Genentech Foundation Biotechnology Learning Center

The Biotechnology Learning Center is located on the second floor of the library. It is situated in a large recessed section separated from the large reading area and stacks. According to the library website some of the features it offers include meeting and seminar space, a life sciences collection, electronic resources on health, nutrition and science, and electronic resources on the subject. One of the goals of the center is to offer preparation to students interested in biotech careers. The center is even supported by a life sciences librarian.

Local corporation Genentech donated two million dollars to set up the center. The San Mateo Public Library is the first public library to have a biotechnology center.

Leon S. Benson Holocaust Studies Collection

Leon Benson was the only survivor in his family from the Holocaust. It is in his honor that this collection was compiled as a "memorial". The collection includes written and visual accounts of witnesses to the Holocaust. Funding for the materials came from his family and friends. This is an excellent resource tool for elementary, middle school, and high school students, plus any others interested in learning more of a tragic period in history. Since part of the local high school curriculum involves study of the Holocaust the collection is particularly beneficial.

The Franklin Templeton Investments Business Resource Center

A gift of $500,000 by Franklin Templeton Investments was instrumental in setting up the Business Resource Center. As stated on the website, it has "the largest public library collection of business materials on the Peninsula". Some of the features include a selection of books with an emphasis on small businesses, investors, and job seekers. In addition there are 100 business and trade journals available for the use of patrons. A professional business librarian is available as well. The library website has a listing of a few of the resources that can be found in the center.

Foundation Center Cooperating Collection

The Foundation Center is a great asset for nonprofit organizations. It provides them with online resources and numerous other printed materials that are useful. As the website states, they are "a rich resource of information for nonprofits". They provide tools that can be used for grant seekers, a life blood for any nonprofit organization.

California Collection

The California Collection of the Library is a good resource for information on California history. It offers several rows of shelves with reference books on local history and files with newspaper clippings on various topics of local interest. However, the collection is not as extensive as other libraries. Also, it would be useful for it to offer digital images of historic significance. The image above shows the San Mateo Railroad Station in the early 1900s.

Going Green Center

The Going Green Center offers information on sustainability. It is located in a visible location adjacent to the mezzanine periodicals section. In the photo to the right is an architectural drawing of an inside view of the Library. Each of the "green" features are highlighted in the drawing. It is displayed, along with a scale model of the Library. There are display racks on one wall that offer free information on different aspects of sustainability to patrons.

101st Airborne

During the Vietnam War, the city of San Mateo adopted Alpha Company, 1-327 Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division. The reason for this was to help with troop morale. Their support continued with San Mateo being the only city in the U.S. to hold a homecoming parade for returning veterans from the war. There is a permanent exhibit at the SMPL honoring them. In addition, there is some personal memorabilia on display from one of the troops who died in the war.