Reading To Children

Participating in the Reading to Children program is a great way for children to develop their imagination and spark a love for books, reading and learning. Throughout this 30-minute session, our trained volunteer or a staff member of the library will not only read to......More

Participating in the Reading to Children program is a great way for children to develop their imagination and spark a love for books, reading and learning. Throughout this 30-minute session, our trained volunteer or a staff member of the library will not only read to your kids but also engage with them using music, felts and finger plays.  As a result of participating in Reading to Children, your child will develop imagination and love of books and reading. Reading to Children will take place in the Children's Area.  ADA Accommodation Requests

1000 Books Before Kindergarten Graduation Party

Has your child finished the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program? Congratulations! Join us for a special party celebrating graduates of this early literacy program. The graduation party is a fun and memorable way to recognize your child's accomplishment and emphasiz......More

Has your child finished the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program? Congratulations! Join us for a special party celebrating graduates of this early literacy program. The graduation party is a fun and memorable way to recognize your child's accomplishment and emphasize the joy of reading. Each graduating child will receive a diploma and prizes. After the ceremony, we will offer fun craft activities and refreshments for families to enjoy. Please RSVP by registering each child who completed the program individually. Free, Registration required. ADA Accommodation Requests

Tech Mentor: One on One Computer Help

Confused by your computer? Get personalized tech assistance. Help is available for basic tasks such as: Printing Using email Connecting to WiFi Creating documents Accessing library resources such as e-books We can also provide basic instructions for using devi......More

Confused by your computer? Get personalized tech assistance. Help is available for basic tasks such as: Printing Using email Connecting to WiFi Creating documents Accessing library resources such as e-books We can also provide basic instructions for using devices such as laptops, smartphones, e-readers, etc. Free. No registration or appointment required. Just drop by and ask for assistance. ADA Accommodation Requests

Tech Mentor: One-On-One Computer Help

Our Tech Mentor volunteer can help you with basic computer issues like: Learn the basics of Microsoft Word and Excel Set up an email account Use social networking services like Facebook Use the library's pay-for-print system Download an e-book from the library's ......More

Our Tech Mentor volunteer can help you with basic computer issues like: Learn the basics of Microsoft Word and Excel Set up an email account Use social networking services like Facebook Use the library's pay-for-print system Download an e-book from the library's web site And much more! No appointment necessary. Just drop in and ask for assistance. For questions, please call (408) 808-3043 or send an email to [email protected] ADA Accommodation Requests

Reading Buddies

Reading Buddies provides students in grades K-3 with an opportunity to improve their reading skills by working one-on-one with a reading coach. Reading Buddies creates a positive reading experience for beginning and developing readers and helps children build confidenc......More

Reading Buddies provides students in grades K-3 with an opportunity to improve their reading skills by working one-on-one with a reading coach. Reading Buddies creates a positive reading experience for beginning and developing readers and helps children build confidence as readers. Our reading coach will listen to children read and provide support in reading and comprehension. Students can bring their favorite book or choose from the available selection at the Joyce Ellington Branch Library.  Free. Pre-registration not required. However, reading sessions are available on a first come, first served basis and the duration of reading sessions may be limited depending on the number of participating students. ADA Accommodation Requests

Everyone Can Create: Lets Make Logos

Kids will learn to think like a graphic designer! They will brainstorm the design process, and create their very own logo. We will learn to use Tayasui Sketches, a beginner drawing application for the iPad. This is a fun class for students to bring their imagination an......More

Kids will learn to think like a graphic designer! They will brainstorm the design process, and create their very own logo. We will learn to use Tayasui Sketches, a beginner drawing application for the iPad. This is a fun class for students to bring their imagination and ideas to life, all while learning to use good design principles. All materials needed will be provided. Just bring your imagination! Free. Registration is required. This is taught in English only. ADA Accommodation Requests

Social Workers in the Library Drop-In Hours

Advice | Information | Referral Social Workers in the Library offers free social service information and referrals*. Our staff can meet with you, approach your needs without judgement, and help you find where to go for shelter, food, showers, mental health services,......More

Advice | Information | Referral Social Workers in the Library offers free social service information and referrals*. Our staff can meet with you, approach your needs without judgement, and help you find where to go for shelter, food, showers, mental health services, legal help, and more. Free. No registration required. *Disclaimer: SJPL's Social Work in the Library does not establish a social worker-client relationship. SJPL does not offer case management or extensive follow-up services. We will try our best to get you connected to any resource we know of that could suit your needs. ADA Accommodation Requests

Toddler Storytime

Toddler Storytime invites children and their caregivers to wiggle, rhyme, and sing with diverse books, songs, and fingerplays that encourage language, play, and exploration. This program is geared for children 0 to 3 years of age and their parents/caregivers, but all......More

Toddler Storytime invites children and their caregivers to wiggle, rhyme, and sing with diverse books, songs, and fingerplays that encourage language, play, and exploration. This program is geared for children 0 to 3 years of age and their parents/caregivers, but all children are welcome! Free, with limited capacity. As we navigate pandemic life, here are a few modifications to our Storytime: Please note that this will be an indoor program. Seating for Storytime is available on a first-come, first-served basis. A limited number of tickets will be distributed at the Information Desk 30 minutes prior to the start of Storytime. San José Public Library Storytimes are in alignment with the City’s Education and Digital Literacy Initiative. ADA Accommodation Requests

Joyce Ellington Teens Reach Orientation

This program is for teens, ages 13-18, who are new to volunteering for Teens Reach at the Joyce Ellington Branch Library. Attend the orientation and stay the following hour, 5:00-6:00 PM, to attend your first Joyce Ellington Teens Reach Meeting where you'll meet other ......More

This program is for teens, ages 13-18, who are new to volunteering for Teens Reach at the Joyce Ellington Branch Library. Attend the orientation and stay the following hour, 5:00-6:00 PM, to attend your first Joyce Ellington Teens Reach Meeting where you'll meet other teen volunteers and start earning volunteer service hours. Joyce Ellington's Teen Reach Orientations and Meetings take place the second Tuesday monthly. Teens Reach Orientation: 4:00-5:00 PM Teens Reach Meeting: 5:00-6:00 PM  Our in-person meeting plans: Teen Volunteer Opportunities SJPL Teen Programs Games & Activities Snacks Guest Speakers (occasionally) Bring a friend, and learn more about what to expect with volunteering this year. If you are new to volunteering with the San Jose Public Library, please visit the Teens Reach: Community Service webpage: https://www.sjpl.org/teensreach for more information and make sure to create your online volunteer account (click “Sign Me Up” under Joyce Ellington Branch Library). ADA Accommodation Requests

Coffee and Blocks: Playdate for Children and Their Caregivers

Parents & caregivers: bring your little ones ages 5 and younger to a playdate at the Library! Kids will discover new toys and activities while adults will have a chance to chat and get acquainted while sipping coffee. ......More

Parents & caregivers: bring your little ones ages 5 and younger to a playdate at the Library! Kids will discover new toys and activities while adults will have a chance to chat and get acquainted while sipping coffee. ADA Accommodation Requests

Reading to Children

Participating in the Reading to Children program is a great way for children to develop their imagination and spark a love for books, reading, and learning. Children will enjoy one-on-one or small group interactions with our librarian. Kids are also welcome to practice......More

Participating in the Reading to Children program is a great way for children to develop their imagination and spark a love for books, reading, and learning. Children will enjoy one-on-one or small group interactions with our librarian. Kids are also welcome to practice reading aloud.  Reading to Children will take place in the Children's Area.  ADA Accommodation Requests

Board Game Adventure

Join us every Thursday at 4:00 pm at Joyce Ellington Branch  to play fun board games! We have a large selection to choose from, including new games and classic games that everyone of all ages can enjoy. No Registration Required. ......More

Join us every Thursday at 4:00 pm at Joyce Ellington Branch  to play fun board games! We have a large selection to choose from, including new games and classic games that everyone of all ages can enjoy. No Registration Required. ADA Accommodation Requests

Friday Crafternoons at Joyce Ellington Branch Library

Come join us every Friday for a new craft activity! All supplies are provided. Free. No registration required. ADA Accommodation Requests

Reading To Children

Participating in the Reading to Children program is a great way for children to develop their imagination and spark a love for books, reading and learning. Throughout this 30-minute session, our trained volunteer or a staff member of the library will not only read to......More

Participating in the Reading to Children program is a great way for children to develop their imagination and spark a love for books, reading and learning. Throughout this 30-minute session, our trained volunteer or a staff member of the library will not only read to your kids but also engage with them using music, felts and finger plays.  As a result of participating in Reading to Children, your child will develop imagination and love of books and reading. Reading to Children will take place in the Children's Area.  ADA Accommodation Requests

Reading Buddies

Kids practice their reading skills at the Library! Our reading buddies are trained to help kids practice their reading skills, such as sounding out difficult words and using context clues to figure out what a word means. After they're done reading, kids can pick a pr......More

Kids practice their reading skills at the Library! Our reading buddies are trained to help kids practice their reading skills, such as sounding out difficult words and using context clues to figure out what a word means. After they're done reading, kids can pick a prize from the prize box. Reading Buddies offer one on one assistance, so if there are more readers than buddies we will have to take turns. The service is currently offered on a first come, first served basis and is subject to availability of volunteer buddies. ADA Accommodation Requests

Little Explorers Petting Zoo

Here is your chance to get up close and personal with farm animals such as rabbits, chickens, ducks, a pig, alpacas, goats, and sheep! You’ll have the opportunity to pet and groom them. Afterwards, browse through our library’s collection of books to learn even more abo......More

Here is your chance to get up close and personal with farm animals such as rabbits, chickens, ducks, a pig, alpacas, goats, and sheep! You’ll have the opportunity to pet and groom them. Afterwards, browse through our library’s collection of books to learn even more about these animals. The animals will be on the patio. Please line up in the Community Room. We will have some arts and crafts activities available to entertain you while you wait for your turn to pet the animals. Free. No registration required.  ADA Accommodation Requests

Tech Mentor: One on One Computer Help

Confused by your computer? Get personalized tech assistance. Help is available for basic tasks such as: Printing Using email Connecting to WiFi Creating documents Accessing library resources such as e-books We can also provide basic instructions for using devi......More

Confused by your computer? Get personalized tech assistance. Help is available for basic tasks such as: Printing Using email Connecting to WiFi Creating documents Accessing library resources such as e-books We can also provide basic instructions for using devices such as laptops, smartphones, e-readers, etc. Free. No registration or appointment required. Just drop by and ask for assistance. ADA Accommodation Requests

Tech Mentor: One-On-One Computer Help

Our Tech Mentor volunteer can help you with basic computer issues like: Learn the basics of Microsoft Word and Excel Set up an email account Use social networking services like Facebook Use the library's pay-for-print system Download an e-book from the library's ......More

Our Tech Mentor volunteer can help you with basic computer issues like: Learn the basics of Microsoft Word and Excel Set up an email account Use social networking services like Facebook Use the library's pay-for-print system Download an e-book from the library's web site And much more! No appointment necessary. Just drop in and ask for assistance. For questions, please call (408) 808-3043 or send an email to [email protected] ADA Accommodation Requests

Reading Buddies

Reading Buddies provides students in grades K-3 with an opportunity to improve their reading skills by working one-on-one with a reading coach. Reading Buddies creates a positive reading experience for beginning and developing readers and helps children build confidenc......More

Reading Buddies provides students in grades K-3 with an opportunity to improve their reading skills by working one-on-one with a reading coach. Reading Buddies creates a positive reading experience for beginning and developing readers and helps children build confidence as readers. Our reading coach will listen to children read and provide support in reading and comprehension. Students can bring their favorite book or choose from the available selection at the Joyce Ellington Branch Library.  Free. Pre-registration not required. However, reading sessions are available on a first come, first served basis and the duration of reading sessions may be limited depending on the number of participating students. ADA Accommodation Requests