Since 1946, the Los Altos Library has been nestled in the historic apricot orchard that surrounds the civic center complex. Besides books, the library offers a selection of DVDs, computer games, CDs, audio books and computers with Internet access.
The library is filled with natural light, and the Children's Room features cushioned furniture that invites parents and children to cozy up with a book. The library hosts mystery book clubs, author nights, family movie nights and children's story hours for different age groups. There is a group study room for those who need to discuss material without disturbing other patrons. It also offers a program room, with capacity for 100 people, for use by organizations on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
The current 28,000 square-foot structure opened in 1964 and was remodeled in 1993. In June 2010, voters approved a parcel tax to help maintain existing hours and programs at both the Los Altos and Woodland libraries.
Woodland Library is a small branch serving the southern part of Los Altos, and is part of the Santa Clara County Library system. The 4,600-square-foot branch provides an alternative to the bustling library in downtown Los Altos, and feels pocket-sized in comparison. While that may be a drawback for some, Woodland has the feel of an intimate neighborhood spot.
There is a reading lounge, children's area and a short row of computers with Internet access. The back door leads to a spacious, brick-lined patio where redwood trees and oleander provide a shady place for outside reading. There is a picnic table and benches for those brown-bagging it. The children's bedtime story program brings pajama'd youngsters in on Monday nights. The DVD section is quite popular and the library limits 10 checkouts per patron.
The library opened in 1975 to serve an area that had for decades relied on the county's bookmobile for services without driving downtown. After a six-month closure to repair rain and termite damage, Woodland re-opened in March 2010 with a ribbon-cutting. Regular patrons will notice the library has exchanged the old, brown wood exterior for a brighter, yellow-and-green facade. It has an old-fashioned book drop outside for returns. Voters approved a parcel tax in June 2010 to keep programs running and hours stable at both Woodland and the Los Altos libraries.
The parking lot, which is entered from one driveway and exited from another on the opposite end, holds about 25 cars, plus a few handicapped parking spaces. For those not driving, there is a bike rack, and VTA bus route #51 has a stop right in front of the library.
The City of Los Altos Senior Center runs a variety of programs especially catering to its community's elder citizens. Programming includes movie screenings, birthday bingo and bimonthly luncheons. Activities include line dancing, bocce ball, ping pong, various card games, artventures, computer tutorials, a book club and day and extended trips.
Resources available include housing services, health insurance, case management, recycling medication, eye-glasses and batteries. Programs and activities are open to the public while a select amount are exclusive to center members.
At 8.4 square miles, Los Altos Hills is the smallest incorporated town in the state, but its town hall is among the smartest. Where else can you check the output of the Town Hall solar panels at any point in time?
The latest Town Hall design was the product of a design competition. It was built in 2005, using the latest in solar and energy technology. Maintaining a tie to the town's history, the building is designed to show off a heritage oak. Orchard trees--apricot and prune--are planted behind the solar panels. Farm equipment, laid out underneath the panels, complete the homage to the town's farming history.
The Purissima Hills Water District shares its parking lot.
The City Council meets at 7:30pm on the third Thursday of every month. The Planning Commission meets at 7pm on the first Thursday of every month.