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San José Public Library Expands Service Days to Include Sundays at 16 Branch Libraries

Schools and Libraries

September 29, 2022

From: San Jose Public Library - Partners in Reading

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:?? 

1. Alviso
2.  Dr. Roberto Cruz- Alum Rock   
3. Bascom
4. Berryessa   
5. Biblioteca Latinoamericana   
6. Cambrian   
7. East San Jose Carnegie   
8. Edenvale
9. Education Park
10. Evergreen
11. Hillview
12. Joyce Ellington
13. Seven Trees
14. Tully Community     
15. Vineland
16. 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