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This section presents news briefs on issues and events related to public libraries in the U.S. as of September 2004. Providing U.S. Passport Acceptance Service has proven to be a very successful and positive program for both the public and the Mission Viejo Library, California. Since 1999, the Mission Viejo Library has been an official U.S. Passport Acceptance Service site where citizens can apply for and/or renew their passports, and, now, they can have their passport photos taken at the library as well. The Friends and Foundation of the Mission Viejo Library purchased a digital camera and printer, designed especially for taking and developing passport photos. Volunteers are trained to take the passport photos, and the library charges ten dollars for ten pictures. On the other news, a digital library launched by San José Public Library in California is giving Silicon Valley residents access to popular eBooks directly from their home or office. The site features an extensive collection of best-selling eBooks from popular authors and leading publishers. Meanwhile, the Old Tappan Public Library, New Jersey, is in the process of raising $1.3 million for a library renovation and expansion. The library is need of expansion due to the increase in population and resultant high facility usage.

The article reports on an experimental facility in San Jose, California which combines a public library and recreational community center. The Almaden Library and Community Center opened on May 13, 2006 and is five times larger than the two institutions it replaces. The $26 million, 65,000 square foot building features a regulation size gymnasium, thirty-six computers, a dance and aerobics studio, and a preschool. The facility will be co-managed by the San Jose Public Library and the City of San Jose Department of Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Services.

Presents brief information on news and events at libraries in the United States for October 1998. Gates Library Foundation announcing the distribution of applications for a new round of State Partnership Grants; Municipalities in California signing on to San Mateo County's city-county library system; San Jose, California and San Jose State University holding a joint public forum to discuss a possible library to be shared by the city and university; Other information.

States that the reason behind illness plaguing staff members of a San Jose (Calif.) Public Library branch remains unknown. Symptoms experienced by some employees at the Biblioteca Latinoamericana branch; The initial outbreak.

Presents a photograph of a Mylar rendition of children's literature fictitious character Babar which was sent into the skies along a December 1996 Holiday Parade route in San Jose, California as a result of the efforts of San Jose Public Library supporters and staff.