Friends of Palo Alto Monthly Newsletter

Palo Alto Library News

Book Sale Crisis

The Friends of the Library book sales are facing a crisis. A recently approved agreement between the City of Palo Alto and the Palo Alto Unified School District to return the Terman site to the school district failed to include provisions for the continued operation of the FOPAL book sales in Wing 30 of the Terman facility. Former manager and current book sale volunteer Tom Wyman spoke to the City Council on December 17, asking the Council to direct staff to help Friends locate suitable space to receive, sort, price and store books and to hold their monthly book sales. Current book sale manager Marty Paddock met with City Manager Frank Benest on January 7. Benest said he would try to extend our program's stay at Terman. The current deadline is September 1 of this year. Our book sales are important not only to dealers, scouts and collectors, but also to the teachers, parents, children and residents of Palo Alto who come by the hundreds to shop and socialize at our sales. We will keep you informed of the situation and let you know how you can help. -- Marty Paddock

Community Forum on Children's Library on February 7

To help achieve consensus on library improvements, the city is holding a community forum on Thursday, February 7 at the Children's Library (1276 Harriet St.) from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. A design firm specializing in historic buildings will present alternatives for rehabilitating and expanding the Children's Library. The city is seeking public review and input. More information.

President's Day Holiday on February 18

All Palo Alto libraries will be closed on February 18, 2002 for the President's Day holiday. See the complete schedule of library events for February.

City Council Moves Forward on Library Funding

The Palo Alto City Council voted 8-1 on January 22, 2002 to support a November bond measure to expand the Main, Mitchell Park, and Children's libraries. For more information, see the Palo Alto Weekly's article.