Our History
Los Gatos Carnegie Library, 1903-1954
In 1898, The Los Gatos Floral Society and the Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) operated the town's first reading room in a store over the Los Gatos Creek, supplying the initial collection of books. In 1901, community members wrote to Andrew Carnegie, successfully requesting a $10,000 grant to build a new library. The Los Gatos Carnegie Library opened in1903, the first sanctioned library in Los Gatos. The single room library was just over 2,000 square feet and held 1,000 volumes. Patrons were kindly requested not to spit tobacco juice on the floor, steal books, or swear at the librarian. Librarian Rankin, ahead of her time, created a children’s corner, where young children and their caretakers could read and play quietly together. This unique concept was eventually adopted by libraries all across the state. After the 1906 earthquake, the Carnegie library building, like many others, sustained considerable damage yet remained standing until it was demolished in 1954.
Los Gatos Memorial Library, 1954-1966
Los Gatos’s second library was housed in the American Legion Building on the north side of East Main Street. Constructed in 1949 as the war memorial, the building was funded by $16,000 in private donations. Purchased in 1954 by the Town Council for use as the next library, it was named the Los Gatos Memorial Library to continue to honor the building’s original intent. The Los Gatos Memorial Library was home to 17,000 books and remained in use until 1966.
Los Gatos Civic Center Library, 1966-2012
In 1962, Los Gatos voters approved a bond to build a new Civic Center, including yet another library. Four years later, the town’s third library welcomed its first visitors. By then, the collection of books had reached 50,000 and there was a record collection from which patrons could borrow. There was also a formal Children’s Room with books as well as educational and entertainment programs. This library served the public for fifty years. In 1994, the town bought the land behind the Civic Center for its next library. Over the next 16 years, the town worked on funding, assessments and making the necessary preparations. In 2008, Noll &Tam Architects were hired and two years later, the official groundbreaking finally took place.
Friends of the Los Gatos Library formally established, 1993
The Friends' board was first established on June 14, 1993, with the mission to increase and maintain the community's interest in the library through fundraising, gifts, and donations. By 2007, the need for a modern library became apparent and the Friends began to spark momentum for a capital campaign. In 2010 the official groundbreaking for the new library took place and over the next two years the Friends raised over $2 million to support the new facility and its programs.
Los Gatos Library 2012 to present
In 2012, the modern Los Gatos Library was complete. The 2-story, 30,000 square foot structure is tucked into the side of a wooded hill with Pageant Park as its ‘front yard.’ The design itself is based on a lantern and the myriads of materials are inspired by its natural surroundings. Open, airy and filled with natural light, cantilevered pop-outs maximize the space while adding visual interest. Intimate reading areas offset the open spaces and the library’s staircase serves as its primary design element, welcoming visitors as they enter.
Today, the Friends of Los Gatos Library continue their mission through several key activities.
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Bookstore: They operate a bookstore to generate a significant portion of their funding.
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Volunteering: The organization is run entirely by volunteers who manage all operations.
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Funding: They provide vital financial support for the library's services, programs, and enhancements that the town's budget does not cover.