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About Alviso Branch Library

Profile | History

Profile

The Alviso Branch Library is located in the northernmost point of San José, serving a population of 6,500 residents. This area has a large and growing ethnically diverse population; nearly 60% of which are Hispanic.

The former Alviso Branch Library was 800sf and occupied a building that was built in 1934 and then restored in 1984. The new Alviso Branch opened in September 1999 and is a substantial improvement in services, measuring 4,460sf (not including the Community Center). Features of the new building include adequate parking, wheelchair accessibility, community room, a technology area, language center, tutoring room, a joint-use building with the Community Center, and a local history collection that attracts students from neighboring schools and universities.

Alviso Branch also serves as a primary participant in the annual "Santa Visits Alviso" program which distributes books and educational toys each December to some 1,000 children from the community. We are currently in the planning and fund-raising stages to increase library space designated for children's services and other programs.

Materials checked out from any San José Public Library branch can be returned at Alviso. For your convenience, we have a book drop in the parking lot, next to the stairs leading to the main entrance.

History

The history of Alviso goes back to 1700's, when Ignacio Alviso came to the area from Mexico. In the 1800's Alviso was awarded a land grant from the Mexican Governor Juan de Anza, and became a city in 1851. It started as a bustling port and later became home to one of California's largest canning operations. In 1968, Alviso joined San José, when its residents narrowly voted to merge. The advent of high technology companies and new housing developments has lead to rapid growth in the Alviso/Northern San José area.

The Alviso Branch Library and Community Center, the new Youth Center, and George Mayne Elementary School are a source of community pride and are the hub for family-oriented activities.

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