News and Events

Free Tax Help at the Library

Free tax help is available at the Library!

AARP and VITA volunteers will be offering free tax help to people with low to moderate income, those who cannot prepare their own tax returns, and people ages 60 and above. Check the calendar for upcoming dates and get those taxes done! Pre-registration is required at all tax help events.

After pre-registering, make sure to bring your:

Photo ID
Social Security Card or ITIN
W-2’s, 1099’s, 1098’s, and all other tax forms
Voided check for direct deposit
Last year’s tax return

To see all upcoming VITA and AARP tax help events, click here.

Call or visit one of your local branches for more details.

Posted by Andy Paul on Feb 7, 2012 | comments: 0

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Reading takes you to Infinity ... and Beyond!

You Can Meet Buzz and Woody!

Noon, Wednesday, Feb. 22

King Library, Children's Room

Bring your camera and take a photo with a star from

Disney Pixars Toy Story 3.

Don't forget you can still donate a new children's book to the Partners in Reading Family Literacy Program's Book Drive "Together We Read." Book drive ends Friday, Feb. 25.

Donate a new book at your local branch library and receive one FREE ticket to Disney on Ice presents Disney/Pixar's Toy Story 3. One ticket per family, while supplies last.

Why donate to the Partners in Reading book drive?

Only 1 out of every 300 children from low-income families own a book. Help local families start their own home library and create the joy of reading as a family. Reading helps expand imagination, builds knowledge, it's cool, fun and exciting. Most importantly, reading takes you To Infinity ... and Beyond!

Fun Activities for the Family!

Disney on Ice representative will also present a special Make your own Mr. or Mrs. Potato Head! Storytime/Craft program at three locations.

Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 11:30 a.m. at Evergreen Branch Library

Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 3:30 p.m. at Tully Community Branch Library

Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 11:30 a.m. at Edenvale Branch Library

Thank you for supporting Partners in Reading's Book Drive!

Posted by Elizabeth Chavarin on Jan 26, 2012 | comments: 1

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Public Input Sought as Part of Library Director Recruitment

The City of San José is beginning a nationwide search for applicants for its next Library Director and we are hoping you will take a few minutes to complete a brief survey on what traits you think the next Library Director should possess. All of the comments will be provided to City Manager Debra Figone for her consideration in making this important decision for our community. We value your input!

Online Survey

Posted by Renee Bettencourt on Jan 17, 2012 | comments: 0

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California Room Open House

Edmonia Lewis Many of us come to the library to borrow the latest movie or newest bestseller, but did you know we also have items that are over 100 years old? The California Room is the home to three sculptures by 19^th century African-American and Chippewa-Indian artist, Edmonia Lewis. To learn more about these sculptures, come to the California Room’s spring open house where local expert Mary Parks Washington will discuss the artist and her work.

Along with the sculpture presentation, we’ll be featuring some of our unique local history collections including: Frontier Village photos and memorabilia, items from the 1906 earthquake, local yearbooks dating back to the early 20^th century and many other items you can’t find anywhere else! The open house will be this Wednesday, February 15^th from 6-7:30pm.

If you are unable to make it to our open house, feel free to stop by during our open hours OR check out the many items available to you 24/7 in our digital collection.

Posted by Angie Miraflor on Feb 13, 2012 | comments: 0

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Hooray for Techie Volunteers!

Library customers who want to do more with technology may want to sign up for a class, but sometimes you're just trying to accomplish a specific task (e.g., get started on e-mail, apply for a job, or find tax forms online). If you already have some experience with computers, you can search for a tutorial online--like this one for downloading eBooks--but what if you have little or no computer experience? One-on-one computer help is the answer!

Many branch libraries offer free assistance thanks to volunteer Computer Tutors. These devoted volunteers spend hours helping out at local library branches, for no financial reward. The community is strengthened and enriched, as new computer users learn how to navigate the Internet, use social media, and apply for jobs online. Willow Glen Branch Library offers one-on-one Computer Help two days a week. If you're not in the neighborhood, other branches offer one-on-one help and sometimes classes, too. Check out the SJPL Events Calendar. Select locations from the menu to only see certain branches, or simply click on the time and day that appeals to you, and you'll be connected to the event description and branch name. Call first if appointments are recommended, especially on Saturdays.

Happy learning, and don't forget to thank your volunteer!

Posted by Laura Nacorda on Feb 13, 2012 | comments: 0

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Celebrate Valentine’s Day at the Library

For Children

Are you looking for a fun way to celebrate Valentine ’s Day? Children and their families are invited to join in Valentine Card Making Crafts and create one of a kind cards for family and friends.

Alum Rock Branch Library (Dr. Roberto Cruz - Alum Rock)

Thursday, February 9, 2012 - 3:00pm

Pearl Avenue Branch Library

Thursday, February 9, 2012 - 3:30pm

Santa Teresa Branch Library

Thursday, February 9, 2012 - 3:30pm

Rose Garden Branch Library

Thursday, February 9, 2012 - 3:30pm

Almaden Branch Library

Thursday, February 9, 2012 - 4:00pm

Alviso Branch Library

Friday, February 10, 2012 - 4:00pm