Friends of The Palo Alto Library brings support to the Palo Alto Public Libraries via book sales, volunteering and advocacy. The Friends of the Palo Alto Library was founded in 1938 and has roughly 155 regular members. Membership spots are available for interested parties.
- Mac's Smoke Shop is a Palo Alto institution. For years, people have been coming to this old-school smoke shop for their tobacco, candy and newspaper/magazine needs. The store also carries smoking paraphernalia and accessories for water pipes, hookahs, cigars and many other products.
All kinds of used books and audio books line the walls at Know Knew Books. The friendly owner stocks "pretty much everything entertainment," and provides a few nice big overstuffed seats to get comfy and read, or use the free WiFi. Look for special events, from breakdancing to poetry readings and play workshops to monologues. Check out the rare books and signed editions, as well as the variety of old figurines, toys and collectibles, which pepper the shelves.
The Christian Science Reading Room offers a wealth of books, magazines and other materials for all students of Christian Science. The Church also hosts Wednesday evening testimony meetings, in which participants are invited to share testimonies of inspiration and healing gained from their study of Christian Science.
Klutz is a children's how-to book company that was opened in 1977 in Palo Alto by three Stanford University graduates. Originally a juggling book company, Klutz has now expanded to make fun and detailed how-to kits for everything from magic tricks to jewelry making for children and teens. Klutz's books are special because they include appropriate tools, for example, beads for a beading kit and a yo-yo for a yo-yo how-to guide. While Klutz does not have its own physical storefront, you may order its products online, request a catalogue, or find a local bookstore or toy shop that offers Klutz books.
Books Inc. brings to Palo Alto "The West's Oldest Independent Bookseller." Its history, according to the bookseller, can be traced back to 1851, when Anton Roman struck it rich during the Gold Rush and opened up a bookstore. After a series of monumental events (including the store being bought, sold, burned, and rebuilt), the store became Books Inc. There are now several locations, including the one in Palo Alto. The bookseller features fiction, non-fiction, magazines, and children's books. Book club meetings and book signings are also held in stores.