External Event: FOPAL Book Sale

Don't miss this month's Friends of the Palo Alto Library Book Sale! There will be three rooms with over 70,000 books, CDs, DVDs, puzzles, etc., new & gently used, all sorted, very reasonably priced! Proceeds benefit the Palo Alto libraries.  For the safety and comfort......More

Don't miss this month's Friends of the Palo Alto Library Book Sale! There will be three rooms with over 70,000 books, CDs, DVDs, puzzles, etc., new & gently used, all sorted, very reasonably priced! Proceeds benefit the Palo Alto libraries.  For the safety and comfort of all participants, masks are suggested and room occupancy will be lower than usual. Please visit fopal.org for more information. Saturday Hours: Bargain Room 9:30am – 4pm Children’s Room 10am – 4pm Main Room 11am – 4pm Sunday Hours: All Rooms 1pm – 4pm

Bay Area Quiz Club

Join the Bay Area Quiz Club for fun trivia and friendly competition! Bay Area Quiz Club (BAQC) is a volunteer run organization. We aim to have fun and enjoy quizzing in a friendly, inclusive environment. The focus of the club is to build a community around in-person ......More

Join the Bay Area Quiz Club for fun trivia and friendly competition! Bay Area Quiz Club (BAQC) is a volunteer run organization. We aim to have fun and enjoy quizzing in a friendly, inclusive environment. The focus of the club is to build a community around in-person quizzing in the Bay Area.Our quizzes take place from 2-6pm on the second Sunday of every month, at Mitchell Park Library, Palo Alto. It is free and open to everyone.

Next Chapter Book Club: The Emperor's Riddle

Next Chapter Book Club is a welcoming space for fourth and fifth graders to explore great stories, spark their imaginations, and make new friends. Each month, we dive into an age-appropriate book and bring it to life through engaging discussions and themed activities—l......More

Next Chapter Book Club is a welcoming space for fourth and fifth graders to explore great stories, spark their imaginations, and make new friends. Each month, we dive into an age-appropriate book and bring it to life through engaging discussions and themed activities—like games, crafts, and quizzes—all designed to make reading fun and interactive. In November, we are reading The Emperor's Riddle by Kat Zhang.

CANCELED External Event: 3rd Thursday on California Ave

Experience live music, local eats, and shopping at 3rd Thursdays on California Avenue. Musicians will perform at different spots along the avenue, offering a chance to discover and support local businesses. Enjoy additional attractions such as photo booth and community......More

Experience live music, local eats, and shopping at 3rd Thursdays on California Avenue. Musicians will perform at different spots along the avenue, offering a chance to discover and support local businesses. Enjoy additional attractions such as photo booth and community art. Sponsored by the City of Palo Alto and the Chamber of Commerce, this free monthly music series occurs every third Thursday and all are welcome. Join us on Cal Ave and be part of the festivities! Learn More February 20  –  Let's Grow Together March 20 – Youth Views  April 17  –  Greening Up Cal Ave May 15 – We are Two-gether June 19  – Local Libations July 17 – Summer Fun & Games August 21 – Taste of Cal Ave September 18 – Let's Dance October 16 – Sustainability Fun Fair November 20 – Thankscaring December 18 – Winter Lights

AI Helpdesk: Virtual & In-Person

Join this special edition stream hosted in the ......More

Join this special edition stream hosted in the ReBoot Room where we troubleshoot your problems using AI tools and talk about the best ways to use (and not use) them in daily life. Learn more about AI@PACL on our website or watch past AI Helpdesk streams on our YouTube channel! This is an online event and no registration is required! Please register to reserve your seat at Mitchell Park Library or chat with us on YouTube.

Quilting Basics with local Artists Mik and May Gaspay

Join us for another hands on workshop designed for beginners eager to explore the art of quilting. In this session, you will learn essential techniques such as fabric selection, cutting, piecing, and basic stitching.  You will be guided by May and Mik Gaspay, current......More

Join us for another hands on workshop designed for beginners eager to explore the art of quilting. In this session, you will learn essential techniques such as fabric selection, cutting, piecing, and basic stitching.  You will be guided by May and Mik Gaspay, current Cubberley Artist Studio Program (CASP) residents. They will walk you through the process of creating a simple quilt block, giving you the foundational skills to start your own quilting projects.  Sewing machine experience required. All basic materials will be provided.  Age level 14 and up Check out more of their art here: https://mikgaspay.com/

Mindfulness Meditation

**The December 20 in-person mindfulness meditation session is the last one for 2025. The program returns on January 10, 2026.** Come and improve your mental and physical health in mindfulness meditation sessions led by Phuong Pham. Each session is 45 minutes of sittin......More

**The December 20 in-person mindfulness meditation session is the last one for 2025. The program returns on January 10, 2026.** Come and improve your mental and physical health in mindfulness meditation sessions led by Phuong Pham. Each session is 45 minutes of sitting and/or walking meditation followed by 15 minutes of group sharing and Q&A. It is open to all levels of experience and no registration is required. Participants are encouraged to bring their own yoga mats and/or meditation cushions. Chairs are available for those who do not bring them. Phuong is a Buddhist nun experienced in leading mindfulness meditation. You can learn more about Phuong here and can watch her meditation videos on the library's YouTube channel here.

Leisure Noon Origami

Join us at noon on select Sundays for leisure origami! Each Sunday will bring a different origami project. All skill levels and ages welcome!

Early Closure: Christmas Eve

Mitchell Park and Rinconada libraries will be closing early at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24. Please note: Downtown, College Terrace & Children's Library will remain closed December 24 through January 1. Our e......More

Mitchell Park and Rinconada libraries will be closing early at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24. Please note: Downtown, College Terrace & Children's Library will remain closed December 24 through January 1. Our eLibrary is open 24/7!

CLOSED: Christmas

All Palo Alto City libraries will be closed Thursday, December 25 for Christmas. Mitchell Park and Rinconada libraries will reopen on Friday, December 26 at 10 a.m. Please note: Downtown, College Terrace & Children's Library will remain closed December 24 through Janu......More

All Palo Alto City libraries will be closed Thursday, December 25 for Christmas. Mitchell Park and Rinconada libraries will reopen on Friday, December 26 at 10 a.m. Please note: Downtown, College Terrace & Children's Library will remain closed December 24 through January 1. Our eLibrary is open 24/7!

Photography Meetup

Join us for a monthly meetup designed for intermediate and advanced photographers hosted by Matthew TW Huang. Whether you're into portrait, landscape, or any other type of photography, all are welcome! Each sessi......More

Join us for a monthly meetup designed for intermediate and advanced photographers hosted by Matthew TW Huang. Whether you're into portrait, landscape, or any other type of photography, all are welcome! Each session will feature discussions on techniques, tips for improving your craft, and other aspects of photography.  Ideas for 5-10 min topics, photo stories, or presentations can be emailed to [email protected]. There will be time for a couple of ideas to be presented at each meeting. The format will evolve based on your interests and feedback, creating a supportive and dynamic space for photographers to connect, learn, and grow.

Early Closure: New Year's Eve

Mitchell Park and Rinconada libraries will be closing early at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31. Please note: Downtown, College Terrace & Children's Library will remain closed December 24 through January 1. Our e......More

Mitchell Park and Rinconada libraries will be closing early at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31. Please note: Downtown, College Terrace & Children's Library will remain closed December 24 through January 1. Our eLibrary is open 24/7!

CLOSED: New Year's

All Palo Alto City libraries will be closed on Thursday, January 1 for New Year's Day. Our eLibrary is open 24/7!