East Palo Alto
Is Getting a
New Library!
The City of East Palo Alto in partnership with San Mateo County Libraries, and with support from the Foundation for San Mateo County Libraries, is designing a new Community Library!
The City of East Palo Alto recently purchased 1.07 acres at 2474 Pulgas Ave., next to the EPACENTER arts facility, with the goal of creating a civic library and community common space where residents can access library services and arts education.
Exciting library features could include:
An expanded collection of materials, from bilingual books and DVDs to streaming movies and WiFi hotspots
A collaborative makerspace that includes 3D printers, laser cutter, or sewing machines
A culinary learning teaching kitchen with a demonstration garden
Ample access to technology, including laptops and desktops
An expansive and dedicated children’s room
A quiet reading room that is acoustically separated and designed for reading and individual work
A flexible and welcoming teen room that encourages social interaction and impromptu study groups
Several study rooms, meeting rooms, and a large community room
Indoor/outdoor connections with large windows
The new East Palo Alto Library will be a state-of-the-art facility designed to serve the needs of East Palo Alto’s diverse population, but we need your help to get it right. Fill out a survey to make your voice heard!
Share Your Views
We are collecting input from local residents about what the community needs in a library. The viewpoints shared will inform the design of the new library.
If you are interested in sharing your thoughts, please click on the link below to fill out a 3-minute online survey (in English or Spanish):
Community Engagement & Project Timeline
In 2017 - 2018, a Needs Assessment was conducted by The City of East Palo Alto, County of San Mateo County, and San Mateo County Library Joint Powers Authority (JPA). The findings from this Assessment suggested that the existing East Palo Alto Library facility presented significant barriers to the effective delivery of library services to East Palo Alto residents.
In 2018, the architectural design firm wHY Architects was retained by the San Mateo County Library JPA to explore the feasibility of the site on Pulgas Ave. and to develop a conceptual design and budget estimate.
On March 5th, 2024, the City of East Palo Alto retained Noll & Tam Architects of Berkeley, CA to provide design services for the new Library. As part of their design services, the conceptual design previously developed by wHY Architects is being revisited to reflect current community needs.
Further information on the actions of the East Palo Alto City Council and their selection of architects for the project can be found here: East Palo Alto City Council documents.
Project History
For More Information
Visit here to learn more about San Mateo County Libraries and the East Palo Alto Library:
San Mateo County Libraries website
East Palo Alto Library website
Visit here to learn about details of the development of the new Library from the East Palo Alto Department of Public Works:
Public Works: East Palo Alto Library
Visit here to learn more about the Foundation for San Mateo County Libraries and how you can support libraries across San Mateo County:
Foundation for San Mateo County Libraries
Contact
Have questions or feedback for the project develoment team?
Please email us at bzaro@cityofepa.org.