Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, Public library in downtown San Jose, US.
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library is a public and university library in downtown San Jose, spanning eight floors with reading rooms, computer workstations, and collections. The building combines academic resources for San Jose State University students with public services for all city residents under one roof.
The facility opened in August 2003 as the first jointly operated library between a state university and a city library system in the United States. This collaboration aimed to reduce costs and expand resources for both user groups.
The name honors Martin Luther King Jr. and his work for social justice, reflected in exhibitions and program design. Visitors regularly see students and city residents working together at tables, underlining the connecting role of this space.
Visitors receive 90 minutes of free parking at the Fourth Street Garage and can use the facility until 8 PM Monday through Thursday. The upper floors offer quieter work areas, while the lower levels are livelier and see more foot traffic.
Each floor displays integrated art installations by Mel Chin that explore themes of knowledge through sculptures and visual elements. These works appear in floors, walls, and furniture, transforming the space into a walkable gallery.
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