Facility & Collections | Exhibits in the Library | Events | Book Clubs | News | Support the Library | Los Altos Library Endowment | Teen Advisory Board | Library-Sponsored Events | Library History
The Los Altos Library (650-948-7683) is a member of the Santa Clara County Library District. As a member, we provide the following:
- Events for all ages
- Storytimes
- Dedicated Children's and Teen spaces
- Online Collections & Services, Available 24/7
- eBooks, eMagazines, eMovies, eMusic, Research, Homework Help, Online Classes, and More!
- Reference & Readers' Advisory and Account Services
- Public-use computers and technology equipment, including
- Free Wi-Fi and Internet access
- Full service computers with Microsoft Office software
- Color printer and photocopier
- Wireless printing for Android & iOS and for Laptops
- Multimedia scanning
- Self-check stations
- Learn more about computers, Wi-Fi, children's computers, and other technologies in the library!
- Book drop for returning items, accessible 24/7
Facility & Collections
The Los Altos Library is housed in a 28,050 sq. ft. building. The facility includes:
- A Community Meeting Room with maximum capacity of 100 people
- Access to an extensive, shared County Library collection of over two million books, movies, and more
- Non-English Language Collections
- Special Collection: The Virginia Whipple Collection
Exhibits in the Library
If you are interested in exhibiting your artwork, please read our Exhibit Policy and submit an online art exhibit application, opens a new window. If you have any questions, please contact vsheu@sccl.org.
Events
Attend free Los Altos Library events for all ages and diverse interests. Among offerings for kids are out popular Storytimes.
Book Clubs
- Book Bugs
- Great Books Club
- Senior Book Club
- Spring Into a Good Book Club
- Whodunit? Mystery Readers Group
Latest News
Support the Library
Los Altos Library Endowment
The Los Altos community has formed the Los Altos Library Endowment (LALE) in order to provide additional financial support for Los Altos Library's services, collections, equipment, facilities and programs.
To find out more, go to the Los Altos Library Endowment, opens a new window website.
Teen Advisory Board
Teen Advisory Board applications accepted annually. Contact the Los Altos Library Teen Librarian at (650) 948-7683 for more information.
Propose a Library-Sponsored Event
After reviewing the Program Policy, please fill out this application to propose that the library sponsor an event that you (or your team) offer, to be held at the library. Due to the high volume of program applications we receive, we may only contact you if we may be interested in partnering with you on a future program/event. Thank you for your interest in library-sponsored events.
Looking for rooms to book? Visit the Book a Room page.
Library History
Timeline
1914
Los Altos land agent C.E. Minor opens a library in his land office at First and Main Streets with 50 books and $5 per month from the County.
1921
After having several homes, including the Copeland Building, Shoup Building, and the Scout Hall, Jessie Landels (later her husband, Reverend Thomas) is appointed Los Altos Librarian with 500 books and $10 per month.
1934
Paul and Guy Shoup rally Los Altans to provide materials to transform the Southern Pacific Power House into a new library.
1956
At the request of local Girl Scouts, the mayor studies the library's needs. Friends of the Los Altos Library formed and voters pass the first of four successful library measures.
1964
Los Altos Library is built on the current site in the Civic Center.
1975
Voters pass bonds to expand the Main Library and construct Woodland Library.
1985
Voters pass a 5-year tax to restore library services after previous reductions.
1990
Voters renew the 1985 tax and vote to expand the Main Library.
Woodland Branch Library
Los Altos Library has a branch location in Los Altos. To learn more, visit the Woodland Branch Library page.
