San Jose Library 2010 Changes

Over the years, the San Jose Public Library branches have experienced both minor and major changes. The library cards changed colors. The check-out system changed from people to machines. The check-out machines were updated. The library branches were renovated. The San Jose Public Library even went online. Library hours changed, too, and that's one of the most recent changes with the San Jose Library. A fee and a hold limitation were also put in place. Here are the most recent changes the San Jose Library just went through, and how it affects you.

Hours

The hours of the San Jose Library were cut back a lot. This might not be a surprise, considering the present economy. The positive aspect is that city budget didn't dismiss the libraries entirely. Also, there are more hours for the King Library, which benefits the students of San Jose State University.

Here are the San Jose Library hours, except the King Library branch:

Sunday: Closed

Monday: Closed

Tuesday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Wednesday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Thursday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Friday: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Here are the King Library hours:

Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sunday: 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.

King Library California Room hours:

Tuesday - Saturday: 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.

King Library Children's Room hours:

Monday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Friday: 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Sunday: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

For San Jose State University Students, here are the King Library extended study hours:

From September 7 - December 18, 2010: 9 p.m. - midnight

The San Jose library branches are closed on holidays.

Holds, Fees and Other Changes.

A hold is a request to hold an item under your account until you can check it out. This is a great way to secure an item you want to borrow, if that item is not in your local San Jose library branch. You can place holds by going online and logging into your library account. You can also ask a librarian to put an item on hold for you. Here are the changes you need to know about San Jose library holds.

The maximum number of holds allowed per library patron is five, unless you're an SJSU student. The SJSU students hold limitation is 10 items at one time.

There is a $3 fee for each hold request that is not picked up by the expiration date. Check your hold request online. There will be an expiration date. You need to pick up your hold before that date. If you don't, you will be charged $3. If your account has over a $10 fee, it is frozen. You won't be able to use it to check out until you pay the fee. You can cancel a hold by logging online or by calling (408) 808-2001.

You cannot request electronic media like DVDs and CDs. This now includes TV Variety Show and Comedy DVDs.

Don't let these cut hours, new fees and changes overwhelm you. As with most changes that happen, San Jose library patrons need to simply be informed and get used to the new flow of things. If you wish to help out the San Jose library, please visit their donate page or visit their home page to access your account, the library catalog or to learn about upcoming news and events.