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About the King Library

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library is a unique partnership between San José State University and the City of San José. Envisioned initially by San José Mayor Susan Hammer and San José State University President Robert L. Caret, King Library serves as both San José State’s University Library and the City’s Main Library. The City Library Director and the University Library Dean co-manage the Library, which is governed by our Joint Library Operating Agreement.

King Library celebrated its grand opening on August 15, 2003. Read more about King Library’s history and the 2013 celebration of our 10-year anniversary in Carol Rosen’s Mercury News coverage of the event.

Quick Facts about the King Library Building:

Quick Facts about the King Library Collections:

  • All San José residents have access to the books in the academic collection of the SJSU Library
  • SJSU students have access to the books, ebooks, movies, and music in the public library's collection at all 23 locations
  • Books from the Public collection at the King Library can be delivered to library users at their local branch library
  • Many of SJSU’s electronic databases, such as business databases, streaming video and music databases, can be accessed by anyone in the building.
  • King Library has a special collection of materials on the 3rd floor relating to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights movement. A bronze bust of Dr. King by acclaimed artist Sascha Schnittman can be seen in the lobby near the San Fernando Street entrance.

King Library’s Special Collections:

Tours

King Library offers Drop-In Docent Tours every Thursday at 11:30 a.m. (Please make a reservation for groups over 10). King Library also offers Art Tours of Mel Chin’s award winning public art by reservation.