Children's Library
Late Opening - Staff Holiday Event
Closed until 11:00am today
MondayÂ
Closed
TuesdayÂ
10:00AM - 6:00PM
WednesdayÂ
10:00AM - 6:00PM
ThursdayÂ
10:00AM - 6:00PM
FridayÂ
Closed
SaturdayÂ
10:00AM - 6:00PM
SundayÂ
Closed
1276 Harriet Street
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Phone: (650) 329-2436
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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Late Opening - Staff Holiday EventThursday, November 30, 2023Opens late: 11:00am
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Christmas EveSunday, December 24, 2023Closes early: 5:00pm
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Winter ClosureSunday, December 24, 2023 - Monday, January 1, 2024Closed All Day
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Christmas HolidayMonday, December 25, 2023Closed All Day
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New Year's Eve Early ClosureSunday, December 31, 2023Closes early: 5:00pm
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New Year's HolidayMonday, January 1, 2024Closed All Day
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Martin Luther King Jr. DayMonday, January 15, 2024Closed All Day
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President's DayMonday, February 19, 2024Closed All Day
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Memorial DayMonday, May 27, 2024Closed All Day
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Independence DayThursday, July 4, 2024Closed All Day
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Labor DayMonday, September 2, 2024Closed All Day
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Indigenous People's DayMonday, October 14, 2024Closed All Day
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Veteran's DayMonday, November 11, 2024Closed All Day
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Thanksgiving Eve Early ClosureWednesday, November 27, 2024Closes early: 5:00pm
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ThanksgivingThursday, November 28, 2024 - Friday, November 29, 2024Closed All Day
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Christmas Eve Early ClosreTuesday, December 24, 2024Closes early: 5:00pm
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Winter HolidayTuesday, December 24, 2024 - Wednesday, January 1, 2025Closed All Day
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Christmas DayWednesday, December 25, 2024Closed All Day
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New Year's Eve Early ClosureTuesday, December 31, 2024Closes early: 5:00pm
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
Sadie the Library Fairy makes her home in the Children's Library. She's a little shy so you can write her a letter to say hello.

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 shared by the Junior Museum & Zoo and the Children's Theater between Hopkins Street and Middlefield Road.
Map
New & Available at Rinconada
New & Available at Rinconada
News & Blogs
Featured Spaces
Reopening Mondays at Mitchell Park Library
Starting Monday, November 27, Mitchell Park Library will be opening on Mondays!
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.
Library Hours Expansion Update
The Library is starting 2023 with expanded hours at Mitchell Park and Rinconada Libraries.
When You've Lost a Pet
If you've recently lost a pet, these books and resources may be useful to you or your family.