Need help repairing a car or starting a garden? It might surprise you to learn that you can get all the help you need through the San José Public Library (SJPL). 📖

Beyond the aisles of books and across 25 branches lies a treasure trove of resources and services that most people might not know about. Just make sure you have a library card — if not , don’t sweat it. Just apply online, and if you can't show proof of a California address, there are options for you.

Once you’ve got a card, the possibilities are endless.

Families

San Jose is an infinitely diverse city and to reflect this, the SJPL hosts LOTE Online for Kids, which offers picture books read aloud in 48 languages.
Families looking for free and low-cost passes to museums, science centers, zoos, theatres, and other destinations should try out the Discover & Go program.
The SJPL Caregiver Support Network offers a free, nine-month program that provides training, supplies, and one-on-one support to family, friends, and neighbors looking after children.

The Maker[Space]Ship makes stops all around San Jose to share state-of-the-art technology with the community. | Photo via San José Public Library

Technology

The Maker[Space]Ship is a mobile program that can blast off to any local school, community center, or mall to bridge the digital divide. On-board you can find a 3-D printer, laser cutters, a robot petting zoo, and more. 🤖
Need Internet access but don’t want to camp out at the library? Now you can actually check out a Wi-Fi hotspot for your home. 📶
If you’re a little rusty in your computer skills or specific applications like Google Drive, the SJPL offers free computer classes in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese.
Kids aged 8-18 can register to download self-paced coding software through the Prenda Code Club.

Hobbies + skills

Car enthusiasts — be sure to check out the ChiltonLibrary archive for car manuals, diagrams, and Technical Service Bulletins. 🚗
Whether you’re remodeling, woodworking, or installing a new toilet, get guidance through the library’s Home Improvement Reference Center. 🔧
Take the seeds you need from one of three SJPL branches — Almaden, Berryessa, and Vineland. These free seed libraries also encourage you to “return” or donate seeds when your plant finally sprouts. 🌱

With all the resources the SJPL offers, we just want to say: