WHAT:
Free community celebration featuring a ceremonial ribbon cutting, entertainment and children’s activities. Immediately following the brief dedication ceremony, residents will be able to obtain library cards and enjoy full use of the library.

WHEN:
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Dedication ceremony at 11:00 a.m.

WHERE: 1230 S. Blaney Ave. San Jose, CA

WHO:

Chuck Reed, Mayor, City of San José 

Pete Constant, Councilmember, District 1

Pat Wolfe, President, San José Library Foundation

Jean Lee, Chair, Library Commission

Kerry Adams Hapner, Director, Cultural Affairs

WHY:  Event marks the dedication of the new and expanded Calabazas Branch Library.  This 10,420 sq. ft. library will feature a Community Living Room with a fireplace, Internet Café, Group Study Room, Teen Room, Family Place, Community Room, and a Marketplace.   The new library will also feature touchscreen computers, as well as, free Wi-Fi throughout the building.  Public art at the library features artwork by Living Lenses – Po Shu Wang and Louise Bertelsen titled "The Singing Stone." On-site parking will accommodate 47 vehicles. Additional street parking is available.

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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

Contact:                                                                                                          

Elizabeth Chavarin   

Office: 1-408-808-2175

San José Public Library Reopens Seven Trees Branch

 Community Celebration Marks Grand Opening of New Seven Trees Branch

SAN JOSE, CALIF. –Southside residents joined City and Library officials today to celebrate the grand opening of the new and expanded Seven Trees Branch Library. At 15,567 sq. ft., the ultra modern, light-filled library encompasses the entire second floor of the community center/library facility.  Following a brief dedication ceremony, visitors were free to explore the library, check out library materials, and enjoy light refreshments and free entertainment.

"Thanks to our residents’ support, San José has been able to build new branch libraries throughout the city," said Mayor Chuck Reed." The new Seven Trees Branch Library, together with the adjacent community center, is an important resource for residents of all ages."

The new library – designed by Rob Wellington Quigley Architects (Palo Alto, CA) and constructed by Gonsalves and Stronck Construction Inc. (San Carlos, CA) – features an open layout with large glass areas to maximize natural light.  This joint use facility received LEED gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

The new Seven Trees Branch also includes the common elements of all new library construction in San José:

• Community living room with a fireplace
• Tech Center
• Group and quiet study areas
• Teen Room

The library also features a Family Learning Center which offers innovative programs and services for families and individuals looking to improve their literacy and life skills.  

"This community really, really cares about their library, and they are excited to use it.  People are coming in, sitting, reading books, using computers, and just enjoying the space," said Vice Mayor Madison Nguyen." This is a new gathering place for our community to grow stronger together.  We appreciate all the hard work that went into making it a reality," said Nguyen.

Public art for the project, created by San José-based Samuel Rodriguez and Matt Rodriguez, was designed around the idea of community and a customized urban bicycle referred to as a lowrider bike. The art piece, Potential, uses a series of frosted panels displaying bicycle lowrider parts intermingled with imagery and words to depict the diversity of the Seven Trees community.

"We are delighted to again be providing library services in the Seven Trees neighborhood," said Interim Library Director Anne Cain.

Seven Trees Branch Library is the sixteenth bond-funded branch library project to be completed. The Branch Library Bond Measure, approved in November 2000, provided $212 million dedicated to the construction of six new and fourteen expanded branch libraries in San José. All but one of the planned projects has been completed with three additional openings occurring between now and June 8, 2013. Visit sjpl.org/NewLibraries for updates on San José branch library developments.

Seven Trees Branch Library, located at 3590 Cas Drive, is open Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.; and closed Sunday – Tuesday.  For more information, call 1-408-808-3056 or visit SJPL.org/SevenTrees.

Pictures

Seven Trees Branch Library Pictures

Check out a video tour of the new library:

English               Spanish          Vietnamese

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Contact:                                                                                                          

Elizabeth Chavarin   

Office: (408) 808-2175    Cell: (408) 458-0662

WHAT: 

Free community celebration featuring a ceremonial ribbon cutting, entertainment and children’s activities (see details below). Immediately following the brief dedication ceremony, residents will be able to obtain library cards and enjoy full use of the library.

WHEN:           

Saturday, January 26, 2013
Dedication ceremony at 11:00 am

WHERE:         

3590 Cas Drive, San José

WHO:             

Chuck Reed, Mayor, City of San José 

Madison Nguyen, Vice Mayor, District 7, City of San José

Jean Lee, Ph.D., Chair, Library Commission

Pat Wolfe, Board Member, Library Foundation

Rick Holden, Chair, Arts Commission

Anne Cain, Interim Library Director, San José Public Library

WHY: 

Event marks the dedication of the new and expanded Seven Trees Branch Library.  This 15,567 sq. ft. library will feature a living room with a fireplace, Tech Center, Group Study Rooms, a large quiet study room, Teen Room, a Family Learning Center, and more seating, collections, and computers than the old library. Public art at the library features artwork by San José-based artists Samuel Rodriguez and Matthew Rodriguez titled “Potential.” On-site parking will accommodate 216 vehicles, in addition to nearby street parking.

To request an accommodation for Library-sponsored meetings or events, please call (408) 793-4105 or (408) 808-2130 (TTY) at least three business days before the meeting/event.

*** MEDIA TOURS & EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS ***

Local media is invited to tour the new Branch Library before the grand opening and interview library officials. Wednesday, January 23, 2013 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Pictures

Seven Trees Branch Library Pictures

Check out a video tour of the new library:

English               Spanish          Vietnamese

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IMLS Press Contacts

202-653-4632

Natasha Marstiller, nmarstiller@imls.gov

Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

San José  Public Library Receives Highest National Honor for Its

Outstanding Community Service

San José, CA—The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has selected the San José Public Library (SJPL)as one of only ten libraries and museums to receive the 2011 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor for museums and libraries that demonstrate extraordinary innovative approaches to public service and community outreach.

San José Public Library is the first city library in California to receive the award and was selected for meeting the information and learning needs of its ethnically diverse community, stellar innovative and educational programs, and for providing its customers with on demand services and self-service options that enhance their library experience such as self-checkout machines and online account services.

“Congratulations to the San José Public Library on receiving the National Medal for Museum and Library Service.  The work you have done is an inspiration to libraries and museums throughout the nation,” said Susan Hildreth, IMLS Director. “With innovation, creativity and a great deal of heart you have achieved an outstanding level of public service.”

 “I am pleased that the San José Public Library System is receiving this distinguished recognition from the Institute of Museum and Library Services,” said Congressman Mike Honda, who nominated San José Public Library for the award. “Here in Silicon Valley, we pride ourselves on innovation. SJPL is an international model for providing traditional and cutting edge library services to all Silicon Valley residents. Under the direction of Jane Light, the SJPL developed new programs and methods which have positively redefined the role of libraries in our community.”

As the recipient of the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, San José Public Library will be honored during the National Medal ceremony in Washington D.C. later this year and receive a $10,000 award. Story Corps will also be visiting San José Public Library to document community members’ stories about the medal-winning library and its impact on their lives.

“We are extremely proud of our libraries here in San José and I’d like to thank the Institute for Museum and Library Services for this distinguished honor,” said Mayor Chuck Reed. “This award is a testament to the many staff, volunteers and supporters who have helped San José libraries continue to provide excellent services during these tough budget times.”

The other institutions that received the 2011 National Medal for Museum and Library Service are:

• Alachua County Library District, Gainesville, FL
• Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn, NY
• Columbus Metropolitan Library, Columbus, OH
• EdVenture Children’s Museum, Columbia, SC
• Erie Art Museum, Erie, PA
• Hill Museum & Manuscript Library, Collegeville, MN
• Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond, VA
• Madison Children’s Museum, Madison, WI
• Weippe Public Library & Discovery Center, Weippe, ID

“I am truly honored and delighted that IMLS has chosen San José Public Library as one of the ten institutions to receive the National Medal,” said Jane Light, SJPL Library Director. “It is indeed a recognition that could not have been achieved if it weren’t for the dedicated and friendly staff members that work very hard every day to provide the much needed and heavily used library services the community desires.”

More about the Medal

IMLS is the primary source of federal funding for museums and libraries. The National Medal for Museum and Library Service was created to highlight the vital role these institutions play in American society. Recipients are selected by the director of IMLS following an open nomination process and based on the recommendations of the National Museum and Library Services Board.

About San José Public Library

San José Public Library system (SJPL) is the largest public library system between San Francisco and Los Angeles on the West Coast of California, serving a culturally diverse population of approximately 946,000 in the nation’s 10th largest city. SJPL is recognized across the country for its innovation and leadership in the field and is one of the busiest library systems nationwide, with an annual checkout rate of more than 13.5 million items through 19 currently operating locations. For more information, visit www.sjpl.org.

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