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2021 Summer Reading Prize Pickups start August 3

It’s the last month of summer and we hope we’ve provided some great resources and activities for you to enjoy! If you participated in our Summer Reading Program you can collect your book prize at Children’s, Mitchell Park and Rinconada Libraries starting Tuesday, August 3. You can keep reading, logging titles and completing challenges through September 7, when the program ends. Prizes will be available, while supplies last, through the end of September.

Three of our five libraries have reopened with limited services, due to the ongoing pandemic. In addition to the impacts of the pandemic, the library has also been severely impacted by the $1.6 Million budget cut we had to make last year, that resulted in several layoffs. You can find out more about the budget impacts and library services by reading our A Year in Review. Midway through 2021, we are continuing to provide a variety of services to the Palo Alto community. Our Reopening Plans are in motion and we are moving toward safely reopening all locations. We appreciate all the love and support we’ve received this past year and a half!

Reconnect With Your Community: HP Laptop Donation Drive

This is our final month for collecting your old or used Windows laptops! We’ve partnered with HP to repurpose used Windows laptops and donate them to local community partners who work with underserved students and families. HP will safely wipe the data on donated laptops using their HP Refresh software. Your donation will provide access to technology that contributes to learning and professional success. You can drop off your old or used laptop and charger through August 31 at Children’s, Mitchell Park or Rinconada Libraries during business hours. Find out more on our website or call 650-838-2977 for more information.

Need space to collaborate? Reserve a room.

Our study rooms at Mitchell Park and Rinconada Libraries can now be reserved through LiquidSpace. Please remember:

Reservations can be made online seven days in advance or by calling us at 329-2436
Reservations are for two hours only!
Mitchell Park has two rooms for groups of 2–12. Rinconada has four rooms that can be made for 1–4 people.

Children's, Mitchell Park, and Rinconada libraries

Come Visit Us!

Three branches are open for browsing, pickups and computer use. Masks are once again required for all visitors 3 years and up and seating is still limited.

Hours of Operation: 

Children's Library:
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Saturdays: 1–5 PM 
Mitchell Park Library:
- Tuesday-Thursday: 2–8 PM
- Fridays & Saturdays: 12–5 PM
Rinconada Library:
- Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays: 10–5 PM
- Thursdays: 2–8 PM 
College Terrace and Downtown Branches will reopen for two days a week in late August.

Keep up with all the changes to our Current Library Services on our website

Virtual Events

Join us from some exciting August virtual events, including:

Lego Club is happening all summer long! Build your creation, email us your photo and watch our Instagram Stories every Friday to see it featured!
Wacky Wednesdays, 3:30–4:30 PM :
- August 4: Water Cycle Boogie
- August 11: Like Birds of a Feather, We are in this Together (Birdhouse Kit)
- August 18: Magical Nathaniel
August 4, 11–11:30: Little Ones Storytime in the Secret Garden! Join us every Wednesday morning for an in-person storytime, designed little ones 2 and under and their caregivers!
August 4, 7–8 PM: ESL Book Club
August 7, 12–12:30 PM: Steam Lab Saturday: Fizzy Art
August 21, 2–3 PM: Life In The Garden: Let’s Work Together To Help Save Our Planet!
August 27, 11 AM–12 PM: Financial Health & Wellness Session 3: Preparing with Proper Protection. These workshops take place every 3rd Friday of the month through November.

Look for more Virtual Events on our website, including storytimes (now Tuesday through Saturday at 11 AM on Facebook Live!), book clubs and ESL programs!

From Our eLibrary

Explore and stay informed on local and national topics, people, and events by accessing the Library’s NewsBank database from any device. NewsBank offers free access to over 2,000 credible and vetted, local, regional, and national newspapers, journals, newswires, videos, and more.

Access our eLibrary 24/7 and a variety of other online resources with your library card!

Join the City's Wellness Wednesday s series focused on building community wellness! Register to attend the next webinar on August 18 at 5 PM.

Staff Picks

Need an idea for what to read next? Our librarians are enjoying Hilda (graphic novel series), Three Keys, A Wish in the Dark, Project Hail Mary, Atomic Habits, and The Wreckage of My Presence!

Check out our staff-curated lists or ask a librarian for recommendations through our Shelf Made service.