Explore Traditions, Cultures, and History
Discover holidays, heritage months and observances throughout the year at San José Public Library. Explore events, books and resources about our community’s cultures, histories and traditions.
For reading challenges, poetry and author programs, visit Seasonal programs.
Black History Month
Explore Black history and the achievements and contributions of African Americans that have shaped the United States.
Library Lovers’ Month
Love is in the air! Share your appreciation for libraries and the ways they bring people, stories and learning together.
Lunar New Year
Discover a time of new beginnings, family gatherings and traditions observed by many Asian communities around the world.
Women’s History Month
Learn about women whose leadership, creativity and achievements have shaped history and everyday life.
Irish American Heritage Month
Explore the history, traditions and contributions of Irish Americans, including St. Patrick’s Day.
Nowruz
Discover the Persian New Year, a celebration of spring, renewal and new beginnings observed by communities around the world.
Easter and Spring Celebrations
Discover Easter, spring traditions, and ways to welcome a season of growth and new beginnings.
Month of the Young Child
Recognize the importance of early learning and the families, educators and communities who help young children thrive.
National Library Week
Explore the ways libraries support learning, connect communities and provide access to information for everyone.
National Volunteer Week
Celebrate the people who give their time and talents to strengthen libraries and serve their communities.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Discover the diverse histories, cultures and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
Teacher Appreciation Week
Recognize the teachers who inspire curiosity, support students and help our communities learn and grow.
Jewish American Heritage Month
Learn about Jewish American experiences, cultural traditions and contributions to the nation’s history.
Immigrant Heritage Month
Discover the stories, cultures and contributions of immigrants who have helped shape the United States.
Pride Month
Celebrate LGBTQ+ communities and learn about their history and achievements.
Juneteenth
Learn about the end of slavery in the United States and a celebration of Black freedom, resilience and community.
Independence Day
Explore the history and traditions of the Fourth of July, marking the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Back to School
Take advantage of free school year essentials and resources for students and educators.
Library Card Sign-Up Month
Exercise your Right to Library and discover new ways to use your library card.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Explore the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities in the United States.
Mid-Autumn Festival (Moon Festival)
Discover a harvest festival centered on the full moon, family gatherings and traditions shared across many Asian communities.
Indigenous Peoples' Day
Honor Indigenous peoples and explore their histories, living cultures and ongoing contributions to our communities.
Halloween
Explore a spooky season packed with stories, treats, parades, and more. There's something for every ghost and ghoul at the library.
Filipino American History Month
Discover the history, experiences and contributions of Filipino Americans.
Freedom to Read
Explore Banned Books Week and the freedom to read a wide range of stories, ideas and perspectives.
Friends of the Library Week
Discover the community groups that support libraries through fundraising, volunteering and advocacy.
Digital Inclusion Month
Learn why access to technology, internet service and digital skills matters for participating in everyday life.
Día de los Muertos
Learn about Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and the traditions that come with it by attending an event with us.
Thanksgiving
Discover Thanksgiving traditions, crafts and recipes, and explore gratitude and the spirit of giving.
Native American Heritage Month
Discover the histories, living cultures and contributions of Native peoples, including their voices and experiences today.
Diwali
Learn about the Festival of Lights, observed in several faith traditions and often associated with light overcoming darkness.
Deal Days at SJPL
Discover the value of free library resources during Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday.
Christmas and Winter Celebrations
Explore Christmas traditions and the many ways people find joy, connection and meaning during the winter season.
New Year’s
Explore New Year’s traditions and find inspiration for fresh starts, personal goals and new possibilities.