Detailed architectural planning for this library is underway with construction in 2012 and reopening in 2013.  In addition to a thorough renovation of the existing building, a new wing with a program room and new restrooms will be added to the library along with four small group study rooms.  Read the most recent construction update for Main Library.

Read the Historic Structure Report for the Main Library.
 Presentation and notes from Oct. 24, 2011 Community Meeting.

The Main Library, designed by Edward Durell Stone, opened in 1958 following a voter approved bond measure that also funded the construction of the Mitchell Park Library. The library is located on Newell Road across from the Palo Alto Art Center. The building is 26,313 square feet, including a 5,000 square foot basement. This library has the largest collection in the system, including the principal reference collection and the archives of the Palo Alto Historical Association.  It serves primarily adults and teens and has a very small children’s collection. The Library is open 62 hours per week.

While the building has received small remodels over the years, it needs a total renovation to bring it up to current codes and standards and to provide needed spaces to accommodate needs of its users. The building lacks any community or group study spaces, resulting in limited programming and the inability for groups to work together on projects without disturbing other users. The existing lighting system provides insufficient illumination for a library – a recent building analysis determined that the luminous ceiling has significantly degraded and transmits only 8%-11% of the light through the panels. Poor lighting is a source of many complaints. The building is heated by hot water from a boiler in the Cultural Center, and there is no air-conditioning.  Find out more about the Main Library building in the Historic Structure Report.

Features of the proposed design for the renovation: