Elizabeth Castañeda, (408) 458-0662
elizabeth.castaneda@sjlibrary.org
Nancy Macías, (408) 712-2150
nancy.macias@sjlibrary.org
Wednesday, September 28, 2022
San José Public Library Expands Service Days to Include Sundays at 16 Branch Libraries
For the first time in SJ Library’s history, more than half of its branches will open on Sundays
San José, Calif., September 28, 2022 – Starting this Sunday, October 2, 2022, community members will be able to visit 16 of the 24 San José Public Library (SJPL) neighborhood branch locations seven days a week across every council district in San José.
Expanding hours of operations means an expansion of essential library services available to San Jose residents every day of the week - including more frequent access to physical materials; programs and events; technology, such as computers and printers; and in-person support for every member of the community.
This historic move comes after City Council approved the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Operating Budget on June 21, 2022, which included the library’s expansion of hours, and is in direct response to the community’s request for Sunday hours at the library.
"Libraries are critical resources and the lifeblood of our communities. For the first time in history, we will expand access to the vital services they provide to include Sundays, something deeply desired by our residents," said San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo. "We know that increasing availability to our libraries, especially in our lower-resourced communities, creates a pathway for success among students, job seekers, families, and community members."
In addition to Sunday hours offered at SJPL’s main location the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, located in downtown San Jose; SJPL will pilot Sunday hours from noon-5 p.m. at the following branch libraries:
- Alviso
- Dr. Roberto Cruz - Alum Rock
- Bascom
- Berryessa
- Biblioteca Latinoamericana
- Cambrian
- East San José Carnegie
- Edenvale
- Educational Park
- Evergreen
- Hillview
- Joyce Ellington
- Seven Trees
- Tully Community
- Vineland
- West Valley
These branch libraries were selected utilizing the Library’s Equity Index, assessing the geographic location/council district, and reviewing circulation and usage data. The pilot is intended to help us understand the needs for Library services on Sundays, which will be reported back to Council in early 2023.
"This highly anticipated Sunday hours expansion marks a significant milestone for the San José Public Library and for our residents. With acknowledgement to the passionate advocates - our Library Foundation, Library and Education Commission, and Friends of the Library Groups - we have to extend our sincere thanks to the Mayor and City Council for prioritizing library open hours," said Jill Bourne, San José City Librarian. "For years, our community members, particularly families, have asked that we increase access on Sundays, so we’re excited to finally be able to make it happen."
To celebrate this historic milestone in SJPL’s history, the library invites the community to stop by any of the 16 select branch libraries to enjoy an ice cream sundae from Mister Softee on Sunday, October 2, courtesy of the San José Public Library Foundation.
For more information, please visit: sjpl.org/Sundays
About the San José Public Library
San José Public Library (SJPL) is located in the heart of Silicon Valley and in the nation's 10th largest city. SJPL serves a culturally diverse population of more than one-million and has over 700,000 library members, making it one of the busiest library systems nationwide. The library has worked to cultivate and establish a 21st Century library experience dedicated to public service and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion at the core of its efforts. In addition to providing free library services to the community, SJPL proudly leads two citywide initiatives - the City's Education and Digital Literacy Strategy and the City's SJ Access digital equity initiative, which has become the number one provider of free public access to Wi-Fi connectivity, tech device lending, and multi-lingual digital literacy programs and support in the city.
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