If you have a talent for creating comic/manga style illustrated short stories, you are invited to enter San José Public Library’s Graphic Novel Making Contest for all ages as part of our Summer Reading Celebration, 2013. This contest is sponsored by San José Public Library, Hijinx Comics, San José Museum of Art and TRY Japan Culture Group.

Here’s how to enter …

• Create your own comic book with a maximum length of 8 pages, including the cover page.
• Use letter-size paper (8.5 x 11) with black-and-white drawings and text on one side only.
• Each submission must be the creative and original work of a single individual—the author/illustrator.
• The contest is limited to amateur authors/ illustrators only.
• Computer generated images are acceptable as long as they are your original work (no clip art)
• Consider submitting a photocopy that is an accurate reflection of the original (as submissions are non-returnable).
• San José Public Library reserves the right to reproduce your work. You can reuse all your work after the contest.
• Be sure to print and complete the creative works release form. Include your Name, Age, Contact Information and Signature.
• Entries can be submitted to any San José Public Library location no later than 8p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2013. 
• Entries can also be submitted online to sjplgraphicnovelmakingcontest@gmail.com as a jpeg or pdf attachment.
• There is a limit of one entry per contestant.

Entries will be judged on content and illustrations by a panel of library staff and comic industry professionals. All cash prizes will be awarded as gift cards. 

• Children (up to age 6): first prize $25; second prize $15
• Children (7-12): first prize $40; second prize $20
• Teens (ages 13-17): first prize $100; second prize $70; third prize $50
• Adults (age 18 and above): first prize $100; second prize $70; third prize $50

Winners will be announced and prizes awarded at a reception to be held at the Seven Trees Branch Library on Saturday, August 24th at 2:00 p.m.in the Community Room. 

Check out the award winning entries from 2012, 2011 and 2010.   

San José Public Library staff members are ineligible to participate.

San José Public Library reserves the right to refuse submissions that are not appropriate for a general audience. This contest is open to all California residents.

Give children the joy of reading by reading aloud to youngsters at one of the San Jose Public Libraries. Reading occurs in the library's children's area at designated times throughout the day. Specialized training is provided to all incoming volunteers. Several of our library branches are seeking volunteers to read to children on an ongoing basis (minimum 6 month commitment). Bilingual volunteers (Spanish/English) are especially needed. This position requires fingerprinting.

Training is on Saturday, June 22, 2013 from 12:00pm - 3:00pm at the King Library.  Please complete the application form and register for training here.

In celebration of National Preservation Week, San Jose Public Library is offering a way for you to preserve your personal and family memories. Library staff will be on hand to help you scan photographs and documents that have meaning in your life, and perhaps that you would like to share with others.

I have a photograph of my grandfather, a World War II veteran, who passed away last year. My grandmother gave me this image and also shared with me a few stories about how they first met and what their early years together were like. I would like to share this image and her personal stories with my 20 cousins spread throughout the United States. In this way the family memories can be saved and handed down.

Let us help you do the same. We welcome you to attend a Scan Day at any of the following times and places. Please bring up to ten items to scan and we will help you save the digitized images to a CD.

West Valley Branch Library

Thrusday, April 4th 11-1 pm

Berryessa Branch Library

Friday, April 5th 2-4 pm

Rose Garden Branch Library

Thursday, April 11th 11-1 pm

Evergreen Branch Library

Thursday, April 11th 4-6 pm

We had a party at West Valley Library on March 2 to celebrate Dr. Seuss' birthday and to promote Read Across America, the nation’s largest reading celebration with more than 45 million participating around the country to highlight the importance of developing a love for reading at an early age. Jennifer Kehl from Councilmember Constant’s office came in to share with kids the classic book of Dr. Seuss, The Cat in the Hat. After the reading, we had kids doing a Cat in the Hat craft and surprised them with a birthday cake at the end. It was a successful event for families visiting the Library on a wonderful Saturday!