The Community Health Information Center at the Joyce Ellington Branch Library was created by San José Public Library and PlaneTree Health Library. This unique collaboration, funded by The Health Trust* in partnership with the San José Public Library Foundation, offers health information resources in a variety of formats and languages. The collection reflects The Health Trust’s strategic initiatives to promote healthy living and healthy aging and to reduce health care disparities in Silicon Valley.

The Center includes resources in the three languages that are prevalent in the neighborhood (English, Spanish, and Vietnamese). The books and media are organized to be browsed quickly and easily. Most items can be borrowed for the standard three week checkout period. Customers are able to watch health DVDs while in the Center or borrow them to take home. They can also search the unique “health portal” databases and websites on the Library’s website – sjpl.org – using the Center’s two computers. These online resources are freely available remotely to anyone with an Internet connection.

Library staff have received special training by PlaneTree to help customers with their health information needs. A variety of health information programs are offered at the branch throughout the year.

The Center is open when the Joyce Ellington Branch Library is open.

*The Health Trust is a nonprofit public charity committed to improving the health and wellness of residents of the greater Santa Clara Valley.