SAN JOSE, CA – 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.
“The Youth Center Library is an avenue to new possibilities for Blue Ridge students,” said County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Mary Ann Dewan. “Access to library resources can be a powerful means of personal growth.”
In October of 2022, the Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD), in collaboration with the County of Santa Clara Probation Department and the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE), transformed a section of the recreation center at William F. James Ranch into a small library.
Image courtesy of Santa Clara County Library District.
“[The old library] wasn’t anything that it is now,” 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—including books, music, games, and puzzles—are in circulation among Blue Ridge students. The books on the library shelves and in the hands of students were curated through student feedback surveys.
“[We] created this collection with their [student] input,” said Chris Pennington, an SCCLD Teen Librarian.
The library’s 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.
“I never really read a book before becoming incarcerated,” said Miguel, a Blue Ridge School student. “I grew a passion for it. I read here and I’ll continue reading after.”
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:
“Concrete Rose” by Angie Thomas
“Light of Day” by Alison Van Diepen
“Post Traumatic Quest” by Danny Sanchez
“Rules of Attraction” by Simone Elkeles
“Tyrell” 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.
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