Spring into reading
San Jose Public Library’s new Spring Into Reading program gives residents a tangible goal to work toward during the statewide “shelter in place” order. In its first few weeks, the program garnered more than 1,000 participants of all ages, who are logging their reading hours—or minutes, for the younger readers—for the chance to win prizes ranging from backpacks and school supplies to Apple AirPods. Sign up online at sjpl.org/spring.
A little help
As small businesses throughout San Jose struggle to cope with the loss of business due to coronavirus, dozens of assistance programs are offering online help. Small business owners can access workshops and receive financial aid through Silicon Valley’s BusinessOwnerSpace.com.
Volunteers needed
Several local organizations are calling for healthy volunteers to help with coronavirus aid efforts.
Adults with their own cars can volunteer to be drivers for Meals on Wheels at tinyurl.com/SJMoW.
Second Harvest Food Bank is looking for volunteers who can help package and deliver food; visit shfb.org for more information.
Residents and companies with extra medical supplies—including masks, gloves and hazmat suits—can donate the surplus to Valley Medical Center Foundation during normal weekday business hours. For more information on what supplies to donate, email vmcfoundation@hhs.sccgov.org.
Facing the challenge
Bellarmine College Preparatory Academy, San Jose’s all-boys Jesuit school, has joined the effort to produce protective medical equipment for healthcare workers battling coronavirus.
Students and faculty, in collaboration with nonprofit Maker Nexus, are working to raise funds for and 3D print face shields. Students have launched independent crowdfunding efforts and are utilizing the school’s Maker Lab to produce the shields.
Neighborhood Notes
WILLOW GLEN>>Hicklebee’s Bookstore is finding new ways to celebrate National Poetry Month in April, in keeping with the statewide “shelter in place” order. The store is soliciting poems from Willow Glen’s youngest poets—bonus points if they’re illustrated—to be displayed in the store’s windows. To submit a poem, email a picture of it to hicklebees@hicklebees.com.