Development of a New Library in Sunnyvale

The development of a new main library in Sunnyvale will be the subject of a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday, July 31 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the West Conference Room at Sunnyvale City Hall, 456 West Olive. The public is welcome to attend.

The existing library building in Sunnyvale was originally constructed in 1960 when Sunnyvale's population included 52,898 people. Despite two expansions since 1960, the existing facility reached capacity many years ago and is unable to adequately serve a community which now includes 141,099 residents and an even higher daytime population due to the number of workers entering Sunnyvale from other jurisdictions. The library space needs assessment completed in 2007 suggested the library needed to provide more room for collections, children's areas, technology labs, educational programs, homework assistance, tutoring and group study areas.

On November 6, 2007, 59.12% of Sunnyvale voters supported a measure to fund the design and construction of a new main library, however, a 2/3 majority vote was required and therefore, the measure failed. The Special Council Meeting on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 will be to consider what steps, if any, should now be taken towards the development of a new main library in Sunnyvale.

California Reads

We are delighted that Sunnyvale Library was chosen for a California Reads grant by Cal Humanities and the California Center for the Book (CFB). The Japanese American Museum of San Jose has partnered with us in promoting these programs. This grant is designed to promote discussion about democracy and human rights through literature. The Library is privileged to present Dr. Michael Omi, Professor of Asian American Studies in UC Berkeley, who will speak about the racial politics leading to the removal of Japanese Americans living on the West Coast to internment camps during WWII, on Monday, May 14, 2012 at 7 p.m. as the second program of our series: Learning from the Past: The Japanese American Experience. Subsequent programs include: storyteller Megumi with tales from the Japanese experience and folklore; discussions on Farewell to Manzanar, the film, Days of Waiting and the book, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford; and a Modular Origami Workshop for Teens and Adults.

Check out our Learning from the Past flyer of events and booklists for adults and children!

Centennial Library Cards

This year is the City of Sunnyvale's Centennial anniversary. The City of Sunnyvale was incorporated on December 24, 1912. To celebrate, we have new limited edition Library cards. (Click on the image for a closer view.) For $2, you may trade in your current card for a commemorative card and keychain card and a bonus bookmark. Just ask at the Customer Service Desk next time you're at the Library. Look for event announcements soon, as 2012 promises to be another exciting year in the City of Sunnyvale's history.

Sunnyvale Town Center Memories by Garrett Kuramoto

Garrett recalls his life intersecting with a very special place ... the Sunnyvale Town Center mall. For more stories from residents about life in Sunnyvale, please visit the Library's Blip TV and YouTube channels.