Better Libraries for Palo Alto!

The Palo Alto Library Foundation is working with the City to make necessary capital improvements to our five libraries. While Children’s has just reopened and College Terrace improvements are planned for 2008, we have libraries that still need our help.

The Problem

• Our two primary library buildings, Main and Mitchell Park, were built in 1958 and it shows.
• Mitchell Park library is far too small to meet the needs of today’s 1,000 daily visitors. It is one-third the size it should be and has half the number of books it needs.
• Our 1958 libraries were designed for a different era. Now we need the right spaces for computers and other technology, group work, quiet study, and educational programs.

The Plan

An independent consultant has recommended:

• Replace Mitchell Park library with one that’s comfortable, spacious, and bright. At approximately 36,000 square feet, this building would provide room for an additional 70,000 books as well as enough space for people to sit and a place for programs for all kinds. For more information, read
  Why replace Mitchell Park Library?
  
  
• Expand Main library by adding a room for programs and multiple study spaces. Renovate the entire historic building and bring lighting and ventilation up to today’s standards.
• Improve Downtown library to reconfigure the layout of the existing public space and improve lighting and ventilation.

Conceptual Draft Designs
Images will open in new window.

 View Image  Mitchell ParK - Overview from the North

 View Image  Mitchell Park - First Floor

 View Image  Mitchell Park - Second Floor

 View Image  Main Library Plan

 View Image  Downtown Library Plan



The Estimated Budget

Preliminary estimates are in the range of:

• $60 million for construction. This includes an estimated $45 million to build a new Mitchell Park Library and Community Center, $12 million to renovate and expand Main Library, and $3 million to upgrade Downtown library.
• $4 million for items such as shelving, display units, chairs, computers, and self check-out machines. These cannot be funded by a bond measure for construction.

Sources of Funds

The City is actively considering multiple sources to pay for these improvements:

• A Bond Measure in 2008
• Private Fundraising
• Federal and State grant mechanisms if available
• City infrastructure improvement funds

Project Status

      The City Council is moving steadily forward to improve our libraries. We hope and expect that a bond measure will be on the ballot in either June or November of 2008. This plan has the enthusiastic support of the Palo Alto Library Foundation and the Library Advisory Commission.

Have a question? Want more information?
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions FAQ   PDF File

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