• 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
  • 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.
  • Antique script on a gradient blue 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

Book cover titled “Inside the Box" next to a portrait photo of the author against a teal background.

Virtual | Author Talk: David Epstein

October 13, 2026

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 in working within our limitations?

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
    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...

  • Oct
    13
    EGL - Mad Science

    El Gabilan Library

    • 3:30pm

    Calling all mad scientists! Get ready for some spooky science as we create new experiments every week and get ourselves in the Halloween spirit.

    Tuesdays in October (...

  • Oct
    13
    EGL - Lo-Fi Lab Teen Program (Canceled)

    El Gabilan Library

    • 4:00pm

    This program has been canceled for today. Will resume next month on November 10, 2026.

     

    TEENS! Need a place to decompress and slow down? The...

  • Oct
    13
    CCL - Citizenship Preparation

    Cesar Chavez Library

    • 5:30pm

    In-Person Citizenship Class at Cesar Chavez Library. This class is for adults studying to take the citizenship interview in English.

    For more information and to...

  • Oct
    14
    CCL - Toddler Tales

    Cesar Chavez Library

    • 12:00pm

    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....

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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