Nearly half of the 25 branches of the San Jose Public Library system are now open after eight branches reopened June 7 with limited indoor services, following pandemic-induced closures.
Library customers can browse the bookshelves, check out materials, access public computers and receive support from librarians.
The following branches reopened Monday at 50 percent of capacity and will operate from 1-6pm Monday through Friday and from 10am-6pm Saturday:
- Bascom, 1000 S. Bascom Ave.
- East San Jose Carnegie, 1102 E. Santa Clara St.
- Educational Park, 1772 Educational Park Drive
- Edenvale, 101 Branham Lane E.
- Hillview, 1600 Hopkins Drive
- Pearl Avenue, 4270 Pearl Ave.
- Seven Trees, 3590 Cas Drive
- Vineland, 1450 Blossom Hill Road
The library also started its annual Summer Food program Monday that runs through Aug. 13 and offers free healthy meals for children and teens, ages 2-18, and their families. Last year, over 5,000 families picked up meals at the four locations the program was offered.
This year, the library has expanded the program to the following seven branch libraries and is available Monday through Friday from 11:30am-12:30pm:
- Dr. Roberto Cruz - Alum Rock, 3090 Alum Rock Ave.
- Edenvale, 101 Branham Lane E.
- Educational Park, 1772 Educational Park Drive
- Hillview, 1600 Hopkins Drive
- Joyce Ellington, 491 E. Empire St.
- Tully Community, 880 Tully Road
- West Valley, 1243 San Tomas Aquino Road
For more information and details about the library reopenings, visit www.sjpl.org/reopening.
This is disappointing to say the least. Why on earth is there a 50% capacity limit, when such restrictions will be lifted by the State next week? And all forms are retail have been mostly operating at capacity for several weeks already. San Jose could be a leader at fully reopening services to the public, but instead chooses to be shy, apprehensive and afraid for no discernable reason.