Hours Expansion Plans

Attention: This post is over 1 years old and the information may be out of date.Attention: This post is over 1 years old and the information may be out of date.

Update: The Palo Alto City Library is pleased to announce expanded hours starting Tuesday, May 10.

As we shared previously, the Library has working to secure the necessary staffing to reopen all of our branches.

Starting Tuesday, May 10, all five libraries will be adding more service days and hours, expanding as follows:

  • Children's:     
    • Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday: 10 AM–6 PM
  • Downtown:     
    • Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 10 AM–6 PM
  • College Terrace:     
    • Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: 10 AM–6 PM
  • Mitchell Park:     
    • Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10 AM–9 PM
    • Friday and Saturday: 12 PM–6 PM
  • Rinconada:     
    • Tuesday and Wednesday: 10 AM–6 PM
    • Thursday: 12 PM–8 PM
    • Friday and Saturday: 10 AM–6 PM

See our current hours for more information.

Please read more about the Library’s Reopening Plans below. 

2020 Pandemic Closure 

The Palo Alto City Library closed to the public on March 13, 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As we reflect on the challenges and impacts of last year, we remain committed to safely delivering library services through the phased reopening and expansions of our locations.

Budget Cuts and Service Reductions

Early on in the pandemic it was clear that the City would have to deal with a $39 million deficit. Of that $39 million deficit citywide, the Library had to cut $1.6 million from its Fiscal Year 2021 budget of $10.3 million. This cut to the budget was achieved by a reduction to staff, collections, and business hours.

FY21 Reductions and Service Impacts Included:

  • Reduction in Collections budget by $150,000 (a 20% reduction)
  • Reduction of six full-time staff positions and 35 part-time staff (30%), resulting in 25% reduction in service days and hours
  • The Mitchell Park and Rinconada libraries are reduced to six days per week of service, with shorter open hours at Rinconada
  • The Children’s, Downtown, and College Terrace libraries are reduced to three days a week of service

Library Reopening

In April 2021, the Library transitioned from virtual and Sidewalk Services to limited in-branch services, and reopened in phases throughout the year:

  • The Children’s Library reopened on April 13, followed by the Mitchell Park Library on May 4 and Rinconada Library on May 20
  • By June, the Library restored more services like additional seating, public computers and study rooms
  • The Downtown and College Terrace branches were partially reopened on August 26, 2021
  • On September 25, 2021 the Mitchell Park and Rinconada libraries added more service days and hours

FY 21-22 Reopening Plans

Library staff are excited to safely welcome customers back into our branches and appreciate that the City Council has elected not to make any further cuts for FY 21-22.

However, several retirements and resignations during the FY 20-21 fiscal year have impacted the Library’s ability to fully reopen the College Terrace and Downtown libraries, as well as expand open hours at the Mitchell Park and the Rinconada libraries.

When the City Council adopted the fiscal year budget in June, staff reported that we expect it to take 3-6 months before College Terrace and Downtown libraries can be reopened. However, understanding the community’s desire to open all the libraries, staff are working to secure the necessary staffing and resources to accelerate this reopening.

The reopening of six days at Mitchell Park and Rinconada libraries (one shift 10-6 or 12-9) will be completed once all vacant positions are filled. More information about reopening dates will be shared soon.

The Palo Alto City Library appreciates and thanks the community for its support and looks forward to continue providing high quality services.