Family Storytime

Storytime is a fun and interactive experience designed to accommodate a mix of ages and invites the entire family to participate in early literacy activities such as stories, songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and movement activities. This program promotes the joys of reading......More

Storytime is a fun and interactive experience designed to accommodate a mix of ages and invites the entire family to participate in early literacy activities such as stories, songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and movement activities. This program promotes the joys of reading and learning for children of all ages and their parents/caregivers!  Free, with limited capacity. 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.  This program is developed to align with the Early Education Quality Standards. ADA Accommodation Requests

Homework Club at Joyce Ellington Branch

Need help with your homework or a subject in school? Students in Kindergarten through 6th grade can come to Joyce Ellington  Branch Library on Wednesdays from 2 to 4 pm to get free assistance . Students can get help with their homework/school enrichment or use our Stud......More

Need help with your homework or a subject in school? Students in Kindergarten through 6th grade can come to Joyce Ellington  Branch Library on Wednesdays from 2 to 4 pm to get free assistance . Students can get help with their homework/school enrichment or use our Study Room as a space to work on school projects independently.  Free. No registration required  ADA Accommodation Requests

Art Explorations: Paint Your Emotions

Join us for a fun and creative art program where children will explore power of emotions through painting! In this hands-on program, kids will learn how to express their feelings using colors, shapes, and brushstrokes. Whether they are happy, excited, or feeling calm, ......More

Join us for a fun and creative art program where children will explore power of emotions through painting! In this hands-on program, kids will learn how to express their feelings using colors, shapes, and brushstrokes. Whether they are happy, excited, or feeling calm, they will have a chance to paint what their emotions look like. This activity helps children understand and communicate their feelings while fostering creativity and self-expression.  Free. No registration required.  ADA Accommodation Requests

BYOB (Bring Your Own Book) Book Club

Bring a book that you have read that fits into our monthly theme. Come for recommendations, reviews and rapport. We meet in person at the Joyce Ellington Library. Please join us for an afternoon of literary discussion! All are welcome! Upcoming Book Themes: N......More

Bring a book that you have read that fits into our monthly theme. Come for recommendations, reviews and rapport. We meet in person at the Joyce Ellington Library. Please join us for an afternoon of literary discussion! All are welcome! Upcoming Book Themes: November 19: Nonfiction November: Biography, science, history, philosophy, you pick! December 17: Best of 2025: Wrap up the end of the year by reading a book published in 2025. January 28: New Year, New You!: Kick off the new year with a book to inspire or motivate you. Discover a new hobby, dive into a self-help book, or explore health and fitness. February 25: Romance: Fall in love with a classic romance novel or discover a new romantasy author. 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

STEM for Kids

Join us at the library for our exciting STEM for Kids program, where learning comes to life through hands-on activities! Each session will explore different areas of science, technology, engineering, and math in a fun, family-friendly environment. It's a great way for ......More

Join us at the library for our exciting STEM for Kids program, where learning comes to life through hands-on activities! Each session will explore different areas of science, technology, engineering, and math in a fun, family-friendly environment. It's a great way for kids to experiment, build, and discover thoughrough play. Recommended for children 5-10 years old. Free. 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

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

Gardner Health Services Information Table

Learn about comprehensive health care, services for Medi-Cal recipients, behavioral health support, substance use prevention, mental health services and more. For more information: https://gardnerhealthservices.org/ ......More

Learn about comprehensive health care, services for Medi-Cal recipients, behavioral health support, substance use prevention, mental health services and more. For more information: https://gardnerhealthservices.org/ 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

LEGO® Club

Come join us at the Joyce Ellington Branch Library for our LEGO® Club! We'll supply both big and small LEGO® pieces, so come and bring your creativity! Important: Children under 5 must be accompanied by their parents as small LEGO® pieces can be choking hazards. No ......More

Come join us at the Joyce Ellington Branch Library for our LEGO® Club! We'll supply both big and small LEGO® pieces, so come and bring your creativity! Important: Children under 5 must be accompanied by their parents as small LEGO® pieces can be choking hazards. No registration required. ADA Accommodation Requests

Reading Under the Stars

Join us for a fun hour of reading aloud! The librarian will read a selection of picture books, easy readers and chapter books to entire families that foster engagement and social emotional learning.  According to research, reading aloud is one of the most important th......More

Join us for a fun hour of reading aloud! The librarian will read a selection of picture books, easy readers and chapter books to entire families that foster engagement and social emotional learning.  According to research, reading aloud is one of the most important things we can do with children. Reading aloud builds many foundational skills, introduces vocabulary, provides a model of fluent, expressive reading, and helps children recognize what reading for pleasure is all about. 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