Dear Library Patron, 

We hope that this message finds you well and safe. The Palo Alto City Library has been planning a revised return system for customers to ensure your safety and to meet Santa Clara County Public Health Department and CDC health standards during the current public health emergency. We’re happy to announce that we will begin our Sidewalk Service later this month offering return of materials and pick-up of library holds!

Sidewalk Service will provide holds pickups and allow patrons to return their library materials at Mitchell Park and Rinconada Library, Monday through Friday from 12-5 p.m., starting next week!

Sidewalk Service Safe Returns Begin June 22
Items can be returned starting Monday, June 22 between 12-5 at the Rinconada and Mitchell Park libraries. Items will be checked in after 72 hours to allow materials to be quarantined before staff can handle them. Because of this safety precaution, items will still appear on your record for several days.

Items will be returned in special bins at Mitchell Park and Rinconada. All of our automated return machines, exterior and parking lot book returns will remain closed at all locations. Please return items on during these specific service days and hours and do not leave them in front of libraries.

Sidewalk Service Library Holds/Requests Begin June 24 & Holds Pick-Up Starts June 26
Requests can be placed on items starting Wednesday, June 24. All holds including Link+ can be picked up starting Friday, June 26. Customers can call 650-329-2436 or email for account or reference assistance. Placing requests for new Link+ items are not available at this time. Holds that have been on the shelves since we closed on March 16 will be available for pickup starting June 26. Items on hold at College Terrace Library will be transferred to Mitchell Park, while holds at Children’s and Downtown Libraries will be moved to Rinconada. Please wait for a notification that your hold is ready at Mitchell Park or Rinconada before calling the library to schedule an appointment to pick it up. When you get the notification, call us at 650-329-2436 to schedule a time to pick up your holds.

Library Materials Due Date Extended to July 31
Due dates have been extended to July 31, so there’s no rush to return items. Fines were have not accumulated during our closure.

Easy Cancellation of Holds
If you no longer need or require a requested item, we’re asking you to please cancel your holds. This will help staff fulfill holds for other patrons in a timely manner. Holds can be canceled online, by emailing pa.library@cityofpaloalto.org or calling 650-329-2436 (starting June 22).

Library Branches Remain Closed & Online Resources Continue
Though our branches will remain closed during this phase of our re-opening, the Library will continue to provide a variety of online and virtual resources and services to the community. These can be accessed virtually through our Library website including access to digital collections, virtual events, Summer Reading Program, and Shelf Made, our new book recommendation service. Visit our webpage for the most up-to-date information and changes to services, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates! And stay informed with how Palo Alto is serving the community by visiting the City’s website and signing up for their daily emails. 

We’re looking forward to re-opening for our Sidewalk Service and seeing you all soon!

Gayathri Kanth 
Interim Library Director