• Farm scene with anthropomorphic seeds and fruits. Two seeds read books on a picnic blanket, a barn and windmill are in the background, and fruits ride in a tractor and a boat.
  • Slider displaying June's virtual author talks including: 'State Fairs: Growing American Craft,' 'Dungeon Crawler Carl' by Matt Dinniman, 'Good Grandpa' by Ted Page, and 'The Diaspora Spice Co. Cookbook.'
  • Salinas Public Library Literacy Program welcome flyer with images of program participants. Call (831) 758-7916 for information on services.
  • Banner with text: Salinas Public Library BABY Books at Birth Year. Includes illustrated baby reading a book.
  • Help Shape Your Library & Operating Hours Expansion Surveys! Please participate in two short 5-10 minute surveys
  • street-construction-impacting-john-steinbeck-library-through-May-2026-and-lincoln-ave-parking-lot-may-be-affected
  • A whimsical illustration shows books seated on chairs playing violins and a cello, with musical notes floating above. The text announces "In the Stacks with the Carmel Bach Festival" on July 1, from 3-4 PM, at El Gabilan Library, 1400 N. Main St.
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

EGL - Natural Science Discovery Camp

June 10, 2026

Ventana Wildlife Society - Natural Science Discovery Camp

June 8 - 12, 2026
Registration starts May 18, 2026

El Gabilan Library
8:30am - 4:00pm (Monday - Wednesday); Thursday is campout & returns at 12pm on Friday

learn more

April 2026 library events, including storytimes, crafts, classes, and more
Eventos en la biblioteca de abril 2026, incluso horas de cuentos, manualidades, clases y más
  • Jun
    10
    EGL - Wee Ones in the Woods

    El Gabilan Library

    • 9:30am

    Wee Ones in the Woods
    El Gabilan Library
    June 8 -12, 2026
    Registration starts Monday, May 18, 2026 at El Gabilan Library

    ...

  • Jun
    10
    CCL | Taller de Compostaje: Alimenta la Tierra, No el Basurero

    Cesar Chavez Library

    • 4:00pm

    ¡Transforme los restos de cocina y los desechos del jardín en tierra llena de nutrientes con la ayuda de lombrices! Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority and Republic Services...

  • Jun
    10
    EGL - Big Kids Book Club

    El Gabilan Library

    • 4:00pm

    The Big Kids Book Club is for kids entering second grade who want to practice their reading skills with the loveable Mercy Watson. Register now to claim a copy of the book! We...

  • Jun
    11
    EGL - Natural Science Discovery Camp

    El Gabilan Library

    • 8:30am

    Ventana Wildlife Society - Natural Science Discovery Camp

    June 8 - 12, 2026
    Registration starts May 18, 2026

    El Gabilan Library
    8:...

  • Jun
    11
    EGL - Wee Ones in the Woods

    El Gabilan Library

    • 9:30am

    Wee Ones in the Woods
    El Gabilan Library
    June 8 -12, 2026
    Registration starts Monday, May 18, 2026 at El Gabilan Library

    ...

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 Library computers?
How Do I Use the microfilm machine?
How Do I Use My Library Card?

see all How Do I's

Recent News Posts

Ad for the friends of the library's 5th annual Sip & Paint fundraiser on March 14 2026 featuring a dark blue background and beautiful swoopy title

Join FOSPL for the 5th Annual Sip & Paint Fundraiser!

March 14, 2026

Friends of the Salinas Public Library (FOSPL) presents the 5th Annual Sip & Paint fundraising event to be held this year on Saturday, March 14 at 6:00 PM at Cesar Chavez Library. 

Join us for this fun event where you can express your creativity while showing support for Salinas...

find out more
Illustrated winter scene. Text: Winter Reading Challenge. December 20 - January 17.

Winter Reading Challenge: Free Book for Readers!

December 12, 2025

Winter Reading Challenge
December 20 - January 17
Ages 0-18

The Winter Reading Challenge is back! This Winter Break read for 15 minutes a day for 14 days, and you earn a FREE book! The challenge is open to all Salinas children and teens from December 20, 2025...

find out more
Two students attending Kinder Boot Camp.

Kinder/TK Boot Camp Returns!

July 1, 2025

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 transitional kindergarten (TK) students. These camps are...

find out more
An easel with two orange wildflowers is set up on a light green background to promote the friends of the library sip and paint event in March 2025

Join FOSPL for the 4th Annual Sip & Paint Fundraiser!

March 8, 2025

Friends of the Salinas Public Library (FOSPL) presents the 4th annual Sip & Paint fundraising event to be held this year on March 8, 6pm at El Gabilan Library. 

Join us for this fun event where you can express your creativity while showing support for Salinas Public Library...

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 (puzzles not included).
___KEEP___Brainfuse-helpnow-learn-more-about-library-access

Live Tutoring

Get free and bilingual online tutoring every day from 1 - 10 pm for students of all ages.
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.