Meet Tech Mentor Brad Johnson
Every October, the San José Public Library celebrates Digital Inclusion Month. This is a time to ensure everyone in our community has the access, tools, and skills needed to thrive in today’s digital world. As San Jose's number one provider of access to free tech devices, learning materials, digital skills resources, and more, the San José Public Library (SJPL) is proud to be the only public library in the nation to take Digital Inclusion Week up a notch and instead celebrate for an entire month.
This month, we’re proud to spotlight a Tech Mentor whose unwavering dedication and commitment to SJPL make a meaningful impact in our community.
What is a Tech Mentor?
A Tech Mentor provides one-on-one instruction on an assortment of computer applications and operations, including using Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel, setting up an email account, searching the Internet, filling out online applications, using the Library's eResources, and using the pay-for-print and photocopy machines etc. They also help patrons become familiar with smartphones and tablets ( both iPhone and Android) if they desire to learn how to use them.
Meet Brad
Tell me a little bit about yourself:
My name is Brad Johnson, and I was born and raised right here in San José, California. I’m the founder of a startup called Tool Cognition, and I’m passionate about innovation and community. I studied at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, and now I live in San José with my wife, our three cats, and our dog.
What inspired you to become a Tech Mentor and how long have you been volunteering?
When I launched my company two years ago, I suddenly found myself with a more flexible schedule after leaving my full-time job. I wanted to use that extra time to give back to the community and volunteering at the library felt like the perfect fit. Becoming a Tech Mentor allowed me to share my skills, connect with people, and help others feel more confident using technology.
What keeps you coming back?
What keeps me coming back is the incredible atmosphere at the King Library branch. I love that it’s a joint library with the university and that there is a sense of a merger of communities. Also, it’s rewarding to feel useful and see familiar faces week after week. Every couple of hours, a few regulars stop by for help with logins or tech questions, and over time, I’ve gotten to know them. It’s those ongoing connections that make volunteering here so meaningful.
What do you enjoy most about being a Tech Mentor?
Volunteering makes me feel more connected to San José. Silicon Valley can sometimes feel like a bit of a bubble, but being at the library helps me stay grounded and connected with people from all walks of life. The patrons are always so appreciative of the programs and the support we provide, and that genuine gratitude reminds me why this work matters.
How do you tailor your approach when helping people with different levels of tech experience?
I believe it’s essential to meet people where they are. Everyone’s relationship with technology is different. Some people value their privacy and prefer minimal involvement, while others may lack confidence, hesitate to ask for help, or simply not know what they need. By taking the time to understand each person’s comfort level and concerns, I can gauge the type and amount of support that will be most effective for them. This personalized approach builds trust and helps ensure they feel supported, not overwhelmed.
How has volunteering as a Tech Mentor influenced your own perspective on technology or community service?
One of my biggest realizations has been that many people view the library as a kind of personalized Google. They come not only to access technology but also to seek guidance, local resources, and answers to everyday questions. It’s been heartening to see how the library serves as a hub for community connection and learning. This experience has deepened my appreciation for how technology and community service intersect and how I can make a real difference in their daily lives.
Can you share an experience at the library that was especially meaningful to you?
I find much of my volunteer work at the library deeply meaningful because it brings together people from so many different backgrounds and walks of life. One moment that stands out to me was helping an elderly woman who regularly came in to print a photo of a “saint of the month” for her home. Each visit, we would look up information about the saint together and find just the right image to print. I’ve also helped a local City Council candidate with printing materials, older adults designing their annual Christmas cards, and others working on important tasks like resumes and cover letters. Each interaction reminds me how valuable the library is as a space where technology and community truly meet.
In what ways have SJPL’s Tech Mentor program and other digital literacy initiatives helped bridge this gap?
For many people, the library is their only source of tech support. They may not have family or community members who can help them navigate technology, so the Tech Mentor program fills a critical gap. Without the library, many wouldn’t know where to turn for help. These initiatives make digital resources and learning opportunities truly accessible.
How do you think the high-tech reputation of Silicon Valley contrasts with the reality of digital access for many San José residents?
Silicon Valley is known for being at the cutting edge of technology, but the reality is that many San José residents still face barriers to digital access. Through my time at the library, I’ve learned just how many valuable resources are available to the public, including device lending and coding materials to specialized spaces like the California Room, yet many people don’t know these services exist. The library plays a crucial role in bridging this gap by giving people access to both physical and technical resources. At the same time, there’s often an assumption that the library is better funded than it really is, even though it continues to do so much with limited resources.
How do you think libraries like SJPL can continue to evolve to meet the community’s digital needs in the future?
I think libraries are increasingly becoming more than just places to read or borrow books, but also, they’re evolving into true community and technology hubs. As digital needs continue to grow, libraries like SJPL can play a key role in helping people not only access technology but also feel empowered to use it.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about volunteering or getting involved in their local library?
I would offer advice for two different groups: students and professionals.
Students: Volunteering at the library is an amazing opportunity. It exposes you to your community, shows you how public services operate, and gives you a chance to apply and develop your skills in a meaningful way.
Professionals: Volunteering provides a valuable “palate cleanser” from work and a way to give back. Everyone has something to contribute, often more than we realize, and the library is a space where your experience and skills can make a real difference in people’s lives.
What are you passionate about inside or outside of the library?
The California Room is one of my favorite spaces at the King Library. I also enjoy exploring the rotating exhibits, learning about the Bay Area’s past. Outside of the library, I run a tech company and am passionate about technology, especially AI, and how it’s shaping the long-term arc of society.
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