By Khalida Sarwari
One typewriter, a dictionary, two chairs and a collection of just 6,127 books were all part of the humble beginnings of the Santa Clara County Library 100 years ago. The year was 1914, and Babe Ruth had just made his debut with the Boston Red Sox, the first steamboat took its inaugural trip through the Panama Canal and the world became immersed in its first global war. Amid all of this, the Santa Clara County Library quietly opened its collection to the public for the first time.
Housed in several rooms at the San Jose Hall of Justice, the library quickly grew over the decades to keep up with changing societal needs, eventually burgeoning into a network of eight libraries and two bookmobiles with a collection of nearly two million items.
Significant shifts in population growth and technological developments have prompted the library district to continuously upgrade and integrate new technology into its services and programs. Those changes started with the implementation of automatic charging machines, fax machines, coin-operated photocopiers and personal computers. Today, patrons have access to electronic readers, MP3s and iPads as well as free wi-fi connections and 24/7 access to the library’s catalog, databases and eBooks.
Located in George Buckley’s drugstore, the Saratoga Library was incorporated as the fourth branch of the Santa Clara County Library and Buckley’s wife, Clara, served as the first librarian there. The library moved twice in the 1920s and was joined by a second library in 1967. After a few more relocations and changes, a newly remodeled and expanded 48,000-square-foot library opened in 2003 at its current location on Saratoga Avenue.
To commemorate 100 years of service, each library in the district will be hosting its own 100th anniversary celebration. Cupertino and Saratoga’s are both scheduled for October.
On Oct. 11, the Saratoga Library will host a free special event with activities for all ages. With the purpose of bringing residents together for a day of learning, creating and connecting, this event will feature a special performance by magician Kim Silverman, 3D printing demonstrations, hands-on science activities, robotics, an Ikebana flower arranging activity, henna body art activity and Lego-inspired engineering demonstrations. Other activities include rubber band knitting, paper crafts, face painting and making bath salts.
“This celebratory event will showcase the impressive history of the library system as well as the innovative community center that the library is today in its 100th year,” said Allison Lew, Saratoga’s community librarian.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Saratoga Libraries and the city of Saratoga, the event will take place throughout the Saratoga Library from noon to 4 p.m. and is open to everyone. Free additional parking will be available at St. Andrew’s School, Saratoga Civic Center and Redwood Middle School.
The Cupertino celebration is on Oct. 18 from noon to 4 p.m.
For a complete list of events related to the centennial celebration, visit the SCCLD website atsccl.org.
Link: Library celebrating after serving Santa Clara County for a century
