San José Bridge Libraries
What's a Bridge Library?
A Bridge Library provides books, library staff assistance, and library resources for families using a Family Resource Center and serves as a "bridge" between the Family Resource Center (FRC) and the full range of library services offered at San José Public Library branches. Visit First 5 Santa Clara County for a complete list of the FRC locations in San José.
Where are the Bridge Libraries?
We currently have eight (8) Bridge Libraries operating at Family Resource Centers in San José:
- George Shirakawa Bridge Library - 645 Wool Creek Drive P1 & P2, San José, CA 95112
- Educare Bridge Library - 1399 Santee Dr, San José, CA 95122
- Chavez Bridge Library - 2000 Kammerer Avenue, Room 20, San José, CA 95116
- African American Community Services Agency Bridge Library - 304 N. 6th Street, San José, CA 95112
- Roots Community Health Center Bridge Library - 1898 The Alameda, San José, CA 95126
- Ben Painter Bridge Library - 500 Rough and Ready Rd, San Jose, CA 95133
- Valley Palms Bridge Library - 2155 Lanai Ave, San Jose, CA 95122
- ICAN Bridge Library - 2072 Lucretia Ave, San Jose, CA 95122
Please contact each location to learn more about program hours, events and resources.
Additional Bridge Branch Library Locations
San José Public Library also operates a Bridge Branch in the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood. This location offers the community books for checkout, free Wi-Fi and tech access, staff assistance, library programs, and much more.
How do I use a Bridge Library?
A Bridge Library is different from our other libraries because customers do not need a library card to take materials home. Customers do not even need to visit one of our 25 branch library locations to use our services.
When visiting the FRC, customers can borrow as many books as they would like for their families and return them when they are ready. These libraries are intentionally created to remove common barriers that prevent many families from using library resources.
Borrowing Details
- Materials are loaned on the honor system.
- No library card required.
- No late fees.
- No lost item charges.
Books & Events at Bridge Libraries
San José Public Library librarians host storytimes at the bridge libraries, and families in the neighborhood can access hundreds of children’s books to use onsite or take home.
Families visiting the Bridge Libraries will find the following types of books on the shelves.
- Board Books (English and Spanish)
- Picture Books (English and Spanish)
- Beginning Readers (English and Spanish)
- Non-Fiction (English)
- Resource Books (English and Spanish)
Questions?
For more information about the Bridge libraries please contact us:
- Phone: 408-808-2617
- Email: earlyeducation@sjlibrary.org
