• 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 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

CCL - Toddler Tales

September 30, 2026

Calling all toddlers and their caregivers! Join us for a fun-filled time with stories, songs, rhymes, and play! A great way to build early learning and have fun together.

Recommended for ages 0-3. 

Cesar Chavez Library
Wednesdays
12:00pm - 1:00pm

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
    30
    JSL - Celebrate World Postcard Day

    John Steinbeck Library

    • 4:00pm

    Join us for a World Postcard Day event on Wednesday September 30, 2026 at John Steinbeck Library from 4:00 to 5:30 PM!

    ...

  • Sep
    30
    EGL - BEYOND BASICS COMPUTER CLASS

    El Gabilan Library

    • 5:00pm

    Summer Beyond Basics Computer Class

    Join our Beyond Basics computer class to learn how you can take your basic computing skills to the next level....

  • Oct
    01
    CCL - Science Workshop Unlimited

    Cesar Chavez Library

    • 2:30pm

    Science Workshop Unlimited is at Cesar Chavez Library every Thursday!

    Visit the SS WoW (Salinas Science Workshop on Wheels)! Kids and families can use...

  • Oct
    01
    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...

  • Oct
    01
    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,...

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

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

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