Palo Alto, CA –

Palo Alto – The long-awaited renovation and expansion of Palo Alto Children's Library will begin this winter. The $2.6 million plan includes the addition of 2,600 sq. ft. of space and upgrades of the mechanical, electrical and seismic systems as well as improvements to building accessibility. Originally designed by renowned architect Birge Clark in 1940, and basically unmodified since that time, the Children's Library is a historically significant building and a beloved Palo Alto treasure. The renovation is being designed by Architectural Resources Group, a firm noted for its work on historic buildings. The new design is sensitive to the preservation of the historic building, and at the same time allows the needs of contemporary customers to be served. The Children's Library will close for the renovation project on December 18, 2005.

During the expected two-year closure, all four remaining Palo Alto City Library locations will offer services and collections for young people:

• The Main Library, located four blocks east of the Children's Library, will be the new, temporary home to approximately one-third of the books, media and other materials from the Children's Library. Beginning in January, regular children's programs and reference service for children will also be available at Main .
• The children's area at the Downtown Branch will be expanded to house space for programs and a larger collection. A new six-week family storytime will start in January.
• Children's materials and programs will continue to be provided at the College Terrace and Mitchell Park Branches.

To celebrate the renovation, which has been more than five years in the making, the Children's Library has scheduled several special events:

• Puppet Show, “The Boy who Cried Wolf” for toddlers and preschoolers on Monday, December 5 and Tuesday, December 6 at 10:30am.
• Premiere of the play, “The Children's Library Fairy,” for children in kindergarten and up, on Thursday, December 8 at 3:30 and 7pm.
• Children's Red Wagon Parade to transfer books to the Main Library, for children in kindergarten and up, following the 3:30 play on December 8.

The Children's Library renovation was made possible by the community's generous donations to the Friends of the Palo Alto Library and the Palo Alto Library Foundation.

For additional information, see the Library website at www.cityofpaloalto.org/library or contact the Children's Library at (650) 329-2436.

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