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About Berryessa Branch Library

Culture | History | Profile

Culture

Berryessa Branch Library is located in northeastern San José and serves a population of 70,060 residents. Our service area is ethnically diverse, with the largest Asian population in the City, nearly 50%. Children constitute about a third of the area's population. Berryessa is also an economically diverse area; it has a solid middle class community, a number of new immigrant communities (particularly Chinese and East Indian), and several low-income communities.

History

The history of Berryessa goes back more than 200 years when Nicolas Berryessa was awarded a land grant from the King of Spain. He and his family settled in a tract of land that is estimated to have been 143,000 acres. Old-time residents remember the days when the land used to be covered with apricot and plum trees and when cattle grazed placidly on the hillsides. But like many other California "ranchos" that dotted Santa Clara Valley in the 19th Century, the Berryessas lost to what reports say was either the march of progress, the rule of law, or the will of the majority (San José Mercury News, 5/9/90).

Today, most of the farmers are gone; however, Berryessa continues to attract young families. The neighborhoods are quiet, with little crime, friendly people, good schools, and nearby City services. The Berryessa Branch Library, Noble Elementary School, and Noble Park comprise the heart of the neighborhood. Both middle and high schools are within walking distance, and the Berryessa Community Center is a few blocks away, off Berryessa Road.

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The new 26,000 sq. ft. Berryessa Branch opened on March 12, 2005, replacing the original 8,367 sq. ft. facility from 1968 located at 3311 Noble Ave. Highlights include an Internet Café, Technology Center, Quiet Study Area, Group Study Rooms, Family Place, and community living room with fireplace. There is also a Community Room which will seat 124 people.

Materials checked out from any San José Public Library branch can be returned at Berryessa.

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