Meet Chris
In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I had the privilege of interviewing Chris Seong, a volunteer Tech Mentor at the King Public Reference & Resources (KPRR) Unit at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library.
Tell me a little bit about yourself:
I’ve lived in the Bay Area for over 30 years, and I’ve been a resident of San José for the past 22. I originally came to the United States in pursuit of a better education and was drawn to San José for its resources and well-known reputation for innovation. In the heart of Silicon Valley, it’s a global hub for technology and innovation, yet I’ve seen firsthand how many people are still being left behind. So much of modern life requires digital access—whether it’s checking your bank account, using email, or applying for jobs. And beyond just the technology itself, there’s also a language barrier. Many platforms are only available in English, which creates an even wider gap for those who aren't fluent. Helping bridge the digital divide is what drives my volunteer work and my commitment to giving back to the community.
What San José Public Library branch do you volunteer at, and how long have you been volunteering?
I'm currently a Tech Mentor at the King Library, working with the King Public Reference Resources (KPRR). In this role, I assist patrons with a variety of basic technology needs—from setting up email accounts and navigating social media platforms to using the library’s pay-for-print system and learning the fundamentals of Microsoft Word and Excel. Even though I started just a few months ago, the experience has already been incredibly rewarding. I’ve been able to build meaningful connections with both the patrons and the staff—everyone has been so welcoming and supportive, which has really made me feel part of the team.
What inspired you to start volunteering at the library? What keeps you coming back?
I first discovered the volunteer program through SJPL Works while I was actively seeking job opportunities. At the time, I was looking for additional support with refining my resume and cover letter, and SJPL Works provided exactly the guidance I needed. After attending a workshop hosted by SJPL Works, I was encouraged to get involved, especially because of my passion for helping others navigate and access technology. Every moment we help someone take one small little step forward, we're helping the whole community move forward together. And that's something I'm proud to be a part of.
In many Asian cultures, community and education are deeply valued. Volunteering at the library felt like a natural way to honor those traditions. What keeps me coming back is my love for the library itself—it's such a valuable space with so many resources available to the community. It really feels like the perfect fit for me. Not only do I get to take advantage of those resources for my own growth, but I also have the opportunity to support others in doing the same.
Can you share an experience at the library that was especially meaningful to you?
One moment that really stands out to me was when I was helping an elderly woman who was having trouble accessing her email account. She was visibly anxious, thinking she had been locked out, and I could sense how important it was for her to get back in. My first instinct was to take her device and fix it for her, but thanks to my training, I knew I needed to follow protocol—meaning I couldn’t touch her phone. Instead, I guided her through the steps so she could do it herself.
That experience taught me a lot about the power of patience. It took some trial and error, but eventually we got it to work. You could see the relief on her face and she immediately expressed deep gratitude. It reminded me how important it is to not only be helpful, but also empowering. Volunteering has really helped me grow in both patience and empathy—two qualities I believe are essential in this kind of work.
How does your cultural heritage influence or inform the way you engage with your community through your volunteer work?
I’m proud to be part of the AAPI community—a community known for its resilience, strength, and commitment to education. Volunteering is one of the most powerful ways we can give back and uplift one another. As a member of this community, I’m passionate about empowering others to grow, and I believe that service is one of the best ways to create meaningful change.
What advice would you give to someone from the AAPI community who is thinking about volunteering or getting involved in their local library?
I encourage everyone to get involved with their local library—you never know what opportunities might be waiting for you. Everyone has their own unique story, and libraries are incredible spaces where you can grow, learn, and make a real difference in the lives of others.
What does AAPI Heritage Month mean to you personally, and how do you choose to celebrate it?
To be honest, I haven’t given it much thought before. But I truly love libraries, and giving back to them feels like a meaningful way to celebrate who I am and the things I care about. It’s my way of honoring what brings me joy and purpose.
What are you passionate about—inside or outside of the library?
I’ve always loved reading, poetry, and making full use of the library’s incredible resources. One memorable experience was stumbling upon the 'Spring Into Poetry' event hosted by the San José Public Library. I was lucky enough to hear Aideed Medina, a Pushcart Prize-nominated poet, perform her work. She shared stories about her upbringing in Salinas, and I found myself deeply inspired to learn more about her life and creative journey.
After the reading, I had the chance to meet her and express my admiration. I even created a graphic inspired by her poem. We’ve since connected professionally, and I hope to collaborate with her in the future. It was such a meaningful experience and a reminder me of the incredible resources offered by the San José Public Library.
New AAPI Voices at SJPL
We're always expanding our volunteer family at SJPL to better reflect the diversity of our community. Meet two individuals—one a new applicant and the other a returning volunteer—who are eager to make a difference. Learn more about their journeys and how they’re dedicated to creating a positive impact in their community.
Meet Jonathan
He is an inspiring new volunteer embarking on his journey at the San José Public Library. His connection to the library goes back to his early childhood, when he would visit a branch near the local fire station between the ages of 5-7 and recalls spending hours reading and engaging with the space.
Driven by a deep belief that education is the key to bridging the gap between the haves and have-nots, Jonathan sees volunteering as a meaningful way to share both knowledge and generational wisdom. He grew up in a family that traditionally emphasizes academic achievement and values intelligence quotient (IQ). He believes it is also important to have a strong emotional intelligence (EQ), as both are needed to thrive and be successful.
In his free time, Jonathan is a talented songwriter and musician with a thriving creative career. He hopes to continue growing as an artist, using his music as a force for good and positive change.
Bonus moment from our conversation: I had the pleasure of hearing a live snippet of one of his original songs and he is indeed very talented.
Jonathan’s already in — are you? Sign up to volunteer!
Meet Anh
Anh is Miss California of Heartshine Pageants and a volunteer at the San José Public Library! In December 2024, she brought the holiday spirit to life by hosting a heartfelt card-writing event, sending warm wishes to veterans. She also led an arts and crafts program at Edenvale Library, where she taught participants the art of origami.
Through these events, Anh found a way to give back to her community while also finding peace and relief from the stresses of daily life. “The peaceful environment and the friendly staff always make me want to come back,” she says.
Anh is passionate about the role libraries play in community building. “I love how our local libraries offer events and readings that not only support the community but also create a safe space for people to share their stories,” she shares.
During AAPI Heritage Month, Anh celebrates by reading traditional Vietnamese stories and watching films created or directed by AAPI artists. For her, it's a meaningful way to stay connected to her roots and honor her culture.
Anh has committed to expanding her volunteer commitment — are you? Sign up to volunteer!
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