Current Library Services

Beginning January 18, 2022, changes to in-library access will go into effect as follows:

Closed Branches

• Children's
• College Terrace
• Downtown

Open Branches

• Mitchell Park Library (limited stays)
• Rinconada (limited stays and reduced hours)

See our branch schedules for current open times.

• Staffing is limited due to vacancies and remote work, so wait times for assistance and holds may be longer.
• Customers are encouraged to keep their visits to about 45 minutes.
• Masks are still required for all visitors 3 years and up regardless of vaccination status. Please make sure your mask covers your nose and mouth before entering the Library. Masks are available at the front desk if needed.
• No food or drink will be allowed inside to prevent unmasking.

Remote Services Remain Available

• Staff assistance by
  • phone (650) 329-2436
  • email
  • Research and Reference help, opens a new window
  • Reading recommendations, opens a new window  

Rinconada and Mitchell Park offer holds-pickup within the library. When you receive your holds notice for these locations, you may come down and pickup your hold in-person.

Changes to Holds at Smaller Branches

The following branches will alter holds services due to impacts from the Omicron surge.

• Children's
• College Terrace
• Downtown

Holds will no longer be sent to these locations for pick-up effective Friday, January 14

Downtown & College Terrace

After January 18, customers with holds ready for pick-up at Downtown and College Terrace Libraries can pick-up their holds at these locations on:

• • Thursday, January 20
  • Friday, January 21 between 1-5pm

After January 21, holds not picked up at Downtown Library will be transferred to Rinconada Library, and holds not picked up at College Terrace Library will be transferred to Mitchell Park Library for pick up

Children's Library

Effective January 18, all holds ready for pick-up at Children’s Library will be automatically transferred to Rinconada Library for pick up

Customers can move their holds now by calling 650-329-2436 or emailing librarycirculation@cityofpaloalto.org

See our branch schedules for availability.

Please allow up to 5-7 business days between your hold request and notification that it has been filled. This applies to items that are currently in the library. For items currently checked out to other customers or still on order, wait times may vary.

We appreciate your patience.

Items can continue to be returned at all locations while they are closed.

Step 1 - Return your items to one of our return slots.

24x7 return slots are back at all branches.

Step 2 - Please allow three days for materials to be cleared from your library account. Due to limited opening hours, it will take longer for materials to be processed by our staff.

Step 3 - Overdue fines are not incurred at this time. We appreciate your patience.

The eLibrary is always open, 24/7.

Using your personal device, you can access our collection of eBooks, streaming movies, music and online resources from anywhere.

The Library also is offering a variety of virtual events for all ages. Many are weekly or monthly. See our Events Calendar to join us!

You can also watch a variety of programs for all ages on our YouTube Channel.

See our technology page for more information. This service is free, does not require a library card to access, and is available at all branches while you are within signal range.

Effective January 18:

Mitchell Park & Rinconada

Some public PCs will be unavailable to provide social distancing.

Copy machines, wireless printing and scanning services will be available, but staff assistance will be limited.

Other Locations

No services.

These small, portable laptops are available at no cost. See our technology page for more information.

LINK+ enables you to borrow books from outside the Palo Alto Library system.