students in middle school and hig......More

Personalize your own wellness kit by decorating a pencil pouch and choosing items to help you find ease throughout the day. You can also craft a Dopamine Menu of feel-good activities beyond scrolling on your phone. This program is for students in middle school and high school. First come, first served while supplies last.

Peninsula Ukulele Group

Peninsula Ukulele Group, a group of enthusiastic ukulele players, will now be meeting at the San Carlos Library. This active musical group has fun together, provides learning opportunities for new and continuing players, and builds a fun-loving community of ukulele pla......More

Peninsula Ukulele Group, a group of enthusiastic ukulele players, will now be meeting at the San Carlos Library. This active musical group has fun together, provides learning opportunities for new and continuing players, and builds a fun-loving community of ukulele players and singers. All skill levels are welcome to participate. They also welcome musicians who play other instruments or those who just want to sing with the group. 

U.S. Citizenship Test Class

The San Carlos library invites you to practice the 100 Civics questions provided by the USCIS office. You will also get a chance to practice a mock interview. Free study materials will be provided. La biblioteca de San Carlos te invita a practicar las 100 preguntas de......More

The San Carlos library invites you to practice the 100 Civics questions provided by the USCIS office. You will also get a chance to practice a mock interview. Free study materials will be provided. La biblioteca de San Carlos te invita a practicar las 100 preguntas de educación cívica proporcionadas por la oficina de USCIS. También tendrás la oportunidad de practicar una entrevista simulada. Se proporcionarán materiales de estudio gratuitos.

Crafternoon: Orihon Books

Need some relaxing fun after school? Drop in and make some art with us! Sometimes we have a specific project to celebrate a featured artist or cultural celebration, and sometimes we do free-form art exploration.  Today we'll make Japanese orihon books for you to draw ......More

Need some relaxing fun after school? Drop in and make some art with us! Sometimes we have a specific project to celebrate a featured artist or cultural celebration, and sometimes we do free-form art exploration.  Today we'll make Japanese orihon books for you to draw or write in.

Tech Tutor Drop-In

Got burning questions about your phone or laptop? Whether you're puzzled about sending email attachments or adding new contacts, fear not! Swing by with your device and chat with our tech-savvy staff for personalized assistance that'll leave you feeling empowered and r......More

Got burning questions about your phone or laptop? Whether you're puzzled about sending email attachments or adding new contacts, fear not! Swing by with your device and chat with our tech-savvy staff for personalized assistance that'll leave you feeling empowered and ready to conquer the digital world! Please note, sessions are limited to 10 minutes.

Baby Bounce

Centered around parent/caregiver-child interactions, this storytime is for newborns and babies up to 18 months old. Please join us for rhymes, lap bounces, singing, and a story. Capacity limits may apply.

Beginner's Basket Weaving

Make your first basket! This class offers a creative experience where you will make a basket. The class is for beginners who will learn how to weave reeds onto a wood basket frame. The finished size of the basket is 4.5 inches tall and 4 inches wide, a perfect size to ......More

Make your first basket! This class offers a creative experience where you will make a basket. The class is for beginners who will learn how to weave reeds onto a wood basket frame. The finished size of the basket is 4.5 inches tall and 4 inches wide, a perfect size to hold pencils and pens. Participants will receive in-person, hands-on instruction and all materials will be provided. Hand strength is required for basket-making. Space is limited and registration is required. Registration opens on Friday, May 2 at 10:00 AM.

Computer Basics: Intro to iOS for iPhone and iPad

Dive into the world of Apple's iOS, the powerful operating system behind iPhones and iPads, in this comprehensive 2-hour introductory course. Whether you're new to iOS or looking to get more out of your device, this class will equip you with essential skills and knowle......More

Dive into the world of Apple's iOS, the powerful operating system behind iPhones and iPads, in this comprehensive 2-hour introductory course. Whether you're new to iOS or looking to get more out of your device, this class will equip you with essential skills and knowledge. You'll explore the core features, settings, and apps that make iOS devices unique and learn how to customize and secure your iPhone or iPad for optimal use. By the end of this course, you'll be confidently navigating iOS, managing apps, and taking full advantage of your device's capabilities. By the end of this course, participants will be able to: 1. Understand the iOS Interface: Identify and navigate the basic components of the iOS interface, including the home screen, Control Center, and notifications. 2. Manage and Organize Apps: Download, organize, and manage apps effectively, including creating folders and managing app settings. 3. Customize Settings: Personalize the iOS experience by adjusting settings such as display, sound, notifications, and privacy. 4. Utilize Built-in Apps: Explore and use essential built-in apps like Safari, Mail, Messages, Calendar, and Camera, and understand their basic functions. 5. Secure Your Device: Implement basic security measures such as Face ID/Touch ID, passcodes, and Find My iPhone/iPad. 6. Troubleshoot Common Issues: Identify and troubleshoot common issues, including connectivity problems, app crashes, and battery management. 7. Use Siri and Accessibility Features: Utilize Siri for voice commands and explore accessibility features to enhance the user experience. This course will be interactive, with demonstrations and hands-on practice to ensure that you leave with a practical understanding of iOS. Bring your own iPad or iPhone. The class is limited to the first 10 students.

Mindfulness Meditation With Rik Center

Engage in mindfulness meditation exercises and movement practices that you can incorporate into your daily routine. Mindfulness and meditation are practices that involve focusing your attention on the present moment, cultivating awareness, and promoting a sense of calm......More

Engage in mindfulness meditation exercises and movement practices that you can incorporate into your daily routine. Mindfulness and meditation are practices that involve focusing your attention on the present moment, cultivating awareness, and promoting a sense of calm and clarity. Everyone will gain new skills and tools in helping to dissolve stress and long-held anxieties. Participants will build personal inner tools of reflective inquiry, curiosity, self-compassion, and self-trust. Each session will include time for questions and answers.  Due to high demand, we ask that community members sign up for a single occurrence of this series so that as many community members can participate in this experience as possible. Registration is required to attend.

Tech Tutor Drop-In

Got burning questions about your phone or laptop? Whether you're puzzled about sending email attachments or adding new contacts, fear not! Swing by with your device and chat with our tech-savvy staff for personalized assistance that'll leave you feeling empowered and r......More

Got burning questions about your phone or laptop? Whether you're puzzled about sending email attachments or adding new contacts, fear not! Swing by with your device and chat with our tech-savvy staff for personalized assistance that'll leave you feeling empowered and ready to conquer the digital world! Please note, sessions are limited to 10 minutes.

Boardtime!

Come visit for an hour of fun with an easy craft or explore 3D printing with an open drop-in test run, where you can try out this cool technology. Drop in to learn a new board game, challenge your friends or meet new ones. This program is open to all ages and skill lev......More

Come visit for an hour of fun with an easy craft or explore 3D printing with an open drop-in test run, where you can try out this cool technology. Drop in to learn a new board game, challenge your friends or meet new ones. This program is open to all ages and skill levels, so come and join us for an hour of crafting and gaming at the library!

Qigong

**Qigong is now taking place at the San Carlos Adult Community Center at 601 Chestnut Street.** Qigong means “practice of vital energy”. In this class, we will practice a series of gentle spiral movements that help to open all the major joints in the body and increase......More

**Qigong is now taking place at the San Carlos Adult Community Center at 601 Chestnut Street.** Qigong means “practice of vital energy”. In this class, we will practice a series of gentle spiral movements that help to open all the major joints in the body and increase internal energy flow, promoting better flexibility and mobility while reducing tension and strain.

Family Storytime

Come along on an imaginary adventure for Family Storytime. Hear new stories, sing songs, and learn wiggles that the whole family can enjoy together. Songs and stories are best suited for toddlers and preschoolers. Capacity limits may apply. 

Fiction Book Club: Best of the 21st Century

For 2025, we will look at the New York Times’s lists of the best books of the 21st Century and choose 12 fiction titles that appeared in both the Book Review’s list and Readers Top 100 to read and discuss. Titles for the first six months will be chosen by library staff......More

For 2025, we will look at the New York Times’s lists of the best books of the 21st Century and choose 12 fiction titles that appeared in both the Book Review’s list and Readers Top 100 to read and discuss. Titles for the first six months will be chosen by library staff and book club participants will vote on the remaining six books. To accommodate different schedules, this book club will meet twice a month - on the first Monday of the month at 6 PM and on the first Wednesday of the month at 10:30 AM. Stop by on the day that works for you to share your opinion and whether you would rate the chosen title in your personal top 100! Interested in joining? Stop by the San Carlos Library to pick up a copy of June's selection The Underground Railroad