Children's Library
Hours & Information
Today's Hours
Independence DayClosed until 10:00am Monday
Regular Hours
MondayÂ
10:00AM - 6:00PM
TuesdayÂ
10:00AM - 6:00PM
WednesdayÂ
10:00AM - 6:00PM
ThursdayÂ
10:00AM - 6:00PM
FridayÂ
10:00AM - 6:00PM
SaturdayÂ
10:00AM - 6:00PM
SundayÂ
Closed
Upcoming Holidays and Closures
Independence Day
Friday, July 3, 2026 - Saturday, July 4, 2026
Closed All Day
1276 Harriet Street
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Built in 1940, the Children's Library was the first freestanding library in the United States intended solely for children. The Children's Library serves children from birth through 5th grade in a fun and inviting garden setting.…
Holidays and Closures
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Independence DayFriday, July 3, 2026 - Saturday, July 4, 2026Closed All Day
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Labor DayMonday, September 7, 2026Closed All Day
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Indigenous Peoples' DayMonday, October 12, 2026Closed All Day
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Veteran's DayWednesday, November 11, 2026Closed All Day
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Day Before ThanksgivingWednesday, November 25, 2026Closes early: 5:00pm
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ThanksgivingThursday, November 26, 2026 - Friday, November 27, 2026Closed All Day
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Winter Holiday - Children's, College Terrace, and Downtown LibrariesThursday, December 24, 2026 - Friday, January 1, 2027Closed All Day
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Christmas DayFriday, December 25, 2026Closed All Day
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New Year's DayFriday, January 1, 2027Closed All Day
Featured Services
Secret Garden & Wishing Well
Discover a magical space behind the children's library where you can relax, read, and enjoy time with family. Don't forget to make a wish while you're there!
The Library Fairy
The Library Fairy is currently on extended holiday in the Fairy Realm. She will return soon.
Unique History
Come in to study in front of the historic fireplace and learn more about Lucy Stern and the library's unique history.
About Children's Library
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- Bike Racks
- Computers & Wi-fi
- Parking Lot
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On-street parking in front of the library on Harriet Street or in the parking lot of about 63 spaces not including the EV charging stations or designated Car Pool Parking shared by the Junior Museum & Zoo and the Children's Theater between Hopkins Street and Middlefield Road. Bike racks are available in front of the library and also in the shared parking lot.
Map
New & Available at Children's Library
News & Blogs
Featured Spaces
Share Your Story Through Nature Journaling!
Get curious about the world around you and put it down on paper! Learn more about how to get started with nature journaling.
Field Guide to a Pollinator Garden
Learn more about Mitchell Park Library's pollinator garden, populated with native California plants.
Celebrating Palo Alto Children's Library
Learn more about the first freestanding library in the United States intended solely for children.
Introducing the Palo Alto City Library App
Download our free app to explore everything the library offers from your device!
Share Your Story Through Nature Journaling!
Get curious about the world around you and put it down on paper! Learn more about how to get started with nature journaling.
Field Guide to a Pollinator Garden
Learn more about Mitchell Park Library's pollinator garden, populated with native California plants.
Celebrating Palo Alto Children's Library
Learn more about the first freestanding library in the United States intended solely for children.
Introducing the Palo Alto City Library App
Download our free app to explore everything the library offers from your device!