West Valley Branch Library offers a diverse collection of enriching and entertaining reads. This old-school library is one of the front -runners in the city's bid for a well-read and well-educated society. Boasting an impressive collection of books across all genres, this is where one can fuel their passion for a good read, as well as learn a thing a two about various topics. From fiction novels and biographies, to encyclopedias, text books and documents, all that you're looking for can be found at this library.
Opened in 2003, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library spans across eight floors and is the biggest library building in the western part of the nation. It is affiliated with the San José Public Library and San José State University. Considered to be among the country's foremost joint municipal-university libraries, it has about 1.6 million volumes in its inventory. The library also has interesting artworks by Mel Chin and Mary Edmonia Lewis that can be viewed. For a glimpse into the region's past head to the California Room or for a dose of ethnic diversity, the Cultural Heritage Center on the fifth floor is an engaging space. The Ira F. Brilliant Center for Beethoven Studies and Steinbeck Center are a must visit for music lovers. The library also has many activities for kids and adults that will nurture the love for reading.
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Although structurally small, Calabazas Branch Library boasts an extensive collection of books that cover nearly every topic under the sun. Open through the week, apart from Sundays, this is a good bet for a place to go if you need information, a newspaper, or a book to read. With programs and classes going on year round, or just looking for a place to surf the web, the public library is a handy and convenient resource for residents and locals alike.
The Dr. Roberto Cruz - Alum Rock Branch Library is a branch of the San José Public Library. Just like any other library, it offers a wide collection of books on fiction, travel, computers, music and academics. It also has plenty of options for kids, with books on test preparation, homework and picture stories. Along with printed volumes, this library has various sections: one for computers, one that emulates a drawing room of a house and a child-friendly area. It also regularly hosts diverse activities for children and adults alike, ranging from music and craft to book festivals.
