Art of Living Meditation

Why wait to find greater peace in your life? Join volunteers from the Art of Living Foundation every Sat. morning at 11:00 AM for a relaxing meditation session. Sessions will include simple yoga stretches that can be done sitting on a chair, calming breathing technique......More

Why wait to find greater peace in your life? Join volunteers from the Art of Living Foundation every Sat. morning at 11:00 AM for a relaxing meditation session. Sessions will include simple yoga stretches that can be done sitting on a chair, calming breathing techniques (pranayama), and a guided meditation. Art of Living volunteers will be available after the meditation to answer questions. Beginners are welcome. 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 volunteer. Reading Buddies creates a positive reading experience for beginning and developing readers and helps children build confidence as......More

Reading Buddies provides students in grades K-3 with an opportunity to improve their reading skills by working one-on-one with a volunteer. Reading Buddies creates a positive reading experience for beginning and developing readers and helps children build confidence as readers. Our volunteers will listen to children read and provide support in phonics, sight words, and comprehension. Students can bring their favorite book or choose from the available selection at the West Valley 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 volunteers and/or participating students. ADA Accommodation Requests

Film: Allegiance

Watch a screening of the Broadway stage musical Allegiance, starring George Takei, Lea Salonga, and Telly Leung. This screening falls on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance ......More

Watch a screening of the Broadway stage musical Allegiance, starring George Takei, Lea Salonga, and Telly Leung. This screening falls on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and is made possible through Alexander Street, a free e-resource accessible with your San Jose Public Library card. Based on the life of George Takei, Allegiance explores one family’s journey during the Japanese internment camps during World War II. Sammy and Kei Kimura are the Japanese-American children of Tatsuo Kimura, a domineering father and first generation Japanese-American immigrant (or Issei). The family struggles with their opposing views of America when anti-Japanese sentiments begin to sweep across the country after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. While Sammy wants to join the army to prove his American loyalty, Kei protests against the unfair treatment of the Japanese people and demands freedom for her people. As their family is torn apart in the internment camps, Sammy and Kei fight in their own ways for freedom and acceptance for themselves and for their culture. Allegiance features a beautiful score by Jay Kuo and highlights the lesser known struggles of Japanese-Americans during World War II. Runtime: approx. 2 hours and 10 minutes Free. Appropriate for adults or teens accompanied by an adult parent/guardian. No registration required. Seats limited to 20, first-come, first-served.  All films* purchased or subscribed to through Alexander Street, whether streaming or DVD, include limited public performance rights, which includes permission for classroom showings, as well as on-campus or in-library public screenings, as long as no admission is being charged. *Excluding FILM PLATFORM and National Theatre titles. National Theatre titles can be used in classroom or lecture room for teaching purposes. ADA Accommodation Requests

One-on-One Computer Help with our Tech Mentor

Stop by the West Valley Branch Library for one-on-one computer help with our experienced, friendly Tech Mentor! Our Tech Mentor volunteer can help you with basic computer issues like: Learning the basics of Microsoft Word and Excel; Setting up an email account; Usi......More

Stop by the West Valley Branch Library for one-on-one computer help with our experienced, friendly Tech Mentor! Our Tech Mentor volunteer can help you with basic computer issues like: Learning the basics of Microsoft Word and Excel; Setting up an email account; Using social networking services like Facebook; Submitting an online job application: Downloading an e-book from the library's web site; And much more! No appointment necessary. Patrons will be helped on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointment times may be limited depending on patron demand. ADA Accommodation Requests

Line Dancing (Low Intermediate Level)

Join our wonderful volunteer instructor Audrey Chen for line dancing classes. Have fun and enjoy music while performing calorie-burning dance movements! Some line dancing experience is needed for this class. Those looking to improve their line dancing skills are welcom......More

Join our wonderful volunteer instructor Audrey Chen for line dancing classes. Have fun and enjoy music while performing calorie-burning dance movements! Some line dancing experience is needed for this class. Those looking to improve their line dancing skills are welcome. We will take a break for the month of November. Please note this will be an indoor program. Tuesdays, 星期二, 下午 1:30pm - 3:00pm  August: 5, 12, 19, 26 September: 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 October: 7, 14, 21 December: 2, 9, 16 Free! First-time participants at this library will need to sign a waiver form.  免费的排舞活動. 首次参加者需要签署豁免法律責任及聲明表格. ADA Accommodation Requests 美国残疾人法案(ADA)申请提供协助

STEAM Club

Children in grades K-3 are invited to join us for STEAM Club every Tuesday from 4:00-5:00 PM. Each week, participants will experience an exciting, new STEAM adventure involving hands-on activities that integrate different aspects of STEAM and showcase how STEAM concept......More

Children in grades K-3 are invited to join us for STEAM Club every Tuesday from 4:00-5:00 PM. Each week, participants will experience an exciting, new STEAM adventure involving hands-on activities that integrate different aspects of STEAM and showcase how STEAM concepts are applied in the real world (a list of session topics may be found here). This program is free and all materials will be provided. Parents are welcome to attend with their children. Recommended for children in grades K-3, but younger children may attend with parental assistance.   Pre-registration not required, but space is limited. Participants must pick up a ticket at the Information Desk, and participants must be present to pick up a ticket (families may not pick up tickets for children who are not there). Tickets will become available 30 minutes prior to the start of each session. ADA Accommodation Requests

Reading to Children

Our library volunteer Ms. Jenny will be available in the children's picture book area to read picture books to children. Children will have fun listening to stories while they develop a love for books and reading. Pre-registration is not required, and children may drop......More

Our library volunteer Ms. Jenny will be available in the children's picture book area to read picture books to children. Children will have fun listening to stories while they develop a love for books and reading. Pre-registration is not required, and children may drop in to hear a story any time during the program. This program is best suited for preschoolers and children in grades K-3. ADA Accommodation Requests

Family Storytime

Family Storytime is 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. Storytime is a fun and interactive experience for the whole family ......More

Family Storytime is 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. Storytime is a fun and interactive experience for the whole family that promotes the joys of reading and learning. 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. San José Public Library Storytimes are developed to align with the Early Education Quality Standards. ADA Accommodation Requests

In-Person English Language Learner (ELL) Conversation Club

The West Valley Branch Library presents an in-person adult English Language Learner (ELL) Conversation Club. This is a welcoming and respectful environment for adult learners who want to develop and improve their English Language and vocabulary skills. A volunteer fac......More

The West Valley Branch Library presents an in-person adult English Language Learner (ELL) Conversation Club. This is a welcoming and respectful environment for adult learners who want to develop and improve their English Language and vocabulary skills. A volunteer facilitator will give participants a chance to practice speaking English by guiding conversation on a variety of topics. All skill levels are welcome to attend. Free. Registration not required. ADA Accommodation Requests

Reading to Children

Our library volunteer Ms. Marion will be available in the children's picture book area to read picture books to children. Children will have fun listening to stories while they develop a love for books and reading. Pre-registration is not required, and children may dro......More

Our library volunteer Ms. Marion will be available in the children's picture book area to read picture books to children. Children will have fun listening to stories while they develop a love for books and reading. Pre-registration is not required, and children may drop in to hear a story any time during the program. This program is best suited for preschoolers and children in grades K-3. ADA Accommodation Requests

Reading to Children in Japanese にほんご　おはなし会

Preschool age children and their parents/caregivers are invited to the West Valley Branch Library for Reading to Children in Japanese. Every Thursday at 11:00 AM, children will enjoy early literacy activities such as stories, songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and movement ac......More

Preschool age children and their parents/caregivers are invited to the West Valley Branch Library for Reading to Children in Japanese. Every Thursday at 11:00 AM, children will enjoy early literacy activities such as stories, songs, rhymes, fingerplays, and movement activities all in the Japanese language. This program is brought to the library by Poponta Children's Cultural Society. Established in 2008 and based in San Mateo, Poponta is comprised of a group of volunteers dedicated to serving the Japanese-speaking community. Poponta volunteers tell stories to children to open their minds to the magic of books. To learn more about Poponta, please visit: https://ja-jp.facebook.com/popontanokai/ Free, with limited capacity. Seating 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 the program. San José Public Library Early Education programs are in alignment with the City’s Education and Digital Literacy Initiative. ADA Accommodation Requests 未就園児のお子さま、日本語に興味のあるお子さまとその保護者の皆さまは、ウェストバレーブランチ図書館日本語お話会にご参加いただけます。毎週木曜日の午前11時に、絵本の読みきかせ、手遊び歌、昔話、ペープサートなどが楽しめます。 このプログラムは、ぽぽんた児童文化の会メンバーの一人と有志によって図書館で開催しています。 ぽぽんた児童文化の会は2008年に設立され、サンマテオを拠点とし、ベイエリアにお住まいの日本語を話すコミュニティに日本文化、日本語のお話を提供するボランティアグループです。 パンデミック中の規則に準拠し、ストーリータイム(お話会)においてもいくつかルールが変更になりましたのでご確認ください。これは屋内プログラムになることに注意してください。全員（2歳以上）は屋内でマスク着用をお勧めします。座席は先着順でご利用いただけます。プログラム開始30分前にインフォメーションデスクにて、数量限定のチケットを配布いたします。サンノゼ公立図書館の早期教育プログラムは、市の教育およびデジタルリテラシーイニシアチブと連携しています。 図書館主催のイベントでは、アメリカ障害者法に基づく介助が必要な場合、イベントの少なくとも7営業日前に408-244-4747にお電話ください。

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 volunteer. Reading Buddies creates a positive reading experience for beginning and developing readers and helps children build confidence as......More

Reading Buddies provides students in grades K-3 with an opportunity to improve their reading skills by working one-on-one with a volunteer. Reading Buddies creates a positive reading experience for beginning and developing readers and helps children build confidence as readers. Our volunteers will listen to children read and provide support in phonics, sight words, and comprehension. Students can bring their favorite book or choose from the available selection at the West Valley 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 volunteers and/or participating students. ADA Accommodation Requests

Film: Mooseltoe: A Moosical

Join us to watch a family-friendly film, Mooseltoe: A Moosical, made possible through Alexander Street, a free e-resource accessible with your San José Public Library card. Mooseltoe, the Moose with a D......More

Join us to watch a family-friendly film, Mooseltoe: A Moosical, made possible through Alexander Street, a free e-resource accessible with your San José Public Library card. Mooseltoe, the Moose with a Dream, and his friends come to life in this colorful, magical and whimsical musical tale. Follow our hero as he pursues his seemingly impossible dream while learning many valuable lessons along the way--lessons which are important for us all. Al Roker narrates the story while celebrities from Broadway, TV, and the movies provide the voices of Mooseltoe and his friends in this charming production. Runtime: approx. 59 minutes Free. Appropriate for families with young children. No registration required. Space may be limited. All films* purchased or subscribed to through Alexander Street, whether streaming or DVD, include limited public performance rights, which includes permission for classroom showings, as well as on-campus or in-library public screenings, as long as no admission is being charged. *Excluding FILM PLATFORM and National Theatre titles. National Theatre titles can be used in classroom or lecture room for teaching purposes. ADA Accommodation Requests

Art of Living Meditation

Why wait to find greater peace in your life? Join volunteers from the Art of Living Foundation every Sat. morning at 11:00 AM for a relaxing meditation session. Sessions will include simple yoga stretches that can be done sitting on a chair, calming breathing technique......More

Why wait to find greater peace in your life? Join volunteers from the Art of Living Foundation every Sat. morning at 11:00 AM for a relaxing meditation session. Sessions will include simple yoga stretches that can be done sitting on a chair, calming breathing techniques (pranayama), and a guided meditation. Art of Living volunteers will be available after the meditation to answer questions. Beginners are welcome. ADA Accommodation Requests

Volunteer Away Your Fines as a Branch Buddy

Every now and then, libraries need a little extra love from the communities they serve. You can volunteer away your library fines at a rate of $20 per hour while helping the library maintain a clean and welcoming environment. Pre-registration required. This is a perfec......More

Every now and then, libraries need a little extra love from the communities they serve. You can volunteer away your library fines at a rate of $20 per hour while helping the library maintain a clean and welcoming environment. Pre-registration required. This is a perfect opportunity for anyone interested in volunteering away their library fines. Details and Requirements: Must be able to commit to a 60-minute session Anyone under the age of 15 must volunteer alongside a parent/guardian No experience or special skills necessary Supplies will be provided. ADA Accommodation Requests

Celebration of Yalda: Persian Storytime, craft & Music

Please join us for a family-friendly, fun-filled Persian Storytime, craft and live music to celebrate Yalda, the longest night of the year. Children and families will enjoy stories, a craft and music in the Persian language. Free. No registration required.

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 volunteer. Reading Buddies creates a positive reading experience for beginning and developing readers and helps children build confidence as......More

Reading Buddies provides students in grades K-3 with an opportunity to improve their reading skills by working one-on-one with a volunteer. Reading Buddies creates a positive reading experience for beginning and developing readers and helps children build confidence as readers. Our volunteers will listen to children read and provide support in phonics, sight words, and comprehension. Students can bring their favorite book or choose from the available selection at the West Valley 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 volunteers and/or participating students. ADA Accommodation Requests

Monthly STEM Workshop

Join us for our monthly STEM Workshop presented by teen volunteers in Girls Empowered in Math and Science (GEMS)! This one-hour workshop includes a brief presentation explaining the concepts involved in the activities. Each month has a different theme. Please check bac......More

Join us for our monthly STEM Workshop presented by teen volunteers in Girls Empowered in Math and Science (GEMS)! This one-hour workshop includes a brief presentation explaining the concepts involved in the activities. Each month has a different theme. Please check back to find out what the theme will be! Free. No registration required. Recommended for elementary school students with adult supervision. Presented by teen volunteers in Girls Empowered in Math and Science (GEMS).  ADA Accommodation Requests

One-on-One Computer Help with our Tech Mentor

Stop by the West Valley Branch Library for one-on-one computer help with our experienced, friendly Tech Mentor! Our Tech Mentor volunteer can help you with basic computer issues like: Learning the basics of Microsoft Word and Excel; Setting up an email account; Usi......More

Stop by the West Valley Branch Library for one-on-one computer help with our experienced, friendly Tech Mentor! Our Tech Mentor volunteer can help you with basic computer issues like: Learning the basics of Microsoft Word and Excel; Setting up an email account; Using social networking services like Facebook; Submitting an online job application: Downloading an e-book from the library's web site; And much more! No appointment necessary. Patrons will be helped on a first-come, first-served basis. Appointment times may be limited depending on patron demand. ADA Accommodation Requests