California Room - Local History Collection
Welcome to the California Room! 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 be visited at the King Library.
Hours
- Monday: 1 p.m to 6 p.m.
- Tuesday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Wednesday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Thursday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Friday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday: 1 p .m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday: Closed
Top Collections
School Yearbooks
This collection includes yearbooks from high schools, middle schools and universities within Santa Clara County.
Photographs
The Historic Photograph Collection includes over 2,500 historical images focused on San Jose and Santa Clara County.
Newspapers and Clippings
This collection includes clipping files, scrapbooks and microfilm of area newspapers.
Directories, City of San Jose and Vicinity
City directories for San José, San Francisco, and others in print, on microfilm, or online, Haines Criss Cross directories, and phone books.
School Yearbooks
This collection includes yearbooks from high schools, middle schools and universities within Santa Clara County.
Photographs
The Historic Photograph Collection includes over 2,500 historical images focused on San Jose and Santa Clara County.
Newspapers and Clippings
This collection includes clipping files, scrapbooks and microfilm of area newspapers.
Directories, City of San Jose and Vicinity
City directories for San José, San Francisco, and others in print, on microfilm, or online, Haines Criss Cross directories, and phone books.
California Room Index
The California Room Index contains citations that are not found in the Library Catalog, opens a new window, including Maps, Newspaper Clipping Files, Primary Resources, Scrapbooks, Vault Items and more!
For assistance with the California Room Index, visit us in-person at the California Room or give us a call 408-808-2167.
New & Featured Resources
Newsbank: San José Mercury Historical & Current Collection
(1884-2024) Digital access to archived issues; full-page scans include articles, obituaries, classifieds, and other advertising.
Visit the Wintertime in San Jose Exhibit!
The Christmas in the Park tradition is going on it's 45th year! This exhibit is open until Jan 2026.
Historic Media & Text Archive on Internet Archive
Browse our audiovisual and text collection, including documentaries, radio spots, TV news features, local publications, and more.
Latest Blogs
A New Era for Women’s Hockey in San Jose
Let's welcome the San Jose PWHL team to our city and get a history lesson on Women's Hockey in the Bay Area.
San Antonio: From Street to Paseo
We know it as a paseo, a plaza, or a pedestrian walkway that intersects eight blocks of central Downtown San Jose. Learn the history today!
Find Your Joy at SJPL: National Library Week 2026
National Library Week is a nationwide celebration of libraries and library workers!
A New Era for Women’s Hockey in San Jose
Let's welcome the San Jose PWHL team to our city and get a history lesson on Women's Hockey in the Bay Area.
San Antonio: From Street to Paseo
We know it as a paseo, a plaza, or a pedestrian walkway that intersects eight blocks of central Downtown San Jose. Learn the history today!
Find Your Joy at SJPL: National Library Week 2026
National Library Week is a nationwide celebration of libraries and library workers!
