Press Release
SAN JOSÉ PUBLIC LIBRARY
For Immediate Release
March 3, 2026
Media Contacts:
Elizabeth Castañeda, Public Information Manager, San José Public Library
408-808-2175; elizabeth.castaneda@sjlibrary.org
Sean Woodland, Media Relations Manager, San José State University
sean.woodland@sjsu.edu
** B-Roll and Pictures From Today's Event **
City of San José and San José State University Open
“AI Center for Civic and Social Good” at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library
New public space in downtown San José expands access to AI education, tools, and research for residents, students, and workers.
SAN JOSÉ, Calif. — The City of San José and San José State University (SJSU) today celebrated the opening of the AI Center for Civic and Social Good at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, a first-of-its-kind public space expanding access to artificial intelligence education tools and research for residents, students, and workers.
As artificial intelligence reshapes economies and civic life worldwide, this milestone builds on San José’s AI for All Initiative and citywide upskilling efforts, positioning the city as a national model for the equitable implementation of AI, and ensuring the emerging technology benefits everyone.
Located in downtown San José, the center serves nearly a million residents as well as the SJSU campus community of nearly 40,000 students and faculty. The initiative reflects a shared commitment by the City and the University to ensure emerging technology is accessible, inclusive, and available to all.
“AI is reshaping our economy — and we have a choice: let it happen to us, or shape it for the collective good. In San José, we’re choosing to lead,” said Mayor Matt Mahan. “With the AI Center for Civic and Social Good, we’re building on AI for All and our workforce upskilling efforts to give every resident the tools, skills and opportunity to thrive in the AI era.”
“MLK Jr. Library is one of the most notable joint-use libraries in the country. It is only fitting that we open an innovative joint-use AI center here,” said City Manager Jennifer Maguire. “This space aligns directly with the City’s commitment to innovation - not just adopting new technologies, but ensuring our community has the opportunity to learn, grow, and compete in a rapidly changing economy.”
The center represents a strong partnership between the City and SJSU, bringing together civic leadership and academic expertise within the nation’s first joint city-university library.
“Universities play a critical role in preparing people not just to adapt to technological change, but to shape it,” said Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson, President of San José State University. “The AI Center for Civic and Social Good brings students, researchers, and the community together to explore responsible AI and apply their learning in ways that serve the public good.”
Opening-day demonstrations included an AI-enabled flight simulation by the SJSU Aviation and Technology Department, while City leaders highlighted how AI tools enhance operational efficiency and improve public service delivery.
For San José Public Library, the center advances its longstanding mission of digital equity by expanding free access to emerging technology, educational resources and hands-on learning opportunities.
“Libraries are among the most trusted and inclusive institutions in our communities,” said Jill Bourne, San José City Librarian. “The AI Center extends our commitment to providing free access to multilingual digital literacy resources and supportive programming that empowers individuals at every stage of learning.”
The Center also strengthens partnerships with organizations such as The Tech Interactive and expands youth programming through LEGO Education Computer Science and AI, introducing foundational skills in machine learning and creativity.
“The AI Center at King Library is a great example of the power of our library partnership,” said Michael Meth, Dean of the SJSU King Library. “Through our collaboration the library is leading the way in providing the SJSU community and the entire city of San José access to state-of-the-art AI tools and resources.”
The AI Center offers a variety of AI literacy programs, from beginner to advanced levels, and drop-in hours for students and library cardholders. All programs are free and open to the public.
For more information, visit www.sjlibrary.org/AIcenter
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About the San José Public Library
San José Public Library (SJPL) is located in the heart of Silicon Valley and in the nation's 12th largest city. SJPL serves a culturally diverse population of nearly one million and has over 760,000 library members. In addition to providing award-winning library services, SJPL proudly leads the City's Education and Digital Literacy Strategy, opens a new window and the City's SJ Access, opens a new window, digital empowerment initiative. For more information, please visit sjpl.org, opens a new window.