• A laptop on a desk displays photo-editing software with a portrait preview, next to a small calendar, books, and stationery, with warm light filtering through window blinds in the background.
  • September's virtual author talks featuring the books, "The Sixth Nik," "The Art of Gathering," and "Paletero Man."
  • Participants writing
  • Help Shape Your Library & Operating Hours Expansion Surveys! Please participate in two short 5-10 minute surveys
  • Loopy font on the left says Read Away Your Fine! and the right has a picture of scrabble tiles over various currency on a table spelling fees
  • Slider for an adult book swap, with green-and-white stripes and event details for Oct. 10, 1-3 pm at El Gabilan Library.
  • Two Golden Retriever dogs lying on green grass outdoors, one adult dog in front with a dark harness and a puppy lying beside it wearing a green bandana that says, "Guide Dog Puppy"
  • Local author Sandra Barocio is pictured next to her book, We Are All Others.
  • Close-up of young beet seedlings with red stems and veined leaves growing in two dark soil pots inside a turquoise tray, outdoors with a blurred background.
  • Three farm workers walking along rows of crops while holding tools, with a tall church steeple and trees in the background.
  • Local author Sandra Barocio is pictured next to her book, We Are All Others.
The Steinbeck Library Exterior with View of John Steinbeck Statue

• John Steinbeck • Library

350 Lincoln Avenue
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 758-7311

Regular hours are:
Mon & Fri: 10 - 4
Tu, Wed, Th:  12 - 6
Cesar Chavez Library Exterior lit up at night

• Cesar Chavez • Library

615 Williams Road
Salinas, CA 93905
(831) 758-7345

Regular hours are:
Tu, Wed, Th: 12 - 6
Fri & Sat: 10 - 4
The El Gabilan Library Exterior

• El Gabilan • Library

1400 North Main Street
Salinas, CA 93906
(831) 758-7302

Regular hours are:
Mon, Fri & Sat: 10 - 4
Tu, Wed, Th: 12 - 6
Bookmobile with cartoon images of kids engaging in learning activities

Bookmobile Services

Kindermobile
Scheduled visits to Kindergarten classes in Salinas

Bookmobile & Paletero Cart
Access the library during special events around Salinas

Upcoming Events

CCL - Science Workshop Unlimited

September 24, 2026

Science Workshop Unlimited is at Cesar Chavez Library every Thursday!

learn more

Image of September Events at Salinas Public Library.

PDF icon 2026_september_calendar_english.pdf

Image of September Events at Salinas Public Library in Spanish.

PDF icon 2026_september_calendar_spanish.pdf

  • Sep
    24
    JSL-Independent Studies Computer Class

    John Steinbeck Library

    • 4:00pm

    Summer Independent Studies Computer Class

    Build your digital skills in our Independent Study Open Lab!

    Join us for two weekly, one-hour...

  • Sep
    24
    EGL | Simply Zen: A Four Week Intro to Mindful Meditation

    El Gabilan Library

    • 4:00pm

    Find calm and clarity in the midst of daily life. This four part class offers a beginner-friendly, traditional approach to Heart Zen meditation to help cultivate mindfulness,...

  • Sep
    24
    Virtual | Author Talk: Lucky Diaz

    All Locations

    • 4:00pm

    In Paletero Man, a young boy roams the vibrant and friendly streets of Los Angeles with a pocketful of change on a hot day, looking for his favorite ice-cold paleta...

  • Sep
    24
    JSL - Storytime Jamboree

    John Steinbeck Library

    • 4:00pm

    Join us for storytime at the John Steinbeck Library! Get ready for stories, music, dancing, and a whole lot of fun!

    Ages: 0 - 6

    Thursdays @4pm
    John...

  • Sep
    24
    Virtual | Charla de Autor: Lucky Diaz

    All Locations

    • 5:00pm

    En el libro ¡Que Paletero tan Cool!, un niño recorre las animadas y acogedoras calles de Los Ángeles con los bolsillos llenos de monedas en un día caluroso, en busca de...

see all events

How Do I's

How Do I print using my device?
How Do I Play video games at the Library?
How Do I Use the Library Wi-Fi?
How Do I Use the Library photocopy machine?
How Do I Use the microfilm machine?
How Do I Sign up for the library's newsletter?
How Do I Use My Library Card?

see all How Do I's

Recent News Posts

Digital Pre-Orders on Libby

September 22, 2026

Welcome to Libby News! 

Here you'll find all kinds of updates and helpful information about Salinas Public Library's Libby! 

Our Newest Feature: Digital Pre-Orders.

...

find out more
Jo Mora display with his artwork showing a man on a horse

Jo Mora 150 Year Birthday Celebration

September 18, 2026

This fall three venues in the County of Monterey will be celebrating Jo Mora’s 150th birthday year with individual exhibits. The John Steinbeck Library is already hosting a display, curated by Susan De Lay, centered on Jo’s career as an author and illustrator. The National Steinbeck Center in...

find out more
Blue striped bubble text with 'Back to School' centered on a gray background with chalk white doodles all around to promote Hoopla content

Back to School with Hoopla

August 17, 2026

Beat stress and kickstart a successful school year with your library and Hoopla.

Easing the back-to-school transition is all about building great family routines. To help, Hoopla has gathered their favorite back-to-school tips for parents alongside an engaging reading list featuring...

find out more
A young boy and a girl sit at a table and practice writing at Kinder Boot Camp.

Kinder Boot Camp is Back! Little Learners, Fall In!

July 1, 2026

Registration is FULL.

Prepare your soon-to-be kindergartener to confidently step into the first day of school with the help of the Salinas Public Library's Kinder Boot Camp! Our Kinder Boot Camp will be accepting incoming kindergarten students in additional to...

find out more

view all SPL news

Featured E-Resources

___KEEP___The-new-york-times-learn-more-about-library-access

New York Times

Free digital access to the NYT featuring journalism on domestic, national, and international affairs (only mini-crossword included).
___KEEP___Brainfuse-helpnow-learn-more-about-library-access

Free Live Tutoring

Get free and bilingual online tutoring every day from 1 - 10 pm for students of all ages. AI Academic Integrity Tutors now available!
Graphic logo for LinkedIn Learning

LinkedIn Learning

Access 16,000+ professional shorts on business, software, web design, photography, video, 3D animation, and more.  
Graphic logo for novelist plus reading recommendations

Novelist Plus

Discover your next great read with easy recommendations based off your favorite story elements, your favorite TV show, and more.