Milpitas Library Renamed After Pinoy Former 6-Term Mayor Jose Esteves

by Elpidio Estioko

Just like San Jose renaming its main library after internationally known figures like Martin Luther King, Jr., the Milpitas City Council recently voted (4-1) to rename the Milpitas Library to Milpitas Jose Esteves Library in honor of former six-term mayor of Filipino descent Jose Esteves.

During his term as mayor, Esteves proposed and spearheaded the construction of the new library in order to provide a bigger and modern library for students and library users from Milpitas and adjoining communities.

It was his vision to have a modern library for all users. He had a major role in securing funding and overseeing the construction of the current library building.

Esteves chaired the Council Library Committee during the library construction, which was completed on budget and on schedule before his term as mayor ended.

He said, “I am happy for our children and families who use the library.”

Part of the Santa Clara County Library, the Milpitas Library began as a single classroom in the historic Milpitas Grammar School in 1958. At that time, it was known as the Community Center. Before this, the Milpitas area was served by a bookmobile.

The Milpitas Jose Esteves Library Naming Ceremony was held on Saturday, July 19.

The library integrates the neoclassical style of the historic grammar school with a contemporary, open, glass-faced addition, which symbolizes a connection between past and future.

The grammar school’s courtyard has been turned into a bright reading room with a tensile roof to maintain the sense of outdoors.

The Milpitas Library is known as the Library of Things because of programs allowing patrons to borrow items beyond books, such as kitchen equipment, health and wellness aids, and children’s items.

The library’s Online Library provides 24/7 access to eBooks, magazines, movies, music, research databases, online classes, and more.

Self-check stations and after-hours book drops are available to patrons for convenient borrowing and returning of materials.

There are also study rooms and a community meeting room available for use.

Moreover, the library’s public computers are equipped with Microsoft Office software that patrons can use. There are also printing, copying, photocopying, and scanning services available.

Not to mention, there is also free wifi access throughout the building.

Milpitas Library values community engagement programs to entice patrons and users to the library.

There are events for all ages, such as story times, dedicated children’s and teen spaces, and a Railway Rollic Children’s Play Space, which is designed to foster early literacy skills through interactive and imaginative play.

Additionally, the library also houses artworks from local artists to exhibit their work, such as the Phantom Gallery.

The Milpitas Jose Esteves Library is the largest and the most used library in the Santa Clara Library System, with over two million check-outs per year.

I was also appointed as the library commissioner for the city of Milpitas by then-Mayor Esteves. During my term as chair of the commission, I drafted the donation policy of the city for library donors. At that time, there was no existing policy for library donors interested in supporting the Milpitas Library.

Additionally, my proposed 4-tier donation board at the main library lobby was approved and the board now contains names of the donors in recognition of their contributions.

We also came up with a community mural that was installed at the teen’s section of the library. The mural depicted the farm labor crusade of our Manongs, Filipino farm workers who struggled to advocate for farm labor reforms. These Mangongs worked side by side with labor leader Cesar Chavez and Larry Itliong in staging the nationally known Delano Grape Strike that lasted for five years.

During my term as chair, I also initiated the Essay Writing Contest for Milpitas students in partnership with the City Council and the Friends of the Milpitas Library. This became an annual project of the commission that still operates today.

My dear friends and readers, let’s patronize the Milpitas Jose Esteves Library and support the public libraries in your state!

ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO was a veteran journalist in the Philippines and an award-winning journalist here in the US. He just published his book Unlocking the Chain of Poverty: In Pursuit of the American Dream, which is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Xlibris Publishing. For feedback, comments… please email the author at estiokoelpidio@gmail.com.