Libraries serve not only as repositories of knowledge and entertainment, but also as local community centers and study spaces. As students, we have access to both the school’s library as well as Palo Alto’s acclaimed system, which includes five branches spread across the city. 

Obviously, the school library has the most convenient location for students, and it’s filled with cozy study spaces and a calm, inviting environment. 

But its hours are limited, especially on off-school days, and since it doesn’t have the largest collection, students may often find the books they’re looking for aren’t available.  

That award for largest collection goes to the Mitchell Park Library, located at 3700 Middlefield Rd. Renovated and re-opened in 2014, the modernized library features three floors of endless shelves containing all genres and mediums — from picture books and movies to non-fiction and Chinese literature. 

As the largest of Palo Alto Library’s branches, Mitchell also serves as a hub for a variety of community events, from weekly Family Storytime to an annual Chinese New Year festival. In addition to its community spaces, Mitchell features abundant study spaces and generous hours (10 a.m. – 9 p.m.), providing students with a late night option after the school library closes four hours earlier. 

In contrast, most of Palo Alto’s other libraries are only open until 6 p.m., and some have even more restrictive hours.

Can’t lock in? No worries. Students looking for a break from studying can take advantage of expansive Mitchell Park or buy a drink from Ada’s Cafe, conveniently located outside the library’s front doors. But excepting the hours between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., Mitchell isn’t the only choice for stressful studying.

Despite having abundant study spaces — including an open patio with a mediocre view of the road — Mitchell Park’s busy nature means open seats can be hard to come by. Those who prefer quieter spaces may find it difficult to focus in the expansive, bustling museum of distractions.  

Ultimately, different people work better in different environments. As such, the Rinconada Library (1213 Newell Rd) may present a better option for students who prefer a more peaceful setting.  

Far less busy than Mitchell, its unassuming exterior conceals a hidden gem. Within the brown brick walls lies a quiet haven — both for avid readers and stressed students cramming for tests. 

The library’s collection, while smaller than Mitchell’s, is still diverse and modern and also provides a dedicated space for teens. Although much smaller than Mitchell, Rinconada’s cozier, less open design lends itself to a more personal, almost serene atmosphere, which can help alleviate stress and anxiety.

Students looking for fresh air can take advantage of the outdoor space immediately surrounding the library, which includes a community garden and art gallery. In addition, they can take a short trek to the nearby Rinconada park. While not as large as Mitchell’s, the redwood trees and walking paths can provide a stress-relieving diversion. 

On one hand, the outdoor space is smaller than Mitchell’s and the park is disconnected from the main library grounds. But on the other hand, that also means on a walk around the library on weekdays, you are unlikely to run into more than a few people.

Still, Rinconada is far from empty and much more than just a library, especially on weekends, where it proves a popular spot for families. The grounds periodically host events and weekly classes — from music recitals and chess classes to pottery lessons and the Great Glass Pumpkin Patch held every fall.

Rinconada is a great alternative to Palo Alto’s flagship library, but it’s not the only one. 

The College Terrace Library (2300 Wellesley Street) sees even less action than Rinconada, and is conveniently located in the College Terrace residential district. However, the library is also the smallest of the five, so its collection may be limited. 

Additionally, the library’s hours are even more restrictive, being closed on Sundays and Mondays. So unless you live nearby, the College Terrace Library is probably not worth going out of your way to visit. 

A similar alternative is the Downtown Library (270 Forest Avenue). From a bird’s eye view, the library has similar pros and cons to College Terrace, even having the same hours. However, while small, it is significantly larger than College Terrace, and its location could be more convenient for students who live nearby or frequent the downtown area often.

Honorable Mention: the Children’s Library.

While not ideal for studying or browsing, it would seem inappropriate to omit the Children’s Library (1276 Harriet St) from a review of the city’s libraries.

For students who grew up in Palo Alto, the Children’s Library might hold a special place in their childhood memories. The shelves now seem way too low and the chairs so small it’s hard to believe I ever fit in them, but the humble building tucked between houses is quite nostalgic.

From the artful book drop chute to the cozy reading spot in the corner, every nook and cranny is a memory. Ultimately, the Children’s Library is where I began my reading journey and is one of the reasons I think Palo Alto’s library system is so successful.

From the modern and expansive Mitchell Library, to cozy Rinconada and three humble smaller branches, the Palo Alto libraries serve a wide range of the community. Event organizers, bookworms, families and students can all find somewhere that fits their needs and their personal preferences. 

If you’ve never taken advantage of this amazing resource, now — whenever you happen to be reading this — is a great time to start, whether you’re cramming for finals, looking for a new book or just searching for an escape from the stress of school and our lives.