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Text that reads Happy National Library Week.

Find Your Joy at SJPL

Join us as we celebrate National Library Week from April 19–25, 2026. Every year, millions of people visit the San José Public Library (SJPL). From families visiting for storytime, to students reserving a room to work on a school project, to adults looking to advance their career, or seniors learning how to swipe, pinch, and tap, and everyone in between, the library is a welcoming place for all. Explore all the ways SJPL draws you in, and discover how libraries and library staff can help you create and follow your own adventure.

Create Your Own Adventure

Join a community of more than 768,000 library card members. Create new memories, begin new adventures, and explore new opportunities with San José Public Library. It all starts with a free library card.

Get a Free Library Card

"I was just there to get my library card, but the staff was super friendly and helpful. The library itself is definitely bigger than most and seems to have a lot to offer. I didn't get a chance to explore much this time, but I'll definitely be back to check out more of what they have!"

- Rebeka, King Library

Spark Your Curiosity

Connect to online resources, eBooks, and more.

eResources to Explore

A woman sitting down reading a book on a tablet.
Online Resource

Palace

One mobile app to access eBooks & eAudiobooks from Boundless, BiblioBoard, cloudLibrary, enki, Overdrive, and exclusive Palace-only titles.
Concert attendees wave hands.
Online Resource

Rock's Backpages

Articles on artists in all genres from rockabilly to hip hop, by the finest music writers of the last 50 years.
A student is writing on paper with pens and pencils scattered around a table.
Online Resource

Short Édition

Read short works of fiction from local and international writers, or submit your own to the Short Edition collection.
Three ballerinas in unison raising their arms.
Online Resource

Performing Arts Collection

Recorded performances of theatre, dance, opera, and classical music as well as documentaries, interviews, and instructional material.
A woman sitting down reading a book on a tablet.
Online Resource

Palace

One mobile app to access eBooks & eAudiobooks from Boundless, BiblioBoard, cloudLibrary, enki, Overdrive, and exclusive Palace-only titles.
Concert attendees wave hands.
Online Resource

Rock's Backpages

Articles on artists in all genres from rockabilly to hip hop, by the finest music writers of the last 50 years.
A student is writing on paper with pens and pencils scattered around a table.
Online Resource

Short Édition

Read short works of fiction from local and international writers, or submit your own to the Short Edition collection.
Three ballerinas in unison raising their arms.
Online Resource

Performing Arts Collection

Recorded performances of theatre, dance, opera, and classical music as well as documentaries, interviews, and instructional material.

Did You Know?

Last year, library users checked out more than 7.7 million items and downloaded over 2.1 million items.

Can't find what you're looking for? You can place a hold on most items, or suggest an item for purchase.

Source: Facts and Awards

"This is a fantastic neighborhood library. What I particularly like about this library system is the online access. You can order books, see what books are on the shelves and available, get access to eReader and audiobooks for free and so much more!"

- Travis, Cambrian Branch

Unlock the Unexpected

The library has unique services for everyone.

More than books

Various packets of seeds and gardening materials in a seed library.

Seed Libraries

San Jose Public Library's seed libraries offer seeds to the public for free.
California State Library Park Pass logo on top of a background with a hand on a library shelf on the left and a hand on a mossy rock wall on the right.
Service

California State Parks Passes

Learn about the how you can visit CA state parks for free with your library card.
Discover and Go logo.
Service

Discover & Go

San José Public Library members can access free or reduced-price tickets to California museums and attraction.
Variety of gems and jewels on black river rocks.

More Than Books

We have more than meets the eye. Uncover hidden gems at your library.

"I've been coming here more recently to study and it's been great. I really like the separated study room with separate cubbies. It really allows you to focus and not be distracted. This location has ample parking and a good selection of DVDs and CDs as well if you're looking for media. I really like how they have a Darth Vader at the entrance and always decorate him for each holiday! I've seen some events in their large event room but haven't participated in any yet. The staff are friendly and attentive. This library also offers a water refilling station at the front too which is a plus! I recommend this library for families and individuals!"

-Evangelina, Vineland Branch

Sketch Your Adventure

Discover events for all ages and interests.

Events

Woman using a laptop.
Event

Ayuda con Tecnología - Habilidades Digitales, part of a series

Apr 21st | 10:00am - 6:00pm
Educational Park
View all dates for Ayuda con Tecnología - Habilidades Digitales
Aprende habilidades digitales esenciales para navegar por el mundo en línea actual.
Event

Demystifying AI: Plain and Simple

Apr 21st | 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Bascom
AI is everywhere - and it can feel exciting, overwhelming, and a little scary all at once. So what does it actually mean for you and your…
Cartoon family of four.
Event

Vietnamese Class for Kids, part of a series

Apr 26th | 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Tully
View all dates for Vietnamese Class for Kids
Learn basic Vietnamese reading, writing, and conversational skills.
Event

Gaman Art Workshop: Create Your Own Bird Pin

May 11th | 4:00pm - 5:30pm
King Library
Join us for a hands-on workshop exploring the history of Gaman Art—art created by Japanese Americans during World War II incarceration.

There really is something for everyone.

Last year, 354,075 people attended 17,809 events at libraries across San José.

Source: Facts and Awards

"I brought my kids here and they loved the children’s section. Lots of books and activities for them, and it feels safe and friendly."

- Katherine, Willow Glen Branch

Become a Part of the Story

Get involved with your library.

Get Involved

Young boy shelving books at library.
Service

Volunteer Services

Volunteering is a great way to use your talents, provide valuable service to the community, learn new skills, and meet great people!
Group wearing matching shirts and hold up an SJPL sign at a book sale event.

Friends of the Library

Join a wonderful team of community organizers that support library programs.
Library & Education Commission meeting taking place in SJPL Works Conference Space.

Library and Education Commission

The Commission facilitates public discussion of services and resources that support and promote education and world-class libraries.
Several teen youth commissions pose for photo.

Youth Commission

Advisory group to the Mayor and City Council that empowers youth to be civically engaged through local events and initiatives.
Young boy shelving books at library.
Service

Volunteer Services

Volunteering is a great way to use your talents, provide valuable service to the community, learn new skills, and meet great people!
Group wearing matching shirts and hold up an SJPL sign at a book sale event.

Friends of the Library

Join a wonderful team of community organizers that support library programs.
Library & Education Commission meeting taking place in SJPL Works Conference Space.

Library and Education Commission

The Commission facilitates public discussion of services and resources that support and promote education and world-class libraries.
Several teen youth commissions pose for photo.

Youth Commission

Advisory group to the Mayor and City Council that empowers youth to be civically engaged through local events and initiatives.

"This is one of my favorite libraries. I've been here a few times because my friends live by here. We have some meetings and study sessions. The kids love it, too. There are computers that you can use here if you don't have your own. The ambiance is chill and the employees are kind. I love the layout of the building. There are quiet rooms you can reserve to study in. There are great books here and I can always reserve some from other libraries in San Jose and have them sent here."

- Nora, Hillview branch

Step Inside Your Library Space

Find your next favorite space.

Library Spaces

Olé art piece at Rose Garden Branch.

Art in Our Libraries

San José Public Library has public art installations at all of our locations. See the art offered at each branch.
Exploration structures and features in a children's space.

Wee Explore PlaySpace at King Library

A destination in the King Library Children’s Room for children to learn through open-ended play and exploration.
Modular furniture inside workspace with SJPL Works logo installation on wall.
Website

SJPL Works

Provides economic and workforce development resources for employment seekers, small business owners, and entrepreneurs. Level: Beginner
Teens hang out on a bench.

TeenHQ: Teen Center

This teen dream hub provides the best environment for innovation to flourish. At TeenHQ, you can be you!
Olé art piece at Rose Garden Branch.

Art in Our Libraries

San José Public Library has public art installations at all of our locations. See the art offered at each branch.
Exploration structures and features in a children's space.

Wee Explore PlaySpace at King Library

A destination in the King Library Children’s Room for children to learn through open-ended play and exploration.
Modular furniture inside workspace with SJPL Works logo installation on wall.
Website

SJPL Works

Provides economic and workforce development resources for employment seekers, small business owners, and entrepreneurs. Level: Beginner
Teens hang out on a bench.

TeenHQ: Teen Center

This teen dream hub provides the best environment for innovation to flourish. At TeenHQ, you can be you!

It really is your space.

Last year, we had 3,853,627 people visit our libraries. That's over 3.5 times the population of San José!

Source: Facts and Awards

"The San José Public Library has supported my life through every chapter of my life, from childhood to adulthood. Growing up as a child, I used to walk to the library after school as a safe space to do homework. In college, the library was where I found focus and studied for long hours. While working in childcare, it helped me keep my classroom of young learners engaged with new and fun books to explore. And when I was facing a sudden lay off, the library offered tools and resources that helped me find, prepare for, and land a new job!"

- Casey, Edenvale

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