Library

Lucile Schmall Benedetti, A History of Public Library Service in Menlo Park, California, 1889-1969 (January 1970), 190 pp.

"The early days of the 1860's, in the Menlo Park area, were a period of fine and flourishing estates. The large homes often served as summer residences of wealthy San Franciscans. The actual town came into being as a living and business center for those who maintained the pretentious dwellings. As transportation improved, the area subdivided into suburban homesites and a less affluent population settled in the community. Social library movements were attempted, but no permanent organization for providing reading materials existed until the San Mateo County free library opened a branch in Menlo Park in 1916.

"Although established first at the Central School, the library occupied several locations during the early years. Twice it shared quarters with the city hall. As the town grew, more services were needed. In 1949, the library opened on Menlo Avenue in a rented building of its own. Staffed through the years solely by volunteers, the library was given its first professional librarian at this new location.

"Experiencing a period of rapid growth in population, Menlo Park soon outgrew the rented facility. Civic-minded citizens began a campaign for improved library service which resulted in the formation of a mayor's library committee. Basing their decision on the findings of this group, the city council approved the establishment of a board of library trustees. Supplementary funds were voted for library purposes, and Menlo Park took its first step toward an independent municipal service. A city library was authorized by resolution, in 1954, and a cooperative operation was set up with San Mateo County.

"The campaign for better service was assured of success when Menlo Park residents approved a $120,000 bond issue in 1956 for the construction of a new library building in the civic center. The position of city librarian was created, and the salary for this office was provided from city funds. A joint administration of the library ensued by an agreement with the county. In 1961, the municipal library took over full administration by assuming the salaries of all employees, but remained within the county library tax district for another three years. During this period the city actually operated the library for the county on a contractural basis.

"Completely withdrawing from the county library system in 1964, the Menlo Park Public Library became an independent municipal library. Through a series of agreements, the county has continued to provide services to Menlo Park while the library has gradually built up its own book stocks.

"Further expansion proved to be necessary shortly after the new library building was occupied, and a $590,000 bond issue was put to the voters in 1966. It passed by a four to one majority, and the community was assured of an addition to the existing facility that would enlarge the building to over three times its former capacity.

"Dedicated in 1968, the improved building was planned to suffice estimated needs for the next 20 years. An expanded program in all areas has been offered to the local residents. Active participation by a Friends of the Library organization, notable contributions by other service, civic and social groups, and numerous donations from interested patrons have aided and increased the overall effectiveness and quality of the library service."

Benedetti, pp. 137-139

Notes from the text - by Jym Clendenin (1 November 2014):

1872 First school in Menlo Park: 12 students, all ages and sects, at Bridget’s Chapel on corner Middlefield Rd and Ringwood Ave (after moving to Oak Grove Ave, renamed Nativity Church).

1875 Public school constructed on south side of Oak Grove between ECR and University, part of Redwood City School District. Began with 35 students; Miss Nora Sullivan the first teacher.

1880 Local school district formed through efforts of Fannie Doyle, daughter of wealthy pioneer settler and counsel for Catholic Diocese of California John T. Doyle.

1892 A 2-story Central School built on NE side of ECR between Oak Grove and Glenwood. A small library for students and staff was on the 2^nd floor

1912 Central School burned down. Students used the Presbyterian Church on SCA near Chestnut.

1914 New 1-story school opens, same location as the old Central School.

1916 First public library in Menlo Park a branch of the San Mateo County Library, located in principal’s office of the new school, staffed by volunteers, Miss Hanna Burke, a teacher, the custodian.

1917-18 Extensive library services available for Camp Fremont.

1926 Library moved to Menlo Park (Kuck) Hotel, located in what had been a barber shop.

1930 Library moved to City Hall at 1036 Doyle St.

1939 Library moves with City Hall to Elliott Building (east corner of ECR and SCA). Library located in mezzanine.

1948 Library moved to a rented building at 631 Menlo Ave. City as well as County contributes to the rent.

1949 Belle Haven and Suburban Park annexed. City area increases from 1.2 to 3.1 sq. miles, 3000 people added.

1957 New library building at Civic Center opens. City creates post of City Librarian.

1963 Entire library administration comes under jurisdiction of City.

1967 Major expansion triples size of library building.

Last updated: 3 November 2014