The Almaden Library/Community Center opened to great acclaim on May 13, 2006. After several years of watching the new facility rise from the ground which the old buildings had occupied, Almaden residents were in awe as they saw the size of their new neighborhood center, a total of 65,000 square feet.
The invitation to the grand opening included a picture of the building, as seen from Camden Avenue:
District 10 is the first area in San Jose where the Community Center and Library are housed in a single building, and the groups are sharing more deluxe accommodations than would have been possible for each function on its own. As residents explored the facility on Grand Opening Day, such comments as, "Fantastic" and "Wonderful" were heard throughout. The San Jose Library and the Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services personnel each operate their own section of the building, and they share the use of the common areas such as the Community Room.
The Almaden newspapers included articles on the new facility:
Almaden Times: "Hundreds attend Almaden Branch Library and Community Center grand opening ceremony" (5/18/2006)
Almaden Resident: "A Novel Approach: Almaden Branch Library and Community Center is a first in San Jose" (5/11/2006)
The Almaden Branch Library's Manager is Pam Crider, and the four other librarians are Ed Koetitz, Barbara Gilbert, Mana Tominaga, and Susan Hood. The Friends of the Almaden Library group which holds semi-annual used book sales and a continuous lobby book sale near the front door currently has a Board of Directors of Edna Sewill, President; Liesel Wilson, Treasurer; and Linda Spencer, VP/Membership Chairman. The Library's hours are: Monday 2-7; Tuesday-Wednesday 11-8; Thursday-Saturday 10-6; Sunday closed. The Library's phone number is (408) 808-3040, and the main San Jose Library Web site is sjlibrary.org.
The Community Center's Acting Manager is Cathy Noonan, and the staff is Torie O'Reilly, Gerontology Specialist; Tricia Hall, Recreation Specialist; and Steve Ryan, Youth Specialist. The Community Center offers a tremendous program of sports, hobby, etc. classes for all ages from preschool, youth, teen, and adult, with something for almost everyone. The Almaden Senior Association offers classes, groups, activities, and various services for people of age 50 and older. The officers are Gerry Clodius, President; Diane Perovich, Vice-President; Don House, Treasurer; and Betty McGowan, Secretary. The Community Center's hours are: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 8-5; Tuesday and Thursday 8-8; Saturday 9-1; Sunday closed. The facilities are available for rental with extended hours. The Community Center's phone number is (408) 268-1133.
Web links of interest are:
Almaden Library and Community Center
Almaden Branch Library
Friends of the Almaden Library
Almaden Senior Program
For questions or comments, please email LSpencer@best.com