A mother and child look through children's books in the library.

Our Mission

The San José Public Library Foundation supports educational programs and resources through the public library, schools, and community-based organizations, to create an educated, equitable, empowered and engaged community.

Students work together to solve a puzzle.

Our Vision

The San José Public Library Foundation envisions a community where everyone has equitable access to lifelong learning to reach their full potential in school, career, and life.

Our Values

Community

Ensure the needs and interests of our diverse communities are represented in the programs and goals of the foundation. 

Equity

Pursue programs that improve access and opportunity for those who have the fewest resources. 

Innovation

Encourage new approaches to solve emerging needs by being a catalyst that adds new elements to existing programs and allows for high-risk/high-reward pilot programs. 

Collaboration

Work with diverse stakeholders in business, government, nonprofits, and philanthropy to strengthen collective impact.  

Sustainability

Guarantee the financial continuity and fiscal responsibility and effectiveness for programs that we adopt. 

A woman smiles at the camera while holding a baby and a new toy.

Committed to Fiscal Stewardship 

We take seriously the stewardship of funds raised to support the Library Foundation. We are proud that the San José Public Library Foundation (SJPLF) was awarded the high honor of America’s Best Charities Seal of Excellence. This is awarded to charitable organizations that meet the highest standards of public accountability, program effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness. SJPLF was also given GuideStar’s Gold Seal because of our practice of transparency of records and cost-effectiveness.

A young woman smiles at the camera while holding a sign that reads, 'Support our Libraries'.

Committed to helping our local communities grow by supporting your libraries. 

Libraries ensure an equal playing field for all, where a community can gather to reconnect, re-engage and freely access information.  Your gift to the San José Public Library Foundation provides learning opportunities in our library branches for children, access to technology and a vast array of ideas making our children and adults future ready.

For more detailed information about the Foundation including our impact, list of donors, and a financial snapshot view our annual report.