City of Palo Alto – Downtown Library

This is still my go to library in palo alto. I still enjoy it. For a small library they have pretty much everything that you may need, and if not they can get it for you.
I tend ro order items online and pick them up at the library. I’ ve had no problems with this system. The items ordered are accurately placed on the hold shelf, are labeled clearly and are easy to find.
The area is neat and clean and the librarians have all been very accommodating and willing to help if needed.
And as mentioned before, they are closed on Mondays so beware, you can just return items on Mondays and not enter the library to do other library services

This library is ok if you use as a place to pick up pre-​requested books

Nice. Quiet. Pleasant place to get some work done.

Love doin my school work here. The outdoor patios are full w the aromas of their flower producing plants. If you don’t have your own laptop or can’t get a public cpu then you can check out a laptop for a couple hours. Not too far from cafes and eateries. Quiet and pleasant. love’t here!

Okay library, new dvds are available in the secret stash. The internet station fills up fast. The hot chocolate is very creamy & delicious!
Okay, there was a rude homeless man who was sleeping right next to me and the another man wanted to use the computer (for work) and he refuses to get off and did not leave when being asked. I also told him that he signed up and then he told me to shut my mouth, and called me a diaper baby. Then the librarian called the police and the police kindly escorted the homeless dick out of the library. i hope he behaves when he comes back.
Oh and if you are taking a nap, a lady will wake you up and make sure everything is OK. Don’t wake me up, woman!

Since the remodel, this library has definitely gotten more use — it’s almost always full when I stop by. Super clean and two great meeting rooms for free, one of which has a projector hookup — great for meetings for up to 8 people, and the price can’t be beat.
I did run into some homeless folks gossiping away with all their stuff parked in front of the bathrooms, but told the front desk and they took care of it.

This library is dismally small and dark. It’s convenient to downtown but they never seem to be open, and the selection is pretty poor (because of the size)

Full remodel and just amazing… bummer part closed Friday Sunday Monday. Dave/​Matthew are really helpful.
City of Palo Alto get a clue and have the best library open more… also w
hy this College Terrace have a library for the few people that live there that’s truly stupid and ridiculous waste of money.

The location is convenient, being across from a police station and all. However, I usually don’t go here since it’s not as spacious as my mind would like. When I’m at the library studying or looking for a quiet space, that doesn’t mean I want a small box. I feel the physical surrounding, in turn, affects my mental state. I’m unable to reach my mind’s outer limits in a stuffy box.

Yep, it’s small and it smells like funky armpits and old potatoes but since you can reserve any book in the Palo Alto library system for free (as opposed the the San Mateo library charging $ 0.75 per request) it’s a great resource.

I went here to study today and won’t be coming back. The library is really small, feels really cramped, and looks really dingy. When I went, homeless people kept arriving one after another until they occupied nearly all the cubicles/​tables. The library suddenly became social hour. Definitely not the quiet study environment I was seeking.
The only redeeming factor is its patio with a cool sculpture outside. Unless you enjoy staring at a multi-​colored sculpture or choosing between 1 of 2 patio tables to work at, stay clear of this place and go to the other PA libraries instead.

The 3 stars come for convenience and wireless internet, and that’s about all.
It’s not all bad downtown at the library, but it’s incredibly small. Then again, there are 2 other branches, so that has to factor in. Still, there is not that much space to study here, and if the homeless folks have come in from the rain to um, «read», then you’ll be S.O.L. If you do manage to get a spot on one of the tables or at a study desk then you just may have to put up with that funky smell from the guy next to you who kindly left his cart right outside the front door, complete with all his life’s possessions in it.
I also take issue with this branch’s weird hours. They open at 11 and close at ⁶⁄₇ depending on the day, and are closed on Sunday/​Monday. Eff that! I need a 7 day a week book oasis!

Hidden behind the police station on Forest and Channing, this library is a great outdoor study spot. They offer free wi-​fi, available computers/​printing if you have a library card, and 2 cute patios with tables, chairs, and umbrellas.
Their parking lot is tiny (20 cars) and pretty much everything around there is 2hr parking, but otherwise it’s a great place to get away from campus for a change of scenery. Plus, if you get bored you can always walk to University for food or a change of venue.