Available position

We seek an independent consultant with experience and knowledge in appraisal of children’s books.

Background

San José Public Library owns a collection of materials called the Children’s Resource Collection (CRC), consisting of approximately 7200 non-circulating books and magazines dating from 1763 to 1996. The materials get little use, and we’re interested in appraising the collection to determine its value and make a decision as to its future. 

Scope of work

The consultant will evaluate the CRC materials and offer an appraisal of the collection as a whole as well as individual appraisals for any item for which the estimated value is over $25.00, or of special significance for another reason. The appraised values should be those at which the Library can reasonably expect to resell the items. Deliverables will include a written assessment of the collection’s condition and value; appraisals for the collection as a whole as well as individual items as stated above; and written recommendations for potential buyers for the collection. The consultant may also be asked to make a fifteen-minute presentation at a library management meeting to explain her/his findings.

The Library will inventory the collection before the consultant starts. We will provide full access to the collection Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm, and other hours as mutually determined; office space for the duration of the project; a laptop for the duration of the project to be used for research within the library; and office supplies as needed.

How to apply

Please email the following materials to Daisy Porter, Manager of King Access, Children’s, and Youth, daisy.porter@sjlibrary.org, by September 23.

• A résumé detailing your qualifications for evaluating historical books, especially children’s materials

• A letter of interest including your requested fee and the time you estimate it will take you to complete the project

Find treasures among more than 340 boxes of books. Old and recent publications, some things are brand new. Many subject books, children's, teens, and adult genre fiction reading. Priced to move!!  There are also some collector titles to pour over as well.

Book Sale starts at 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM in the Santa Teresa Branch Library Community Room.

Saturday, Feb. 4th.  Sponsored by Friends of Santa Teresa Library.

Have you read or heard the Grimm's fairy tale called Rapunzel? Did you ever wonder why Rapunzel was locked in a tower, and how she felt about being there? Did you ever think of an alternative to her waiting for a prince to come rescue her?

If the answer to any of these questions is "yes," then Rapunzel's Revenge is the book for you! This graphic novel is based on the fairy tale, but provides a thrilling alternative to the familiar story.

The book was put together by the three Hales - wife and husband team Shannon and Dean Hale, and artist Nathan Hale (who is related only by name to the authors). They have produced a witty, humorous, and adventure-filled book that older children, teens, and adults will enjoy.

Check it out at your local San José Public Library!

“This is a simple tale. I was born in the Little Neck Public Library in Queens, New York. Next to the card catalog. Well that’s the way I remember it, and I’m sticking to the story no matter what!” On page one of The Memoir Project: A Thoroughly Non-standard Text for Writing & Life, Marion Roach Smith begins by sharing one of her earliest memories: her mother took her to the catalog and showed her a card with her father’s name on it. “From that moment on, what I wanted most was a place in the Dewey Decimal System.“

If you've suffered writing the tale of your life -- or any writing project, Marion Roach Smith provides some humorous relief as well as practical suggestions.

"Forget all those mindless writing exercises and learn to write for real."

"Your writing math must add up to a figure so compelling the reader can't take his or her eyes off your argument."

"Editing is the perfect murder, though the darlings you kill can live to see another day."

If you can't find an item that you are looking for in one of San Jose's 18 libraries, don't despair! You can search for titles that we don't have using the Link+ button when searching the library catalog.

With Link+, you can search for books in over 40 libraries throughout the state of California using your SJPL barcode and pin number.

• Link+ requests show in your account, alongside normal holds for San José Library items
• The library will alert you when the item arrives
• Pick up Link+ items at the information desk at the designated pick-up location (library of your choice)

Search Link+ Directly

Learn more about Link+ borrower rules and guidelines.

Some things to keep in mind:

• Late Fee: $1.00 per book per day.
• Replacement Fee: $115 per book.
• Returning Items: Please don't place Link+ items in our book drops! All Link+ items need to be returned to staff at the Circulation Desk of the King Library or at any branch.
• You can visit other participating Link+ libraries in person and check out their items using your San José library card.

If you still can't find the title that you are looking for, fill out the Suggest a Purchase form and let us know what we are missing.

Here If You Need Me: A True Story by Kate Braestrup

As a chaplain to the Maine Warden Service, Kate Brastrup accompanies game wardens on search and rescue operations providing assistance both to families of victims and rescuers. Braestrup studied to become a Unitarian minister after her husband, a state trooper, was killed in a car accident, leaving her a widow with four children. Laced with humor, this inspirational memoir tells her journey from grief to compassion.