The California Room collects materials on California history with an emphasis on San Jose and Santa Clara Valley.
Our collections are non-circulating and may not be removed from the room. Many materials are unique and fragile. Special rules for handling are required for their preservation.
Monday 1 PM - 6 PM
Tuesday 11 AM - 6 PM
Wednesday 11 AM - 6 PM
Thursday 11 AM - 6 PM
Friday 11 AM - 6 PM
Saturday 1 PM - 6 PM
Sunday Closed
This source indexes materials not found in the library catalog including maps, newspaper clippings, scrapbooks, and research collections that pertain to people, places, and events in California, San Jose, and Santa Clara County history. The A-Z index is helpful if you are not sure of spelling. More about the Index
The aerial collection includes oblique and flyover aerials.
San Jose building permits in print, digitized, and on microfilm.
This collection includes city directories for San José, San Francisco, and other cities in print, on microfilm, or online as well as Haines Criss Cross directories and phone books.
This collection includes clipping files, scrapbooks and microfilm of area newspapers.
The Historic Photograph Collection includes over 2,500 historical images focused on San Jose and Santa Clara County.
This collection includes yearbooks from high schools, middle schools and universities within Santa Clara County.
Use Pressbooks and SJPL history and genealogy resources to tell your story.
SJ eLibrary
03/14/2023 - 12:00 AM
Ralph looks at the wildlife that can be found in our San Jose neighborhoods.
Ralph Pearce
02/27/2023 - 9:00 AM
Discover San Jose's past with the California Room's Junk History exhibit. Available through Tue., May 16.
Shane Curtin
02/15/2023 - 3:30 PM
