When was the last time you visited your public library? Would it surprise you to know the Santa Clara County Library District lends out PlayStation 4 or Xbox games and provides free access to popular apps including Headspace and Ancestry? How much is your digital Wall Street Journal subscription or tutor for homework help? Did you know SCCLD, and many local libraries, offer all of this for free?
SCCLD focuses on a mission of lifelong learning, access and opportunity for all residents. Library services impact our communities in deep and positive ways. Early literacy spaces, story times and books get our youngest library patrons ready for school. Engaging programs help older adults discover new places through travel lectures or learn how to download to their new smart devices. Those looking to update job skills can access free online courses or occupational test prep. Want to try out yoga? Yes, it’s at the library alongside other health and wellness resources. SCCLD offers information and a variety of support resources for veterans, those interested in ESL or adult learner programs that inspire and help people reach their full potential. All of this contributes to a healthy and strong community.
Of course, there are books to check out and much more. The Santa Clara County Library District has over 2.2 million items in the collection. Materials range from books, e-books, audiobooks, movies, music, games, newspapers, international collections and a wide range of online resources for just about every interest. If you want a recommendation for something to read, listen to or watch, our librarians can help. And with a free library card, you have access to everything in the collection, regardless of where it is located.
Technology keeps changing, and access to the internet is crucial. With computers, laptops and reliable WiFi throughout the libraries and most library parking lots, SCCLD literally connects you for your most critical needs whether it’s applying for a job, finishing a school assignment or making a doctor’s appointment. The library has the technology to use and more importantly, staff and programs to get you to the most reliable sites and sources.
For the digital buffs, those don’t live close to any of our eight library locations or 100 bookmobile stops, or if you don’t have a library card with us, we have a solution for you, too! You can apply online for a library eCard. If approved, you instantly have access to our entire online library, available 24/7 that is filled with e-books, audiobooks, streaming movies, popular TV shows and documentaries, streaming music from all genres, e-comics and so much more. If you haven’t been in for a while and your library account is about to expire, use our online account renewal to keep your account current.
Times are busier, and we want to remove as many barriers as possible and welcome you to the library. SCCLD eliminated all late fines in January 2021. Not quite finished with that novel? If no one else is waiting for the item you have borrowed, we also offer auto-renewals to extend your loan.
SCCLD libraries provide connections for learning in support of a thriving community. Come visit our libraries in Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos/Woodland, Milpitas, Morgan Hill and Saratoga or visit our website at sccld.org to experience what your public library has to offer you.
Jennifer Weeks was appointed County Librarian of the Santa Clara County Library District in 2020. SCCLD is a public library district located in the Silicon Valley that includes seven community libraries and one branch library, two bookmobiles and an online library, serving nine cities and the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County.
For the last 13 years, SCCLD has been consistently recognized as one of America’s Star Libraries by Library Journal and is ranked among the top 10 libraries in the U.S. with expenditures over $30 million in its Index of Public Library Service.
Jennifer began her career in advertising and development in the private sector, then joined the Santa Clara County Library District in 2003. She has had a rewarding professional library career with increasing responsibility over the past 17 years including front-line customer service, extensive managerial practice developing impactful public programs and services, and as an executive leader setting priorities and strategies to make the library successful and relevant in our communities.
Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of San Diego and a master’s in library and information science from San Jose State.