• Cesar Chavez library is pictured with text anouncing a public survey collecting input for the renaming of a park and library.
  • 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.
  • Banner of three books titled "The Sixth Faction", "The Ascent of Rauschenberg", and "Inside the Box" and the text “OCTOBER’S VIRTUAL AUTHOR TALKS".
  • Participants writing
  • Help Shape Your Library & Operating Hours Expansion Surveys! Please participate in two short 5-10 minute surveys
  • 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 stand and walk along a terraced field covered with rows of crops, with a tall white church tower and another small building in the background under an overcast sky.
  • 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

EGL | Book Swap for Adults

October 10, 2026

Bring 2 gently used books for entry and join us for a cozy afternoon of discovering new reads, and connecting with fellow book lovers. Get creative with origami, make your own bookmark or design a button while enjoying pan dulce on us.

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

  • Oct
    11
    Art Market at the Library

    Cesar Chavez Library

    • 11:00am

    Artists Ink in partnership with the Salinas Public Library is proud to announce the Art Market at the Library taking place on Sunday, October 11, 2026. We will host over 20 art...

  • Oct
    12
    EGL - Fratello Marionettes: Spooktacular Show

    El Gabilan Library

    • 11:00am

    Join us for a fun, family-friendly Spooktacular show featuring happy ghosts, Frankenstein, the Purple People Eater, a not-so-scary witch, and a friendly spider!

    ...

  • Oct
    12
    JSL - Fratello Marionettes: Spooktacular Show

    John Steinbeck Library

    • 2:00pm

    Join us for a fun, family-friendly Spooktacular show featuring happy ghosts, Frankenstein, the Purple People Eater, a not-so-scary witch, and a friendly spider!

    ...

  • Oct
    13
    Virtual | Author Talk: David Epstein

    All Locations

    • 11:00am

    We are constantly told to "think outside the box" to innovate, solve complex problems, and reach our goals. But what if the secret to true breakthrough creativity actually lies...

  • Oct
    13
    EGL - Learn and Play Storytime

    El Gabilan Library

    • 12:00pm

    Join us for storytime at El Gabilan Library. We will read books, sing songs and have a fun activity at the end! For ages 0-4, and older children are more than welcome to join...

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 Put an Item on Hold?
How Do I Return Library Items?

see all How Do I's

Recent News Posts

Cesar Chavez Library and Park Renaming Survey

October 2, 2026

City of Salinas Cesar Chavez Library and Park Renaming Survey

The City of Salinas recently conducted a community renaming process for City parks and library facilities currently bearing the name of Cesar Chavez. As part of this process, community members were invited to...

find out more
Libby promotion about the ACOTAR book six preorders like holds and notify tags before Oct 26 release

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.

You'll notice now that popular upcoming titles will be publicly promoted to add a hold from weeks to...

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

view all SPL news

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