Los Altos Public Library

I am surprised that apparently no one has mentioned that two EV charging cables are just down the way from the Library door, and there are four more EV charging cables just a hop and a skip down the road on the other side of San Antonio Road.
We were here for a Thanksgiving dinner with some local residents; so we charged the Prius Plug-​In before and after our visit. The City of Los Altos provided charging for a mere 32 cents per kwh, and there are good places to go while the charge is completed such as the Library, the adjoining park and sports field, and nearby businesses. Right next to the EV chargers is a pair of very decent rest rooms. If you do pass by the charger, it displays the current flow and the cumulative kwh transfer thus far; however, many would prefer to go away and come back promptly when the charge should be completed.

Nice librarian told me to not renew the membership until July to save the out of district fees.

Nice library. I love libraries for their used book sales. This library even had some books for $ 0.25 each which is a steal. Their regular priced books were only $ 1-​$ 3 as well. I got The Princess Bride for $ 1 which is great!
There is also a small snack bar where you pay the box. The treats are very cheap.
There is also a room you can rent out. The Bay Area Board Games group meets here regularly I believe.

I just gave a presentation at the library on Sunday. My experience was great. I had to book the room and it cost me $ 10. I did it a couple of months ago because the place is always busy but I was able to have my own time slow from 4PM to 6PM. The people at the library were courteous. They also helped to organize chairs and tables before the presentation. I was able to get a podium, connect my computer through HDMI to the big screen and present my material to 24 people. The place can easily hold 75 and I think the limit is 100. My experience was positive. I highly recommend this place to whoever wants to present to the public. If you book during the week they will publicize your event. If you schedule in the weekend they won’t. That’s the only downside.

Love this library, primarily when all the four libraries in paloalto were inaccessible due to renovation work I would hit up los altos library. They have profound collection of books and being an avid reader I always find myself engaged rather busy here. Love the free internet its actually very fast the library is maintained very clean by volunteers. Separate kids and teen area is awesome. They have vast movie collection varying across the horizon. They usually have book sale for like 25−50cents which would add to a great collection in your homes. A day at losaltos library followed by dessert at Satura would perfectly round off my weekend.
Love their tiny café to grab some snacks. There is a little apricot orchard by the library and its really great sight to catch.

Excellent space to study, browse the web, etc. Librarians are a bit noisy, but understandably so. This place is an absolute gem for anyone in need of a place to concentrate.

When it comes to libraries, the Los Altos library is among the most modern I have been to! They recently updated their signage and library check-​out books, which tells me that this place seeks to stay fresh! They also offer many programs, including presentations for kids, game nights for families, seminars, etc. They also have a 3D printer and will demo it on occasion near the front check out desk. More than offering books, they are truly a community center.
The folks who work here have been here for a while, and it’s nice to see familiar faces. I’ve noticed it is nice for the kids in the children’s section, as they feel comfortable approaching a familiar face for help.
I have spent as long as 5 – 6 hours here, either working with students or studying myself. The librarians don’t mind how long you stay. The nearby apricot orchard makes for a nice scenic beak. There are also food places and coffee shops within walking distance. This library is truly a blessing to the people of Los Altos (and those who work in or frequent the area).

As I’m studying in the library I realize how tired I am, yet still have hours to go until I’m done for the day. I’m sad and desperate until I realize THERE IS COFFEE! I cannot help but be overwhelmed with joy as I realize that these 4 quarters in my pocket become the most useful possession I own. Los Altos library has EVERYTHING! Definitely one of the best libraries I’ve ever been to. The staff is so kind and helpful and the people who frequent this library are extremely respectful. Free wi-​fi, incredibly organized, a plethora of great books and handy how-​to guides. I highly recommend it. Also, the coffee is delicious.

My favorite library. Modern. Up to date. Wifi. Plenty of computers, and a great dvd selection, magazines, oh yeah and there are things called books?
Plenty of tables for studying and the librarians are friendly. And a separate section for kids so they don’t disrupt everyone.
It would be cool if they had an outdoor area with tables and wifi.

lots of material, books dvds movies cds comics magazines etc.
id prefer brighter lights
you need a card to use the wifi

Not particularly interesting and a bit sterile feeling, but nice facilities and layout.

As a new resident of Mountain View, I called this library to see if I could use my former local library card (Redwood City) to check out books here. I was informed in a not-​too-​accommodating tone that use of the Los Altos library requires an $ 80 free. As a former New Yorker, I’ve absolutely never heard of a public library charging for access to their materials. The associate could have at least offered other local, free public library options given the nature of my call.

As a library aficionado, you can say I have pretty high standards, especially when it comes to all-​day study sessions. Los Altos library really hits the mark! As soon as I drive in to Los Altos, I’m surrounded by beautiful trees everywhere and an apricot orchard adjacent to the library.
Don’t be fooled by the looks of the building from the outside! The moment I walked inside, there was so much natural light that came in through the large windows. I always like to sit at the tables that face the apricot orchards and each one has it’s own power outlet and the free wi-​fi works very quickly. They keep the library very clean and the study tables are located toward the back of the library, away from the children/​teen section, allowing for a peaceful study experience.
Overall, the Santa Clara County library system does a great job of maintaining their libraries to make them as user friendly as possible!

We love the library and specially the children’s section of this library!!! The librarians are very knowledgeable and extremely helpful. I wish all librarians were as nice as the ones in the children’s section… The library itself is so comfy and homey we spend hours browsing, reading, …

My youngest daughter enjoyed the toddler sing-​along at 10:15am Tuesdays.
For me, this place is just nicely laid out with big windows, books, CDs and DVDs of all sorts neatly organized, and wide aisles. Though Los Altos is not as gee-​whiz new as the Los Gatos library, it is still a welcoming environment for those who love to read.

Simple, nice library with a good atmosphere, friendly employees and an awesome self-​serve café.

A library is a library, for the most part. Honestly, I rarely ever browse through the shelves at the Los Altos Library. What I do love about this library (and library system) is that you can reserve books/​movies/​etc online (even those that are currently on the shelves) and they’ll pick them for you, and put them in the front, reserve section for you. Makes life really efficient! My trips to the library these days are less than 5 minutes long!

A terrific community resource! They have so many great books, CD’s, DVD’s and more. If they don’t have it they will get it from the Santa Clara county library mother ship.
Why not 5 stars?
Limited hours (not their fault)
Parking is difficult (will be improved with new town center)
Having to pay to have something transfered from the mother ship (policy but still annoying)

I go here with the little girl that I teach… and their kids section is HUGE with a TON of great books.
The check out process is also very quick and painless, pretty much the best place I’ve every been in terms of checking out books.

Wow what a difference! After going to the Campbell library for the past 3.5 years, I forgot how lovely libraries can be. I usually request my books, pick them up when I’m notified they’re in, and quickly exit the library.
I spent a few minutes here the other night, and was very pleased I chose this for my new library.
The librarians are friendly, and nice, (which is a welcome change.)
The library is spacious, and clean, and their hold system is great.
It’s pretty clear where the money for this library system is going, (Campbell is part of the same group of libraries as Los Altos.)
As someone who has spent countless hours in libraries over the years, and NEVER buys books, I greatly value a good library.