John F. Kennedy Library

Welcome to the John F. Kennedy Library.

Beginning March 18, the second floor of the John F. Kennedy Library will be closed to consolidate library services on one floor in order to enhance customer convenience and improve security. We look forward to providing our patrons with an expanded story time room, an additional study room, new bathrooms, and a Friends of the Library bookstore. 

While construction is in progress: 

  • All services, including circulation, computers and other functions will occur on the first floor in the Children’s Library. 
  • Entrances to the library will be on the first floor (City Hall side). 
  • Children’s books, DVDs and school support materials will be available along with regular story times and other programs for youth. 
  • Popular sections such as current adult fiction and DVDs will be available during the construction project. 
  • The Joseph Room will be available for meetings and other functions. 
  • Reserve items you want through our catalog and pick them up on the hold shelf. 
  • Computers will be limited. Reserve your computer time in advance. 

Meeting Room

The Joseph Room is equipped with a baby grand piano, data drop, and tables and chairs for meeting use. Reservations are taken six months in advance but no more than six times a year. It is available only during the hours the library is open. More... 

Study Room

2 group study rooms available on a first come first served basis. If available, group may use a room for at least 2 hours. 

Computer Center

21 computers with Microsoft Office suite and internet access. 1 print release station. May be reserved by the library, schools, and non-profit organizations. To reserve a computer, visit http://libonline.snap.lib.ca.us/.

Technology

  • 53 computers with Microsoft Office suite and Internet access
  • 6 computers with only library catalog and database access
  • 1 games computer (loaded with children’s games)
  • Printers (10 cents/page)
  • 2 reservation computers
  • Wireless Network

Equipment

  • 2 microform reader-printers, 10 cents a page
  • Overhead projector for computer center
  • 3 photocopiers, 10 cents a page

Accessibility

Every public computer contains an Accessibility Wizard allowing customization for dexterity, hearing, and visual needs.  The Branch also has an adaptive keyboard and optical trackball available.  Please ask a staff member for more information or assistance.

Friends of the Library

Small area in library where books, videos, CDs, and DVDs are for sale continuously. Major book sale once a year in the Joseph Room

Special Collections

McCune Collection of books on California, fine printing, and the art of the book. Also includes printing presses. The McCune Room is open to the public every 1st and 3rd Tuesday from 2-4pm.   For more information, visit their website at http://www.mccunecollection.org/.

Mare Island repository of documents related to clean-up and development of Mare Island after closure of naval base.

Branch History

The John F. Kennedy Library opened its doors to the public on September 10, 1970. The library fills 47,000 square feet spread over three floors of a large building owned by the city of Vallejo. The library’s collection of materials numbers over 140,000. A unique feature is the separate, spacious first floor children’s library, remodeled in 1992. The McCune Collection, given to Vallejo by Donovan McCune, is also located across the lobby. The McCune collection includes rare books on California, fine printing, and the art of the book, along with printing presses. Remodeled in 2005, the second floor houses the adult and young adult collections and a computer center, with ample room for reading and study. Also located on this floor are many documents related to the clean-up and development of Mare Island since the closure of the naval shipyard. Sharing the building space are the Vallejo police evidence room, and the Fighting Back Partnership, a community support organization.

Branch Head

LeeAnne Ogletree, Supervising Librarian