Give children the joy of reading by reading aloud to youngsters at one of the San Jose Public Libraries. Reading occurs in the library's children's area at designated times throughout the day. Specialized training is provided to all incoming volunteers. Several of our library branches are seeking volunteers to read to children on an ongoing basis (minimum 6 month commitment). Bilingual volunteers (Spanish/English) are especially needed. This position requires fingerprinting.

Training is on Saturday, June 22, 2013 from 12:00pm - 3:00pm at the King Library.  Please complete the application form and register for training here.

The theme of the 2011 Summer Reading Celebration is One World, Many Stories! Starting June 18th, your local San José Public Library location will be having special events to celebrate.

Childhood is a great time to start learning a second language (or continue exposure to a first language). In the month of June, the San Jose Public Library will offer several performances that give you the opportunity to be entertained, while immersing your child& in Spanish.

Kids Concert:

Mariela Herrera

This  bilingual (Spanish / English) show will include songs, stories, music and fun for children age 1-6. 

Mariela will perform at the Cambrian Branch Library on Saturday June 18, 2011 at 2:00pm and at the Biblioteca Latinoamericana Branch Library on Friday July 1, 2011 at 3:00pm.

Puppet Show:

Aztec Pinocchio with Caterpillar puppets

This show tells the story of Maldo the Magician and how he brings to life his little marionette boy, using a butterfly for a heart.

This bilingual performance will take place at:

Hillview Branch Library on Wednesday June 22, 2011 at 6:30pm,

Biblioteca Latinoamericana Branch Library on Thursday June 23, 2011 at 3:00pm,

Dr. Cruz-Alum Rock Branch Library on Saturday June 25, 2011 at 2:00pm,

Family Concert:

Colibrí

Colibrí, Spanish for hummingbird, is a duo that presents lively, interactive musical journeys through Latin America. Using an exciting array of traditional folk instruments, Lichi Fuentes and Alisa Peres create a bridge linking children in the U.S. with those in the Spanish-speaking world.

You can enjoy the music of Colibrí at:

Willow Glen Branch Library on Saturday, June 25, 2011 at 2:00pm

Almaden Branch Library on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 3:00pm

Dr. Cruz-Alum Rock Branch Library on Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 2:00pm

The San José Public Library also offers a variety of Spanish/English bilingual books for children and parents to enjoy. Here are a few favorites:

• My Colors, My World = Mis Colores, Mi Mundo by Maya Christina Gonzalez
• Just a Minute by Yuyi Morales
• Uno, Dos, Tres; One, Two, Three by Pat Mora.