1914   Riding on horseback through the City, local teacher, Rue Clifford collects petition signatures as evidence of community support for a free public library.

1916   Philanthropist Andrew Carnegie provides funding and the building plans for construction of Grand Avenue Library on a parcel of land, which will later be known as Civic Center.  Total cost for the full parcel is $10,000.

1917   Grand Avenue Library is dedicated in August.

1940's Grand Avenue Library is remodeled. 

1951   An addition is made to Grand Avenue Library and the Children's wing is established. The story book picture tiles surrounding the fireplace are a special feature.

1966   The new city library on West Orange Avenue opens to the public on November 28^th.  This facility is becomes the Main Library for the City of South San Francisco; Grand is now the city's Branch Library.

1967   On February 19^th, the new South San Francisco Library is dedicated to the service of the citizens of South San Francisco and the memory of Miss Rue Clifford.  Constructed at a cost of $865,000, the lower level is partially paid for by Federal Funds (for use as an Emergency Operating Center for the City).  Interior architects are Markling and Yamasaki, A.I.A.

1974   South San Francisco Public Library joins the Peninsula Library System (PLS).  Formed in 1971, PLS is a cooperative network of public libraries throughout San Mateo County.

1984   On December 12^th, South San Francisco Library begins "on line" circulation of library materials at the Main Library, as a member of the Peninsula Library Automated Network (PLAN).

1985   Project Read, a volunteer tutoring program for adults in North San Mateo County, begins by training 20 tutors and signing up 25 adult learners in this first year of free service. ... Grand Avenue Branch Library reopens after a long closure for remodeling.  While the outside structure retains its distinctive character as a Carnegie building, the interior floor plan has been opened with additional room in the book stacks.  To facilitate handicapped access, the entrance is moved to the side street, changing the address to 306 Walnut Avenue.

1986   On Valentine's Day, Grand Avenue Branch Library also begins use of the automated circulation system.

1991   South San Francisco Public Library celebrates 75 years of service. ...  Project Read starts the Families for Literacy (FFL) program to serve learners with children under the age of five.

1993   The Main Library reopens December 20^th, after being closed for a month of renovations including new wiring to accommodate additional computers and the addition of new automated products and services.

1994   PLANet, the new library automated system, is brought on line at the Main and branch, as well as all other member libraries of the Peninsula Library System.

1997   After several months in a temporary site while the library building was seismically upgraded and remodeled, Grand Avenue Branch Library reopens on June 23^rd; rededication ceremony held on August 27th.

1999   The Community Learning Center opens in a temporary site.  It is a new service of the library and collaborating agencies serving youth and adults.  Improvements and expansion are made to the Main Library's parking lot resulting in increased parking and easier egress.

2001   The Community Learning Center opens in March at a new, permanent location at 520 Tamarack Lane.  The community comes together to celebrate the opening and new look of the old Spruce School. ... In June, Project Read launches Learning Wheels - a mobile literacy van serving the hard-to-reach neighborhoods of North San Mateo County. 

2004   With the help of a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) grant and donations, new products and services are introduced to improve services to patrons with disabilities.  These include wheelchair accessible computer workstations with special programs and hardware to address various needs; and homebound delivery of library materials. ... In celebration of 5 years of service, the Community Learning Center's anniversary lunch raised $23,500 in funding support.

2005   The front entrance of the Main Library is reconfigured for handicapped access from the front doors as well as from the doors at the back, parking lot entrance.  Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding also enables purchase of adaptive equipment, as well as accessibility improvements to the elevator. ..... Project Read celebrates 20 years of service with an anniversary dinner. .....  With member libraries of PLS, South San Francisco unveils Innovative Interfaces, Incorporated's Millenium Integrated Library System on August 17^th and begins a new era of connectivity continuing to enhance and expand the concept of 24/7 library service.      

2006   Handicap accessibility is improved at both libraries by upgrading the public restroom atGrand Avenue Library, and improving seating and display areas in both libraries.  South San Francisco Public Library participates in the first One Book, One Community with all Peninsula Library System libraries:  community members  read The Kite Runner and attend local and countywide programs and events.

2007   Main Library re-opens at 10 a.m. on Thursdays and Grand Avenue Branch Library re-opens  on Saturdays.  Planning for a  New Main Library begins, with the convening of an Ad Hoc New Main Library Citizens Committee.