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We hope you’re enjoying summer so far and reconnecting with your community, family, friends and libraries! Our annual Summer Reading Program is in full swing and there’s still time to sign up through July 31! Sign up now to create your reading goal, log your books and minutes spent reading, and try our bi-weekly challenges to reconnect with yourself, creativity and more!

Reconnect With Your Community: HP Laptop Donation Drive

One of the ways you can reconnect with your community this year, is by donating your old/used Windows laptop! We’ve partnered with HP to repurpose used Windows laptops (Dell, HP, Microsoft, etc.) 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 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.

Read Together Storytime Kits

Our new Read Together Storytime Kits are available for checkout! Each kit contains a unique selection of picture books based on a special theme such as Creativity & Imagination, Neighbors, and Do Your Best. Take home a storytime experience by requesting a kit through our catalog! Make sure to join us on Facebook for Read Together Storytime on Thursdays at 11 AM, starting July 8!

Children's, Mitchell Park, and Rinconada libraries

The Palo Alto City Library will be closed on Monday, July 5 for Independence Day. Our eLibrary is open 24/7!

Come Visit Us!

Three branches are open for browsing, pickups and computer use. Masks are required for those who are unvaccinated against Covid-19 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 
Keep up with all the changes to our Current Library Services on our website

Virtual Events

Librarian holding picture book in garden

Little Ones Storytime in the Secret Garden

Every Wednesday 11 AM at Children’s Library Secret Garden

Starting July 14, our Little Ones Storytime will be held in-person! Join us for songs, rhymes and at least one book for children 2 and under—but everyone is welcome! This outdoor program will be held in the Secret Garden between the Library and Children’s Theater.

Please remember:

Wear a mask for this youth event!
Bring Your Own Blanket to sit on outside
Bring Your Own Scarf/Shaker or other prop to move along with
The Library will be open from 1–5 PM

Anne-Marie Bonneau and her book Zero-Waste Chef

This July, join us from some exciting 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!
July 3, 12–12:30 PM: Steam Lab Saturday: Marshmallow Shooter
Wednesdays, July 7–28, 10–10:30 AM: Sensory Storytime
Wacky Wednesdays, 3:30–4:30 PM :
- July 7: Let’s Dance with Niosha Dance Academy!
- July 14: Family Yoga
- July 21: Composting with Worms!
- July 28: Tours and Tails...Inside an Animal Shelter!
July 8, 5–6 PM: Origami Workshop
July 15, 7–8 PM: Author Event with Zero-Waste Chef, Anne-Marie Bonneau
July 16, 11 AM–12 PM: Financial Health & Wellness Session 2: Increase Cash Flow & Manage Debt. These workshops take place every 3rd Friday of the month through November.
July 22, 6–7 PM: Author Event: Carbon Conscious Cooking with Margaret Capetz
July 26–30, 1–2:30 PM: Robotics with Python Summer Camp Series

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!

Community Resources

The Palo Alto Historical Association is now open on Tuesdays (4–8 PM) and Thursdays (1–5 PM) at the Cubberley Community Center, Room K-7.

Pick up a Foothills Nature Preserve Day Pass at any of our three library branches. Ten passes will be available at all three locations, on a first-come, first-served basis.

Join the City's Wellness Wednesday s series focused on building community wellness! Register to attend the next webinar on July 21 at 5 PM.

From Our eLibrary

Explore the cultures of the world with CultureGrams! This resource offers information on the history, culture, lifestyle, and government of over 200 countries, all 50 states in US, and the Canadian provinces and territories.

Freegal Music has added streaming! In addition to your 5 downloads per week, you can now stream songs and full albums as well as create playlists. Download the Freegal Music app to listen on the go!

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

Staff Picks

Looking for some summer reading recommendations? You can ask a librarian through our Shelf Made service, or check out PACL Staff's Best of 2021...so far!