About the Endowment

Mission Statement

The Los Altos Library Endowment is dedicated to strengthening the long-term infrastructure of our local libraries.
Our mission is to fund transformative, enduring capital improvements that elevate the library experience for our community.

Architectural rendering of a library courtyard entrance with decorative metal panels, landscaped plantings, shaded seating, and people walking and biking past the outdoor space

Rendering of the upcoming Orchard View Courtyard at the Los Altos Library

The Los Altos Library Endowment invests in improving the library’s physical spaces to create welcoming places for the community to learn, gather, and connect. 

Through thoughtful, long-term capital investments, the Endowment strengthens existing infrastructure. These investments also prepare the library for the evolving needs of future generations. Together, these projects help ensure the library continues to serve people of all ages. The library remains a place to read, explore, connect, and spend time together today and into the future.

By enhancing and expanding library facilities, the Endowment creates flexible, inviting spaces for everyday use and special programs. These spaces support quiet reading and study, children’s activities, gatherings, and community events. 

These improvements reinforce the library’s role as a shared place for curiosity, connection, and community.

Board of Directors

“A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people.”

Andrew Carnegie

The Los Altos Library Endowment Board lives this belief every day. Our Board of Directors brings professional expertise, deep community ties, and a shared commitment to strengthening our libraries for generations to come.

Jason May
Secretary

Nancy Bhagat
Vice President

History of the Endowment

The Los Altos Library Endowment was created 25 years ago to support a library that meets the needs of everyone in the Los Altos community. It grew out of a 1990 community campaign focused on enhancing and expanding library resources for local residents. 

Over time, this commitment has taken shape through investments that improve access to library spaces. These include projects like Go Go Biblio, which brings library materials directly into neighborhoods. They also include the OpenAccess+ pilot at the Woodland Branch, which expanded flexible access to library facilities and services and is now known as Open Plus Access.

Together, these efforts reflect a long-standing focus on making library spaces more accessible, adaptable, and responsive to the community.

Mobile library vehicles branded ‘Go Go Biblio’ parked in a row, bringing library materials into the community.
Person using a card reader at a library entrance to unlock the door, demonstrating accessible, self-service library entry.
Green circular icon showing an ‘Open’ sign, indicating expanded or extended access

The Endowment was established through a legacy gift from Virginia Whipple, whose love for the library and commitment to Los Altos made this work possible. Her generosity created a lasting resource for the community. 

The Endowment continues to invest in library spaces that serve today’s residents while preparing for future generations. Through this enduring legacy, the Los Altos Library Endowment remains focused on strengthening the library as a place the community can share, enjoy, and grow together.