What do I love about this library system? Let me count the ways (EBB). I have been able to get involved with library problems that have always bothered me and San Jose gave me a chance to help solve in positive ways. Jane Light has the greatest vision of any library director in the country and allows us to create new library worlds without micromanaging, while she deals with the never-ending politics and depressing budget issues.
Here are my library wishes that San Jose has made great progress on:
1. Signage—should be intuitive and 8 ½ X 11 flyers kept to a minimum, and similar in all library facilities so you know you’re in a branch of the same system. And wayfinding intuitive. We do that!
2. Cross training of staff—look for people’s skills and encourage them to grow and thrive; try to listen to staff at all levels who are doing the work. Teamwork works best; not one of us has all the answers. Make the most of your professional staff. Single service points. We do that (most of the time).
3. Library as place—attractive buildings as real community focal points to do all kinds of things in a safe, delightful environment. People being comfortable. Our branches are gifts to the community. We do that.
4. Efficient processing of materials. Libraries spend a huge amount of staff and time resources handling materials without really analyzing how they can do it better and more efficiently. We do that.
5. Self-service and changing as customers’ needs change. A library needs to be flexible and use technology to save people’s times, both staff and customers. Our self-checks, self-registration, holds pick-ups are ways we do that.
6.Greet people. Get out from behind a desk and look to see if someone needs any help. A simple smile and greeting is the best public relations move we can make. And some people are afraid of service desks, although many of us feel safer there. We’re doing that, slowly but surely.
7. Hold onto our values. All improvements made preserve the wonder of the public library, free to all, a truly democratic place. We welcome everyone and even offer information on despicable subjects. How’s that for freedom of information? We uphold that.
8. Treat people equally. One quote that means a lot to me is from Plato: Be kind, everyone you meet is fighting a great battle. Remember that when a customer seems especially grouchy.
9. Never be satisfied with the status quo. Create an environment of continuous improvement. We do that.
10. Lastly, have fun in your work. We are doing great things for people and although we work hard we should also be having some fun. Laugh at least twice a day. I do that. And I even recommend a song once a day, although anyone within earshot of my voice would probably not recommend it.
You are an incredible staff, resilient, smart, and reflective of our community. I have been so proud to be associated with all of you and genuinely feel we are the best large library system in the country for the resources we have. My special thanks to the Admin group with whom I’ve spent most of most days. They’ve always allowed me to “be myself” through many trying times.
And now some final food notes. I’ve had a lot of great and cheap meals in San Jose and recommended many, but I want to leave you with my final list of great eats. Most are near the King Library but some are near branches too.
Dakao, an excellent Vietnamese deli on the corner of San Salvador and 3rd, with very fine eggrolls, spring rolls, Sweet potato and shrimp fritters, banh mi (sandwiches) and a personal favorite of Banh xeo, which they call Vietnamese taco. This is a crepe with pork, shrimp, beansprouts, and onions. Take a piece and wrap it in lettuce with herbs and dip in sauce—wonderful and less than $5.
China Chen, right across 3rd from Dakao, has a wide variety of Vietnamese soups. I love their shrimp wontons. Their roast chicken is great as is their rice cake.
Chalateco (several locations including 10th and Reed and Alum Rock and King), has food from Mexico City and El Salvador. And that means papusas, a cornmeal pancake with a choice of filling and served with a spicy cabbage salad. Each is about $2 and 2 make a great meal. They also have delightfully light tamales.
Suvianda Market, the new store on Santa Clara and 7th, has a taco stand inside with 99 cent tacos, 2 small tortillas with a good-sized hunk of meat, including a tasty pork pastor and sometimes goat. Burritos are big and less than $4 and sometimes they have daily specials like a ceviche tostado for $1.50. They also sell superior tortilla chips and pan dulce.
Taqueria La Costa, on Monterey Hgwy and Senter and Alum Rock near King), has terrific ceviche tostadas, great lingua (tongue) tacos, and fresh fruit smoothies all at exceptional prices.
La Penita, on 1st and Reed, is a classic family-run Mexican restaurant, with a chile relleno that I can’t help but ordering. And it comes with fresh made corn tortillas. They are also justifiably famous for their cocida, a beef soup with all kinds of goodies.
Mexico Bakery on Santa Clara near 3rd. Great tortas on fresh made rolls and this terrific chocolate covered pound cake.
Kaito in Japantown at 215 Jackson, my favorite small Japanese restaurant, with very nice teriyaki, tempura, and daily specials.
Vung Tao, Santa Clara and 12th, excellent Vietnamese food in a fairly classy environemnet. Looks like a lot of Vietnamese businessmen go there. Love their egg rolls, carmelized chicken, beef rolls, and shrimp salad.
May you all have many wonderful meals in your future.
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