As of July 1, a new fiscal year began including implementing new Council-adopted annual operating and capital budgets. In June, following a series of public hearings and City Council deliberations, the Council adopted a Fiscal Year 2026-27 operating budget that addressed a projected $17.1 million General Fund deficit. The operating budget or General Fund funds most of the City departments and services such as community and library services, police, fire, emergency medical services, transportation, and planning and code enforcement. While there are continued unknowns and uncertainties ahead, the FY 2026-27 Budget supports community priorities and services while implementing long-term balanced financial strategies through spending reductions and cost-saving measures across City departments, revenue enhancements, government efficiencies, and other fiscal adjustments.
As part of these efforts, the Children's Library will be closed Mondays beginning July 20. The Children’s Library will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed Sundays and Mondays). Library materials may still be returned through the Children’s Library book drop and online library services continue 24/7.
Library patrons may visit Rinconada Library located within walking distance to the Children’s Library or visit any of the City’s five library locations. Rinconada Library is open Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. except for Thursday, which is open 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Learn more about the City Council’s June 15 budget deliberations and actions. For City budget background materials, go to paloalto.gov/budget.