Children's Library — Attraction in Palo Alto

First, I was pressured into opening an account for my 2 year old twins! Then I never received an email for opening my account nor an over due statement before getting a bill! In fact I never even received an email saying I checked out books or given information! I was a bit upset that I had been put into the lost book category without getting an email, letter or phone call first! I still had the books even though I was a little late in returning them. In addition, to be charged more than what the books are worth after the fact of returning them is ridiculous! I brought them into the Palo Alto Children's Library on 1276 Harriett St. to inform them that their system is not working and heard from the clerk that other people were experiencing the same problem of not receiving any kind of information! I didn't appreciate their response and then on top of it to have to be charged more than what I would have to pay for if I kept them was atrocious! I have never seen this kind of terrible service in my life! I have never been charged for an over due book as a child l, a parent or as a teacher! No respect, clarification on what the charges were for or courteousness in delivering there speech what so ever! The woman who charged me was very rude and even said we all have been late in our lives and I am late every day to work. I have no idea what that had to do with my charges. The clerk at the front was pleasant and said this has happened to others. Another person from the back said she was wrong in saying that and that it was my job to look in my spam for their email! Not good work ethics treating their staff that way or customer service to me! I will never check out a book or recommend anyone to this library! This was my first time checking out books for my 2 year old twins and the last time I will check out books in Palo Alto! I will check out books at my own school where there is no late charges and...

I happen to like this little library a lot! The librarians I have dealt with there have been always been extremely helpful to me. The library has really great children's and family events that unfortunately have to be limited in size and controlled more than elsewhere, probably due to the limited capacity of the space and small numbers of staff. I like that they have Mandarin storytime, and at a time of day when I can actually get my child there (not too early in the afternoon, but not too late, during the week). Also Family Fun Friday nights (used to be able to enjoy that every single week, but now schedule seems less regular--seasonal?), constructive toys event, seasonal crafts workshops, zookeeper and animal visits from the PA Jr. Museum & Zoo, and on and on! Maybe they take on too much, but we are happy to enjoy as much as they can offer. This is one of the very few older neighborhood libraries left around that hasn't been messed with too much (or torn down completely to be rebuilt), and my daughter and her friends really like it! People who don't like this branch can, and probably now will, go to the new (and impressively massive) Mitchell...

This library is one of that many things that make Palo Alto a great place to raise children. It is a perfect size to be inviting to little ones and still offers programs and resources to serve older children. Its location, adjacent to the Junior Zoo and Museum, Rinconada Park and programs for children at the Lucie Stern Community Center, Palo Alto Pool and the Palo Alto Arts Center make it easy to enjoy several fun activities within walking distance. It is also a...