Branching Out: From Dream to Reality!
Bringing our Libraries into the 21st CenturyFine libraries everywhere exist with public funds, but it is through private gifts that they flourish. Your taxes pay for the buildings and basic operations, but community support helps provide the margin of excellence which makes our libraries welcoming and useful educational resources.
The bond measure passed in 2000 to enable the Branch Libraries Bond Project earmarked money for construction only. Therefore, the Foundation must raise approximately $500,000 per branch for the furnishings, equipment, technology, and collections. But our goal is more than simply buying tables, chairs, and computers. With your help, we can ensure that these libraries are welcoming, well-equipped, useful and comfortable libraries — now and for the future.
The "Branching Out" Campaign
The "Branching Out" campaign is designed to secure the funds to help outfit the 20 Branch Libraries which are being expanded or newly constructed to better serve your neighborhood community.
"Branching Out: From Dream to Reality" is the means by which individuals, companies, and organizations in our community will make the interior of each branch library worthy of its facility. The campaign will build a growing base of private sector support for the entire library system, in order to build branch libraries that celebrate knowledge, inspire learning and create an environment of excitement and enlightenment.
The Campaign for Branch Libraries will provide:
- Support for opening day collections - when a new branch is remodeled or opens, circulation typically increases by 50 percent. Additional funding for books and non-print materials is needed. Our goal is to open each branch with collections relevant to the neighborhood's needs.
- High quality and durable furnishings in appealing storytelling corners, study areas, rooms for programs for all ages, including book discussions, cultural programs, speakers' series, and senior programs.
- State-of-the-art equipment to meet specific needs and assure equitable public access.
- Support for special needs identified at individual branches.
Community Involvement is Key to Success
To make this effort successful, each Branch Library will need to rely on its own community partners - residents, neighborhood businesses and friends - to ensure that what goes on inside the library mirrors the quality of its exterior. All the ingredients for success are here: support from the City of San José; careful plans agreed upon by stakeholders; financial support for the building process; and the energy generated by the glamorous new King Library.
The "Branching Out" Campaign gives you, your neighbors, and all San José residents the opportunity to be part of this exciting transformation. You can help bring expanded collections, advanced technology and specialized equipment to your branch library. By making a donation, you can help the San José Public Libraries remain vibrant learning centers and create a Library System fitting a world class city like San José.
Your investment will enable access to knowledge. Be part of "Branching Out: The Campaign for Branch Libraries." Make your donation today.