Friends of the Palo Alto Library

Cherie Eldridge

The woman on the phone and the gentleman helping us unload the boxes from our truck were so friendly and helpful. We were donating a valuable library of books dated back to the 1800’s. We were cheerfully donating then knowing their worth. A very mean and cranky woman stood there as we were unloading the boxes. She was glaring at us and telling us orders in a very disrespectful tone. She caused so much conflict that we didn’t feel like leaving our donation there. We packed it back up and she was still being rude and barking her negativity at us. We were gracious and kind but needed to leave without donating our valuable library. She needs to find a different way to volunteer…not work with people. It was an emotional decision to pass them on in the first place, we didn’t need all that stress. Rotten woman.

Zac Cook

Open second Saturday and Sunday each month, 11-4. Cash, PayPal, Venmo accepted. Great treasures for kids including post cards and games!

Natalie Kim

I like spending time here browsing and reading. The new, well thought-out environmentally friendly building provides pleasant atmosphere and reading areas. The catalogue isn't as expansive as Mountain View library, for example, but still decent.

jim dyer

You can buy books at the Middlefield Monthly sales or at the Library stores. I especially like the Middlefield Monthly Sales, held on the second Saturday, Sunday and Monday of each month - and books I saw were almost all between 25-50 cents in paper, and $1-3 hardbound . On the first day, Saturday, there is the biggest selection, on the second day. Sunday, prices go down as low as $5 a bag, later in the day. On the third day, Monday, after 6pm, in the Bargain Room, ALL BOOKS ARE FREE, ON MONDAYS ONCE A MONTH - the second Monday of the month in the Bargain Room. There are thousands of books. It's an advantage of living in a well-to-do district - people can afford to make lots of donations, and there are fewer people shopping for them. I found the all-volunteer staff to be wonderfully helpful and friendly. And buying here is for a good cause, it supports the Palo Alto Public Library.