Portola Valley Library

Imagine for a moment that you’re in Silicon Valley, for a day perhaps, or a weekend. Or for all eternity. What to do that hasn’t already been done to death?
Two words: Portola Valley.
Start the day early with a run or hike in WIndy Hill Open Space Preserve. From the valley trailhead — very close to the library — you can craft some wonderful loops in the 8 – 12 mile range, ones that take you to the top of Skyline with Pacific Ocean views and then drop down gorgeous switchbacks through redwoods and oak into dense forest and open meadows before returning to the trailhead parking.
Then, come here: to the Portola Valley public library. It’s a beautiful, perfectly designed space filled with a wealth of books, music, films, and Internet gateways to the world — including wifi hotspots and e-​readers for weekly checkout. If you are a resident of San Mateo County, it’s easy to get a card, which offers you wifi access on site — even from the lovely outdoor patio deck, next to the children’s corner. Yes, that’s right — an outdoor patio deck with super-​fast wifi. While your relatives in North Dakota freeze into the prairie, you can Skype with them in Silicon Valley sunshine as you cool down from your 10 mile redwood and Pacific Ocean run. It’s almost too good to believe.
But wait! It gets even better.
Use that Internet access to locate a bottle of Warner brothers Portola Valley Pinot Noir or Chardonnay (some of the vineyards are less than a mile from the library) — from K&L or Beltramo’s, most likely, or Robert’s Market in Woodside — and spring for a bottle of what is among the best of the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA appellation. Bring the bottle — and maybe a DVD («White God» and «Into the Woods» are both great picks) or CD (John Mayer’s «Paradise Valley,» for example) from the library — to your evening dinner date, and watch the magic happen.
Public libraries and Silicon Valley definitely DO mix. There is nothing old-​fashioned or uncool about it. With a little creative Unilocal-​assisted planning, you can make your trip to Portola Valley one for the ages!

Amazing and beautiful Library! I love the story time there for babies! on Monday! Katryn is so funny and creative. We love the Spanish song too. Also I love the free workshops to creative activities for the kids.

Wow! This place is AWESOME. It’s a bit out of the way, but absolutely beautiful and peaceful. Nestled in the foothills with big windows and a spacious interior. It a great relaxing space.

What a beautiful library in such a peaceful & relaxing setting! I brought my infant son to the Spanish story time and it was a great experience. The teachers/​librarians were very friendly and so were the moms & nannies I met. Getting to the library took some time but it was a beautiful drive with such great scenery. If you are looking to get away with the kids without having to drive too far, I definitely recommend this place. There is also a large field and park right next to the library perfect for a picnic. I will definitely be back and make it a day trip!

Gorgeous library, incredible staff, and STELLAR storytimes! Add to this an amazing book selection and the local park (my favorite park in the bay area, to be honest), and this library is an all-​around WIN!

Great small library in a beautiful setting surrounded by redwoods. Free electric vehicle charging (powered by solar panels on the roof). As other reviewers noted there are many interesting community events most weekends. The kids alcove with computers and the adjacent fields and playgrounds are great for kids.

Read the reviews and then tell me that libraries are out of date! The PV library is the library of the future and the town is lucky to have such a wonderful resource, great staff, and a place for kids to go (!) that has BOOKS.

Friendly librarians. One is really knowledgeable… one is not. Great kids corner and very welcoming place. The puppet show was wonderful. Still like Menlo park library better, but this one is 100% better than the old building it occupied. Great design work!

A beautiful, small and cozy library with a backdrop to die for. It is great for an afternoon escape. My husband and I walk to it every Saturday afternoon to indulge in every free newspaper and magazine we love.
It can get a little noisy with children at times but there are 2 rooms with doors if you demand quiet or cannot concentrate with background noise.
Every time I go there they have to kick me out. I could (and have) spent all day there. A very peaceful retreat and the librarians are awesome.

Small library where not many people come to study besides a few kids hanging out after school.
Polite librarians, some interesting events now and then, and a library in a gorgeous and isolated area. like it a lot.