SAN JOSE, Calif. – Jill Bourne has been named Director of Libraries for the City of San José by City Manager Debra Figone. The San José City Council ratified the appointment today to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Jane Light in 2012.

Bourne comes from San Francisco Public Library, where she has served as Deputy City Librarian since 2006. Known as a rising leader in the library community, she was named as a Library Journal "Mover and Shaker" in 2009 and a "Top Innovator" by the Urban Libraries Council in 2010.

"Jill Bourne brings excellent experience from running major urban library systems that will be invaluable to help us reach our goals," said Figone. "Her leadership and vision will be essential as we deal with the major changes and challenges affecting libraries, technology, and resources here in San José."

As Deputy City Librarian in San Francisco, Bourne shared oversight of public services at the system's main library and 27 branches, as well as a citywide capital building program. She led the implementation of programs and initiatives that enhanced public library services, including expanded operating hours, partnerships, public technology, and innovative literary and arts programming.

Bourne led San Francisco’s Digital Media and Learning initiative to develop a digital maker center at the library and a citywide network of connected youth learning programs, with support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. In addition she led an environmental public education strategy to strengthen the public library's role in supporting sustainable communities.

Prior to her work in San Francisco, Bourne was Assistant Director for Public Services at the Seattle Public Library for five years.  Figone also acknowledged and thanked Anne Cain, who has served as Interim Director of Libraries for the past year.

"Anne has done a wonderful job to keep our libraries moving forward during this period of transition," the city manager said. "On her watch we’ve successfully opened two new branch libraries already this year, and we’re well on our way to opening two more branches by June. On behalf of our library staff, visitors, and partners, I am grateful for her steady leadership and service."

Figone made the appointment after a national search and getting input from community stakeholders including employees, library "friends" organizations, and partner agencies. "I’m honored to be selected to join an outstanding library system that has earned national recognition for excellence, innovation, and service," said Bourne. "I look forward to working with a great team and building on a strong foundation already in place."

The San José library system includes 22 neighborhood branch libraries and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Main Library in downtown San José. The King Library is jointly operated in collaboration with San José State University, a partnership that is unique among American library systems.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services recognized the San José Public Library with the National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2011. The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor for museums and libraries that demonstrate extraordinary innovative approaches to public service and community outreach. The San José Public Library was the first municipal library in California to receive the award.

With more than 270 employees and an annual operating budget of $32 million, San José libraries serve more than six million visitors annually, have more than two million items in the collections, and circulate nearly 12 million items per year.

Currently a resident of San Francisco, Bourne has a bachelor’s degree in English from New York University and a master’s in library and information science from the University of Washington. She will start in San José in July, and her annual salary will be $190,000.

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Photo of Jill Bourne available here

CONTACT:

David Vossbrink, Director of Communications
(408) 535-8170; david.vossbrink@sanjoseca.gov

Willow Glen Branch Library is one of 9 San Jose branch libraries participating in Operation Prom Dress.  This program is sponsored by the Office of Vice Mayor Madison Nguyen in partnership with Comerica Bank.  Drop boxes are available to donate a new or gently used prom dress at the library. Don't let a tough economy discourage students from attending Prom!  Willow Glen Branch Library is located at 1157 Lincoln Ave. between Meridian and Lincoln Avenues in San Jose. 

The Office of Vice Mayor Madison Nguyen presents
Operation Prom Dress 2013

Don't let the tough economy discourage students from attending Prom. 

Donate a new or gently used dress today!

Donations are currently being accepted through March 3, 2013.

Stop by one of the following branch libraries to make your donation:

• Almaden Branch
• Berryessa Branch
• Cambrian Branch
• Rose Garden Branch
• Santa Teresa Branch
• Tully Branch
• Vineland Branch
• West Valley Branch
• Willow Glen Branch

For a full list of participating locations click here.

Check out the listing below for a preview of some of the events you won't want to miss.  All events are open to the public and FREE of charge. 

Join us at Downtown Ice this Saturday, December 8! - Present your San Jose Public Library this Saturday between noon-5:30 p.m. at Downtown Ice  and receive $10 skate admission (Limit one person per card).  While there, have fun skating with Curious George, check out the movie on an LCD screen and stop by the library's table for a fun activity from 1-3 p.m.  

Holiday Bingo - Come play Holiday Bingo for fun and prizes!

Holiday Season in Berryessa! - Join us in our 5th annual Holiday Seasons in Berryessa with non-stop songs, dances, and prize-drawings.  The library will have book giveaways for children (while supplies last), crafts and a beautiful "Winter Wonderland" scenery for your photo op.  Bring your family and camera to capture the holiday spirit.  Also includes booths of local schools and organizations.  Come and celebrate the holidays with us.

Fratello Marionettes presents "The North Pole Review" - Join the fun with a puppet extravaganza! Meet a frosty juggling penguin, an ice skating snowman, and the Hawaiian singing sensation the "Hi-Fi Sisters."  Great fun for all ages!

Holiday Concert with South Bay Guitar Society - Celebrate the holiday season with the acclaimed South Bay Guitar Society Duo (Ben Zussman and Jerry Snyder). Watch as they perform  holiday selections and a sing-along 

Holiday Handbell Concert - Join us for "Christmas Handbells in the Glen," and enjoy seasonal music selections performed by The Willow Glen Ringers Handbell Choir.

Notre Dame High School students present a "Special Holiday Show" - Enjoy a special holiday program presented by local high school students.

Holiday and Winter Card Making for Adults - Make your own card this holiday season. All supplies provided. This workshop is for adult participants.

Tween Craft: Holiday Picture Frame - Come join us and enjoy the holiday spirit by creating picture frames for yourself or as a gift for your loved ones. Bring your friends and join the fun! All supplies will be provided.

Holiday Origami - We will supply the paper and patterns. You practice the Japanese art of folding paper into decorative shapes and figures called Orgimai.

Make your own snowflake: story and craft - Enjoy a winter story. Then, make your own snowflake with pipe cleaners. All supplies are provided. Ages 4 and up with their parents.

Tibetan Monks from the Drepung Loseling Phukhang Monastery return to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library November 13-17, 2012 to the spread the message of world peace and compassion as they build a Sand Mandala, an ancient art form from Tibetan Buddhism. 

The creation of a Sand Mandala is meant to generate a profound experience of compassion.  The positive effects of a Sand Mandala are believed to radiate out over an entire region, blessing the environment and the beings therein, as an effort for world peace.  Once created, the Sand Mandala is destroyed in the closing ceremony, as a lesson in the impermanence of all life.  

Ceremonies and construction will take place in the Library Lobby on 4th and East San Fernando St.  This event is free and open to the public. 

Opening Ceremony

Nov. 13:12:00 - 12:30 p.m.

Sand Mandala Construction

Nov. 13:  1:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Nov. 14-16:  10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Nov. 17:  10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Closing Ceremony

Nov. 17:  3:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Check out photos from the Tibetan Monks’ last visit in October 2010.