National Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual celebration that recognizes the historical and cultural enrichment of the Hispanic and Latino community in the United States. At the San José Public Library,, opens a new window we celebrate the remarkable contributions of our volunteers who are part of the heart and soul of our community programs.
This month, we interviewed a few of our incredible volunteers to share their stories about the many ways they make an impact throughout the community.
Meet Stefanie
Stefanie is a passionate volunteer leading Spanish Storytime sessions at the Cambrian Branch Library, opens a new window, where her enthusiasm for learning and storytelling creates a magical and engaging experience for children and their families. Inspired by her storytime sessions, she made a special intro song to capture the children’s attention at the beginning and end of each reading.
Tell me a little bit about yourself:
My name is Stefanie. I moved to the Bay Area a few years ago to attend graduate school at Santa Clara University, where I earned my Master’s degree in Teaching. After graduating, I decided to stay and make this area my home. I currently teach History and Ethnic Studies, and I have a deep passion for education. Although I grew up in the Modesto area in the Central Valley, my extended family is originally from San Jose. Interestingly, moving to the Bay Area has helped me reconnect with both my roots and my family.
Name/ Branch you volunteer at/ how long you’ve been volunteering?
I lead the Spanish Storytime at the Cambrian branch, a role I started not too long ago but have really enjoyed so far. Volunteering in the same community where I live and work has been especially meaningful. Some days, while I’m at the library, I even run into my students who are also volunteering. These moments make me feel more connected to my community.
What inspired you to start volunteering at the library? What keeps you coming back?
I grew up in the 2000s, during a time when there was a strong cultural push for a love of literacy in children. Shows like Reading Rainbow and Between the Lions were programs that nurtured a growing passion for reading. English wasn’t my first language, but my family placed a strong emphasis on literacy, encouraging me to explore books and stories from a young age. As a child, I found magic in my local public library. It was more than just a place filled with books, it was a hub of curiosity and belonging. I spent countless hours there, reading, exploring, and simply enjoying the quiet comfort of being surrounded by stories. Eventually, I felt called to volunteer at the library, giving back to the very space that had given me so much. Now, at a time when community spaces are becoming increasingly rare, and especially in today’s polarized political climate, I feel an even stronger pull to give back. Libraries, to me, represent one of the last truly welcoming, inclusive spaces where people from all walks of life can come together.
Can you share an experience at the library that was especially meaningful to you?
It was only my second time volunteering for Spanish Storytime, and I was still finding my rhythm. After a story time, as I was wrapping up, one of the moms stayed behind. She approached me gently, curious to learn more about who I was and what had inspired me to lead these sessions. She shared that growing up, she never imagined that speaking Spanish could be a strength. She had once seen it as a barrier and as something that might hold her back. But everything changed when she became a mother. She told me how important it was for her daughters to stay connected to their roots, to their heritage. That’s what led her to enroll them in the Spanish Storytime program. She told me that through me, she was able to see Spanish being celebrated, valued, and shared with joy. That conversation stayed with me. It gave me a new sense of purpose and reminded me why I chose to volunteer in the first place.
How does your cultural heritage influence or inform the way you engage with your community through your volunteer work?
Growing up, I didn’t have access to many books that reflected my history or cultural background, and I certainly wasn’t exposed to Spanish in that way. In fact, I don’t think I ever read a Spanish picture book as a child. Back then, speaking Spanish or being bilingual wasn’t something that was celebrated, and it was often viewed as a disadvantage or something to overcome rather than embrace. So, when I first came to the Cambrian library and saw shelves filled with books in so many different languages, including Spanish, it really touched me. It felt like something I never had growing up, and I wished I did. I remember talking with Ila (librarian), who mentioned how much things have changed, and I couldn’t help but agree.
I love bringing my ukulele and singing songs before the start of my storytime. It helps me feel like the PBS shows I watched growing up, where music, learning, and storytelling came together in such a beautiful way. Music especially helps me feel deeply connected to my culture. In fact, being part of story time at the library inspired me to write a song that I sing at the start and end of every session.
Being Chicana/Latina/Mexican, I was raised with a strong sense of community and service. The spirit of community, joy, and cultural pride are some of my contributions to the library. There’s a sweet sense of nostalgia in all of it like I’m giving my younger self something she never had and, at the same time, offering it to the next generation in a participatory, joyful way.
What advice would you give to someone from the Hispanic community who is thinking about volunteering or getting involved in their local library?
The library truly belongs to the community and it reflects the people who show up and participate. Your presence alone adds value and helps make the space more representative of the community it serves. You don’t need any special expertise to volunteer it’s just showing up matters. It's not about having all the answers but more about showing up, being present, and making space for others to do the same. For me, Storytime was the best fit, but there’s a need for all kinds of volunteers. Even if your contribution feels small, every person has something meaningful to offer. I think there’s a common misconception that libraries are just about books, and that can make some people feel hesitant or unsure about getting involved. But libraries are so much more…they're vibrant, inclusive community spaces.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally, and how do you choose to celebrate it?
This time of year is a meaningful opportunity for me to intentionally reflect on and celebrate my identity. It’s a chance to reconnect with my culture in a way that feels personal and intentional, whether that's by reading books, watching films from my community, or simply trying to learn something new. Growing up, I didn’t have much access to cultural resources, so now I make a conscious effort to seek them out. It's also about honoring my family and the traditions that connect me to my roots, even in small, everyday ways. Lately, I’ve been reading Violet y Finch (All the Bright Places) in Spanish, a young adult novel that has challenged me in a good way. I still find myself struggling with reading in Spanish, but that process is meaningful to me because it’s part of reclaiming something I didn’t always have access to. I’ve also been drawn to works by Latino authors, like Violeta by Isabel Allende, which offer such rich and layered perspectives.
What are you passionate about—inside or outside of the library?
Outside of the library, I’m deeply passionate about social justice and education. Being a teacher is a core part of my identity, and it’s something that grounds the way I move through the world. In fact, it was my own negative experiences in public schools that ultimately led me back to the education space. I wanted to contribute to a more inclusive, affirming, and equitable vision of education and one that challenges harmful structures rather than reinforcing them.
That passion naturally extends to my appreciation for public libraries. I truly believe libraries have the power to spark real social change. They're more than just buildings with books; they are places where learning, community, and access intersect. As I’ve explored what libraries offer, I’ve been amazed at the variety of resources, programs, and opportunities available especially for youth navigating a rapidly changing world. You can walk in, be welcomed, and have access to resources without needing to buy or prove anything. That’s rare and incredibly powerful. Through my work in Ethnic Studies, I try to show my students the importance of fighting for access to education, information, and community spaces. Especially now, when those things are increasingly under threat, it feels more important than ever to uplift that legacy.
Meet Nestor
A San José native and Spanish instructor at the Dr. Roberto Cruz Alum Rock Branch Library, he takes great pride in giving back to his community by sharing his Spanish language skills, teaching others, and exchanging knowledge about his Mexican American identity. What began as a one-hour-a-week commitment has grown to three hours, driven by the positive energy of the participants and their genuine gratitude.
Tell me a little bit about yourself:
Hi, my name is Néstor, and I was born and raised in San José. Both of my parents are of Mexican descent. My mom was born in Mexico, and my dad is from Texas. I recently graduated from the University of San Francisco with a degree in Biology.
Name/ Branch you volunteer at/ how long you’ve been volunteering?
I currently volunteer as the Spanish instructor at the Dr. Roberto Cruz Alum Rock Branch Library. I’ve been volunteering there since January of last year, so it's been about a year and a half. In this role, I teach Spanish literacy to native speakers who never learned to read or write, as well as to beginner Spanish learners of all backgrounds.
What inspired you to start volunteering at the library? What keeps you coming back?
Before this, I didn’t have much volunteer experience, but I’ve always seen the library as a valuable community space. When I asked myself what I could offer the community, I realized I could share my knowledge of Spanish.
What keeps me coming back is the mutual exchange of knowledge. My students often come from different cultures, and I end up learning a lot from them, too. For example, one day we were trying to figure out how to say “summer reading” in Spanish, and we had to look it up together. It was a fun reminder that learning never stops and that nobody knows everything.
I originally started teaching for just an hour, but I enjoyed it so much that I extended my sessions to three hours. I’ve also gotten to connect with people from different regions of Mexico and Latin America, which has deepened my appreciation for the diversity within our own culture.
Can you share an experience at the library that was especially meaningful to you?
One of the volunteers I tutored traveled to Mexico City for Día de los Muertos, who’s a designer and was there for work and when she came back, she brought me some cookies and small souvenirs. Over time, others have brought me small gifts like magnets, and I even keep them on my fridge. But more than the gifts, it’s the positive energy they bring and the genuine gratitude they express. People often thank me for what I do, and it reminds me that I’m making an impact in their lives. Those small gestures go a long way and truly make me feel appreciated.
How does your cultural heritage influence or inform the way you engage with your community through your volunteer work?
Being Mexican American plays a big role in how I connect with others. I often share what it was like growing up in a hardworking Mexican household. Students are curious about what it's like being Mexican American and living here. I talk to them about education, trends, and opportunities. My heritage shapes the way I speak, teach, and interact. It’s been a huge influence on how I approach my volunteer work.
What advice would you give to someone from the Hispanic community who is thinking about volunteering or getting involved in their local library?
I would say: just go for it. Libraries offer so many resources like free internet, job search help, resume building, and more. It’s also a great way to be part of a community and exchange knowledge. You don’t have to be an expert to make a difference. Libraries are always looking for volunteers, and you might be surprised by how much you gain from the experience.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you personally, and how do you choose to celebrate it?
Honestly, sometimes I forget about it since it’s not something I think of often. when I do think about it, it’s a reminder of how deeply rooted the Hispanic community is in places like San José. As a Mexican American, I take that time to reflect on the contributions of Hispanic and Latinx people through art, history, or community impact.
What are you passionate about—inside or outside of the library?
I’m really passionate about my culture and identity. I enjoy staying connected to my Mexican roots and constantly finding ways to deepen that connection. Outside of volunteering, I love biking, running, and playing guitar.
Ending Remarks
It was a true privilege to hear the stories of remarkable volunteers who take deep pride in their culture and in giving back to the San José Public Library. Their passion continues to inspire both my own work and the collective efforts of our library in serving the community.
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