Inclusive Services at SJPL!

I was privileged to be invited to attend Santa Clara County Social Services Agency's Autism and Special Needs Resource Fair on May 1, 2025.  Aasia, Bill, and I spoke to many providers, community agents, and parents about San Jose Public Library's Inclusive Services!

I am always thrilled to attend these events and let people know about our many Inclusive Services!  For instance, we shared information on Library By Mail, Adaptive Programming and other Library services that serve the Disability Community.

I've been to outreaches at primary and secondary schools, educational and social service agencies, daycares, preschools, school district board meetings, English literacy nights, etc.  May and August are busy months for librarians to reach out to local schools.  In May, we want to be sure that kids do not lose their hard-earned reading skills, so we promote our Summer Learning Challenge.  In August, we want to be sure that parents and kids know about Library resources for their school work.  If you are interested in informing your Community about San Jose Public Library services, please call your local branch for more information!

Following is a list of Library services for inclusive communities.

Library By Mail

If you have a temporary or a permanent disability and are a City of San José resident, you can request library materials by mail! 

This is a great way to still receive physical library materials even if you cannot access one of our physical locations due to a disability.

You can fill out the application either by filling out the online version or by printing out a pdf version to mail to the Library.  After submission, you should receive an email with the certification form.  The certification form may be filled out by a doctor, nurse, or social worker.

If you are approved, you'll receive a Welcome Letter that will provide further instruction on the process.

If you need assistance, please feel free to contact us by email at librarybymail@sjlibrary.org

For general inquiries regarding disability access, please email accessibility@sjlibrary.org.

Programs for Teens and Adults:  Adaptive Programming or Inclusive Programming

• Adult Activities at Calabazas Branch (Every Tuesday from 4:30-5:30 p.m.):
  • Week one: Crafting (T-shirt bag, painting on rock, candle, clay..etc) 
  • Week two: Trying something new (3D printer, AI app...etc.)
  • Week three: Board games (Tangram, sudoku..etc)
  • Week four: Chair exercises
  • Week five: Chair exercisesRegistration is required to receive information about the topic prior to the event.
• Adaptive Activities at Educational Park (Third Tuesdays of the month from 10:30-11:30 a.m.):  Socializing, finding new friends, networking, crafting, and much more! 
• Access Book Club (Virtual) (Third Fridays of the month from 10:00-11:00 a.m.):  Form relationships through literature!

Programs for Children

• Inclusive Storytime and Stay and Play at Cambrian Library (Third Wednesdays of the month from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.)  A storytime and stay and play for all children, including children with special needs.  
• Any Ability Art Activity at Cambrian Library (Third Wednesdays of the month from 4:00-5:00 p.m.):  An art activity that is for all elementary-aged children, including children with special needs.