SAN JOSE, Calif. – Jill Bourne has been named Director of Libraries for the City of San José by City Manager Debra Figone. The San José City Council ratified the appointment today to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Jane Light in 2012.

Bourne comes from San Francisco Public Library, where she has served as Deputy City Librarian since 2006. Known as a rising leader in the library community, she was named as a Library Journal "Mover and Shaker" in 2009 and a "Top Innovator" by the Urban Libraries Council in 2010.

"Jill Bourne brings excellent experience from running major urban library systems that will be invaluable to help us reach our goals," said Figone. "Her leadership and vision will be essential as we deal with the major changes and challenges affecting libraries, technology, and resources here in San José."

As Deputy City Librarian in San Francisco, Bourne shared oversight of public services at the system's main library and 27 branches, as well as a citywide capital building program. She led the implementation of programs and initiatives that enhanced public library services, including expanded operating hours, partnerships, public technology, and innovative literary and arts programming.

Bourne led San Francisco’s Digital Media and Learning initiative to develop a digital maker center at the library and a citywide network of connected youth learning programs, with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. In addition she led an environmental public education strategy to strengthen the public library's role in supporting sustainable communities.

Prior to her work in San Francisco, Bourne was Assistant Director for Public Services at the Seattle Public Library for five years.  Figone also acknowledged and thanked Anne Cain, who has served as Interim Director of Libraries for the past year.

"Anne has done a wonderful job to keep our libraries moving forward during this period of transition," the city manager said. "On her watch we’ve successfully opened two new branch libraries already this year, and we’re well on our way to opening two more branches by June. On behalf of our library staff, visitors, and partners, I am grateful for her steady leadership and service."

Figone made the appointment after a national search and getting input from community stakeholders including employees, library "friends" organizations, and partner agencies. "I’m honored to be selected to join an outstanding library system that has earned national recognition for excellence, innovation, and service," said Bourne. "I look forward to working with a great team and building on a strong foundation already in place."

The San José library system includes 22 neighborhood branch libraries and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Main Library in downtown San José. The King Library is jointly operated in collaboration with San José State University, a partnership that is unique among American library systems.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services recognized the San José Public Library with the National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2011. The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor for museums and libraries that demonstrate extraordinary innovative approaches to public service and community outreach. The San José Public Library was the first municipal library in California to receive the award.

With more than 270 employees and an annual operating budget of $32 million, San José libraries serve more than six million visitors annually, have more than two million items in the collections, and circulate nearly 12 million items per year.

Currently a resident of San Francisco, Bourne has a bachelor’s degree in English from New York University and a master’s in library and information science from the University of Washington. She will start in San José in July, and her annual salary will be $190,000.

# # #

Photo of Jill Bourne available here

CONTACT:

David Vossbrink, Director of Communications
(408) 535-8170; david.vossbrink@sanjoseca.gov

The Office of Vice Mayor Madison Nguyen presents
Operation Prom Dress 2013

Don't let the tough economy discourage students from attending Prom. 

Donate a new or gently used dress today!

Donations are currently being accepted through March 3, 2013.

Stop by one of the following branch libraries to make your donation:

• Almaden Branch
• Berryessa Branch
• Cambrian Branch
• Rose Garden Branch
• Santa Teresa Branch
• Tully Branch
• Vineland Branch
• West Valley Branch
• Willow Glen Branch

For a full list of participating locations click here.

Join our mailing list by entering your email in the box below. 

We'll keep you up-to-date with the latest happenings at the library.

Enjoy a special evening with Khaled Hosseini, best-selling author of The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns.  

Date: Thursday, August 23, 2012

Time: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Almaden Branch Library and Community Center

6445 Camden Ave. San José, CA

The event is free and open to the public.

Light snacks and refreshments will be available.

Join us as author Khaled Hosseini talks about his writing inspirations, life experiences and upcoming projects.  Audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions and meet the best-selling author.  The event will be followed by a book signing.

About the author:

Khaled Hosseini was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, moved to San José as a teenager, earned a bachelor's degree in Biology at Santa Clara University, and a Medical Degree at the University of California-San Diego School of Medicine. 

While in medical practice, Hosseini began writing his first novel, The Kite Runner.  In 2003, The Kite Runner, was published and became an international bestseller, published in 70 countries.  In 2006, he was named a goodwill envoy to UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency.  His second novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns was published in May 2007.  Khaled works to provide humanitarian assistance in Afghanistan through The Khaled Hosseini Foundation.

Join the discussion!

Our Online Book Club is reading The Kite Runner this month. 

This program is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Free reusable bags are available from the City of San José while supplies last. Limit, one per household. Check the Bag Outreach Schedule for locations and times. City representatives will be available to answer your questions about the ordinance.

According to the City of San José's Environmental Services Department

Facts About Bags weblink :

Californians consume over 600 plastic bags every second.

Less than 4 percent of all plastic bags are recycled.

Plastic breaks down into toxic bits that take centuries to decompose.

14 million trees are used easch year to produce paper bags in the U.S.

It takes 4 times more energy to produce a paper bag versus a plastic bag.

It takes 10 times more energy to recycle paper versus plastic.

Starting January 1, 2012, the City of San José will ban plastic carryout bags at grocery stores, pharmarcies, small and large retailers. The San José Public Library  is offerring an excellent opportunity for families on January in craft workshops to learn on how to be green by decorating a bag to take home and use for shopping at various library branches.

The Alviso Branch Library is having this craft workshop on

Thursday, January 19th at 4pm.

We invite kids, teens, tweens and their families to join in the fun.  All supplies will be provided.