含羞草社区

鈥婼AN JOSE, CA 鈥� Presenting a book report in front of a class is a traditional assignment for high school students. The students of Blue Ridge High School had a similar task, but their assignment took on a special significance during the grand re-opening of the Youth Center Library on July 31. They shared their life stories and book recommendations, highlighting the transformative power of their expanded library.

鈥淭he Youth Center Library is an avenue to new possibilities for Blue Ridge students,鈥� said County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mary Ann Dewan. 鈥淎ccess to library resources can be a powerful means of personal growth.鈥�

In October of 2022, the 含羞草社区 Library District (SCCLD), in collaboration with the County of Santa Clara Probation Department and the 含羞草社区 Office of Education (SCCOE), transformed a section of the recreation center at William F. James Ranch into a small library.

 

鈥淸The old library] wasn鈥檛 anything that it is now,鈥� said Mourik Nooristany, a Supervising Probation Counselor. 

Before the library makeover was made, Nooristany recalled the small library room had seven bookshelves. Now, 27 filled bookshelves line the walls of the expanded space, which features comfortable seating, colorful rugs, game tables, and more. In 2023, the library circulated approximately 5,000 books, and today, nearly 15,000 library materials鈥攊ncluding books, music, games, and puzzles鈥攁re in circulation among Blue Ridge students. The books on the library shelves and in the hands of students were curated through student feedback surveys.

鈥淸We] created this collection with their [student] input,鈥� said Chris Pennington, an SCCLD Teen Librarian. 

The library鈥檚 diverse collection includes genres such as autobiographies, career development, manga, thrillers, urban fiction, and more. Several students said the new, larger Youth Center Library will benefit them greatly, both by expanding their vocabulary and their knowledge. 

鈥淚 never really read a book before becoming incarcerated,鈥� said Miguel, a Blue Ridge School student. 鈥淚 grew a passion for it. I read here and I鈥檒l continue reading after.鈥�

Miguel noted that a few weeks before the Youth Center Library's grand opening, he graduated high school. He said he looks forward to attending a local community college to study business. 

The library's popularity is evident from the top books currently checked out, which include: 

鈥淐oncrete Rose鈥� by Angie Thomas 

鈥淟ight of Day鈥� by Alison Van Diepen

鈥淧ost Traumatic Quest鈥� by Danny Sanchez

鈥淩ules of Attraction鈥� by Simone Elkeles

鈥淭yrell鈥� by Coe Booth 

The Youth Center Library stands as a testament to the power of interagency collaboration and the opportunities libraries provide for personal and academic growth.鈥�