Supervisors expand passport services for the West Valley

SAN JOSE – To give residents convenient avenues to apply for or renew their U.S. passport, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors took action to expand access to U.S. passport services to additional community libraries, including the Saratoga Library in the West Valley.

The Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD) first piloted passport services at the Cupertino and Milpitas libraries, which have been well-received by customers. The service was later expanded to the Los Altos Library and will be coming to the Saratoga and Gilroy libraries by Fall 2024.

“Our libraries are so much more than a place to check out books,” said County Supervisor Joe Simitian, a member of the Library Board. “They’re community hubs that provide access to a range of programs and services. And right now, with passport appointments in high demand, it just makes sense to add additional passport service locations.”

Since reopening in January 2022 following the COVID-19 shutdown, the Library District has assisted in processing more than 16,000 passports for patrons. 

“Passport appointments at our Los Altos, Cupertino, and Milpitas libraries continue to be in high demand, with reservations booked up to 60 days in advance. All these locations provide weekday, weekend and evening hours for the convenience of our communities,” said Jennifer Weeks, SCCLD County Librarian. “Expanding this service to our libraries in Saratoga and Gilroy will allow residents to get their passports at five of our libraries across Santa Clara County.”

Simitian noted that, “If we can make these services available conveniently and locally, that’s a real-world, everyday plus for our residents.”

To book an appointment or learn more about the Library District’s passport services at the Los Altos, Cupertino, and Milpitas locations, visit www.sccld.org/passport-services.