San José Public Library
There are many different ways you can go right and wrong when you’re embarking on the journey of finding and moving into an affordable apartment. Learn about the ups and downs of figuring out where you want to live, looking for housing, and even living with roommates.
Life Skills Academy
Life Doesn’t Come With an Instruction Manual
You’ve been through a dozen years of school and know Shakespeare’s birthday, our fifteenth President’s favorite pie, and the value of A Midsummer’s Night Dream up to five decimal points ... or was that the other way around? Now you’re ready to kiss high school goodbye and go on to something new. The only question that matters now is: "Are you ready?"
The San José Public Library may not know the answer, but we do have the solution. Introducing the Life Skills Academy, a new program designed by the library exclusively for you, the high school student planning on leaving it all behind for college or the work force. Sure, you may have a great résumé and GPA, but can you boil an egg? The Life Skills Academy will teach you some of the essential tips and tricks that you’ll need to lead a successful and (relatively) stress-free adult life.
Our Programs
No registration required. Our Life Skills programs are built to target ages 14-19, but all ages are welcome and encouraged to attend.
College is an amazing experience. It’s fun, challenging, educational, and absolutely nothing like high school. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make sure the experience works for you. Learn about the expectations, challenges, and advantages of college classes and the college experience.
Tired of cooking out of a box? Has cup ramen lost its flair? Impress your friends, impress your parents, impress your bae. Learn some healthy, and (most importantly) tasty alternatives to ketchup spaghetti and soggy store-bought burritos.
Getting your first paycheck is an awesome experience. Paying your first bill? Not so much. Moving into a new place? Awesome. Actually having to pay for food, board, shampoo? Not as thrilling. Learn how to budget, build credit, and balance your needs and desires with your income.
A box of bandages in your bathroom isn’t going to solve all your medical maladies. Learn basic first aid and be prepared when the worst happens. (Or at the least what to do about that nasty hangnail.)
Part of growing up is keeping yourself safe and knowing how to handle yourself in a potentially dangerous situation. Learn how to avoid dangerous situations and what to do when a crisis hits.
Getting your first job is only half the battle. Keeping it can be just as hard. Time management, multitasking, networking, and getting along with coworkers can be just as important as your ability to staple a paper, write a line of code, or flip a burger. Learn the skills you need to make sure that once you get employed, you stay employed.
You've moved out or are feverishly counting the days. You take a look at your first apartment, but now what? How the heck are you supposed to survive? Get firsthand tips and tricks from our expert in living on your own. Learn what your first steps should be and what you’re in for in the long run. We can’t tell you how to cope, but we can definitely point you in the right direction.
Getting a job is tough, no doubt. You have to write resumes, prepare for interviews, and actually find someplace to be hired. Learn the best ways to look for a job and make the best impression on your interviewer. Because let’s be honest top ramen and pizza rolls won’t pay for themselves.
Life can be way stressful even before you begin to worry about college, moving out, or your first job. Come learn how to make the best use of the time, avoid procrastination, and set the goals you’ll need to succeed at life.
Test scores aren't all colleges look at! Come for an informative session about college admissions process and hear firsthand from currently-enrolled San José State students and counselors. SJSU is one of the nation's best kept secret—find out why. It’s never too early to start preparing.