Santa Clara's Central Park Library is located at 2635 Homestead Road. For more information about Library hours and programs, visit the Santa Clara City Library website, or call 615-2900.

In addition to books, library materials include magazines, newspapers, CD-ROMs, compact discs, audio and video tapes, pamphlets, microfilm and microfiche. The library has a strong business section, genealogy section, story hours, copy machines and meeting rooms. Library cards are free! Current identification is required, including proof of current address. Parental signature is required for those under age 16. You can even access the City Library’s online catalog to see if we have certain materials in our collections, and if they are available for check-out.

The Recreation Activities Guide, mailed to residents three times each year, outlines a wide variety of recreation programs and facilities available to Santa Clara residents. Call the Parks & Recreation Department or the Community Recreation Center for complete information. Our Youth Activity Center has a wide variety of programs for youth 18 and younger. The Senior Center offers trips, programs and services to residents age 50 and over.

The City has developed municipal park facilities in order to provide its residents with a variety of recreation programs and services. Major facilities include the Santa Clara Golf and Tennis Club, the Community Recreation Center, Senior Center, Youth Activity Center, International Swim Center, and a Skate Park. A 40 acre open space park on the former Fairway Glen golf course, Ulistac Natural Area, off Lick Mill Blvd. at Tasman Drive, opened in 2001. Including open space provided by the Santa Clara Golf and Tennis Club's 155 acres, Santa Clara's 38 parks, playgrounds and open space now totals nearly 450 acres.

Financial aid for recreation programs is available to Santa Clara youth through the Friends of Santa Clara Parks and Recreation and the Wade Brummal Youth Sports Scholarship Program, funded through private donations, and through fundraisers such as an annual golf tournament.

The City also supports a variety of cultural programs and activities such as the Triton Museum of Art, Santa Clara Ballet, Santa Clara Chorale, Santa Clara Players, and Santa Clara Junior Theatre. In addition, the City funds the Concerts in the Park summer series as well as Art in Public Places program. For information on these programs, call 615-2210.

Santa Clara University Center for Performing Arts supports theater, dance, and musical performances for your entertainment enjoyment.

Santa Clara has two sister-cities: Coimbra, Portugal and Izumo, Japan. The Santa Clara Sister Cities Association, a local non-profit group, assists the City with exchange activities. For more information, call 296-0300 or 615-2210.

The Police Activities League (P.A.L.) has athletic programs for youth. For a description of all sports programs currently available, call 615-4880.

Located at 5001 Great America Parkway, the Santa Clara Convention Center hosts many public shows for your enjoyment and education. Call 748-7000 for more information on show schedules and charges, or consult the Chamber of Commerce and Convention-Visitors Bureau monthly publication, Silicon Valley Central. This publication lists Convention Center public shows, as well as attractions and leisure activities throughout Santa Clara and the valley. Copies of Silicon Valley Central can be obtained from the Chamber of Commerce (244-8244) or at City Hall (615-2200).