South Asian Heritage Month is July
South Asian Heritage Month is an annual global observance dedicated to celebrating, commemorating, and educating the public on the histories, cultures, and contributions of South Asian communities. San José Public Library wants to highlight some of our amazing South Asian volunteers.
July gives us a joyful opportunity to honor the many cultures, histories, and traditions that shape our community. From sharing stories to bringing traditions that make our community feel richer and more connected, volunteers add so much heart to our library. This month, we’re cheering them on and celebrating all the ways they make our spaces brighter, warmer, and a whole lot more fun.
We interviewed a few of our spectacular South Asian volunteers, and they shared with us their most meaningful experiences at the library and their journeys at SJPL.
Whatever your age or stage of life, SJPL has something for everyone.
Meet Rajeswari
Meet Rajeswari, a teen volunteer who began volunteering out of curiosity, eager to learn more about the Teens Reach program. She eventually became a leadership member within the group, which led her to start a math program aimed at helping young children better understand math concepts. Rajeswari's journey shows us that the library has much to offer its volunteers. Read more about her story below.
Q: Tell me a little about yourself, and how long you’ve been volunteering at SJPL?
My name is Rajeswari and I am a incoming sophomore in high school. Both my parents are from India, but I was born and raised in San Jose. I've been volunteering at the Santa Teresa Branch Library for about two years now. It started as something I was curious about, and it's grown into one of the most meaningful parts of my life outside of school.
Q: What inspired you to start volunteering at the library? What keeps you coming back?
Since I was a little kid, I really enjoyed reading and going to the library. I came across the Teens Reach program after the quarantine ended and signed up to volunteer. Over time, I became the treasurer for the group and became more involved. In addition, I started the Santa Teresa Junior Math Club, opens a new window, a program for children in 3rd-5th grade interested in understanding basic math concepts and developing foundational competitive math skills, which has been incredibly rewarding to watch grow.
More recently, I began volunteering as a picture book merchandiser in the children's area, helping organize books and getting to see kids light up while they read. The people at SJPL are genuinely kind and make me feel like I belong—that's what keeps me coming back.
Q: Can you share an experience at the library that was especially meaningful to you?
One experience that was especially meaningful to me happened while I was volunteering as a picture book merchandiser. A man approached me and asked if I knew where he could find books in Hindi. He told me that he wanted to learn the language and wondered if I could show him where the books were located. I was happy to help, but what stood out to me most was his enthusiasm for learning Hindi. As someone from a South Asian background, it meant a lot to see someone actively interested in a language that is spoken by millions of people across South Asia. It reminded me of how libraries connect people with new cultures, languages, and perspectives. That interaction made me feel proud of my heritage and reinforced how important it is for libraries to provide resources that reflect the diversity of the community they serve.
Q: How does your cultural heritage influence or inform the way you engage with your community through your volunteer work?
My South Asian heritage shapes my perspective on community, learning, and cultural sharing. Through volunteer work, I create opportunities for people to explore and participate in distinct traditions. For instance, I organized a Diwali rangoli program at the library, introducing participants to the symbolism of rangoli and guiding them in designing their own. Watching people from diverse backgrounds interact with the tradition and ask insightful questions revealed how libraries foster cultural connection. My heritage also deepens my awareness of the need for representation, motivating me to help make the library an inclusive space where people discover and celebrate many cultures.
Q: What does celebrating South Asian Heritage month mean to you personally, and how do you choose to celebrate it?
South Asian Heritage Month is a chance for me to slow down and really appreciate the culture and history I come from. Growing up, I didn't always see my heritage in books, in programs, or in the stories being told. So this month feels meaningful as a time to actively seek that out: reading books by South Asian authors, learning something new about the history and traditions of my community, and talking with my family about where we come from. It also makes me more intentional about the kind of presence I bring to the library. I want kids who look like me to see someone who loves reading, loves learning, and loves giving back. That representation matters.
Q: What advice would you give to someone from the South Asian community who is thinking about volunteering or getting involved in their local library?
Definitely do it! It's a truly wonderful experience, and once you start, you won't want to stop. Your background, your values, and the things your family taught you aren't things to set aside when you walk through the library door, since they’re exactly what make your contribution unique. They can bring new perspectives and ideas to the library. The library belongs to the community, and your presence helps make it more representative of who that community really is.
Q: What are you passionate about inside or outside the library?
Inside the library, I'm passionate about helping young people discover a love of learning. That's one of the reasons I started a weekly math program for students in 3rd through 5th grade.
Outside the library, I enjoy reading, exploring new areas of math, and participating in clubs such as robotics at my school. I'm also passionate about giving back to my community and creating opportunities for others to learn and grow. Whether it's through tutoring, volunteering, or simply helping someone find the right book, I enjoy making a positive impact in whatever way I can.
Meet Samira
Q: Tell me a little about yourself, and how long you’ve been volunteering at SJPL?
My name is Samira, and I live in San Jose with my husband and child. I first got involved with the San Jose Public Library because there was a need in Literacy and Language Services (formerly ESL), and I became a facilitator for the program.
I have a background in non-profit work with a focus on community outreach and communication, and volunteering at the library seemed like the best fit for me. It helps me connect with people, and over time, I have also grown closer with the participants. It has been extremely rewarding, not just professionally but personally too.
Q: What inspired you to start volunteering at the library? What keeps you coming back?
Walking into the library with my son was such a great experience because the concept of libraries was very different from India. At first, I did not understand how libraries operated in the United States, but fast-forward to now, and I get to encourage people to use libraries and seek community. I am a big advocate for libraries because I find them to be a very nice resource for moms and kids.
Q: Can you share an experience at the library that was especially meaningful to you?
One of my most memorable experiences volunteering was overcoming my fear of public speaking and singing. When I first started at the library, I was extremely shy and unsure of myself after spending many years focused solely on family responsibilities. Tiffany encouraged me to help with songs during Storytime, and for the first time I sang in front of an audience of young children and moms. Their excitement and enthusiasm gave me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone. It may seem like a small moment, but for me it was a major milestone. The library helped me discover my voice, rebuild my confidence, and reconnect with my community.
Q: How does your cultural heritage influence or inform the way you engage with your community through your volunteer work?
In addition to volunteering at SJPL, I also volunteer at India Currents, a nonprofit focused on the Indian diaspora and the interconnectiveness of people living in the United States. My identity is a core part of who I am and it helps me connect with people from all parts of the world. As a South Asian immigrant and mother, volunteering at the library helped me step outside my comfort zone, build confidence, and form meaningful friendships. It gave me a sense of purpose and connection during the time when I was rebuilding my life in a new country. Taking that first step can be intimidating, but it can also open doors to opportunities, friendships, and personal growth that you never expected.
Q: What does celebrating South Asian Heritage month mean to you personally, and how do you choose to celebrate it?
For me, it is extremely important for me to pass on my cultural values to my son as he is being raised differently from me, living in the States. As a mom, I am grateful for these experiences that I get to share with my son.
Q: What advice would you give to someone from the South Asian community who is thinking about volunteering or getting involved in their local library?
My advice to members of the South Asian community, especially young mothers and recent immigrants, is not to hesitate to get involved with your local library. When we move to a new country, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to build connections and find a sense of belonging. Libraries are welcoming spaces where you can meet people from different backgrounds, learn new skills, volunteer, and become part of your community.
Q: What are you passionate about inside or outside the library?
Very passionate about community development. I enjoy community outreach and spend a lot of time working with non-profits professionally. These are my core values, and I want to encourage my son to pass these on. Outside of that, I enjoy yoga, hiking, and spending time with my family.
Meet Aastika
Q: Tell me a little about yourself, and how long you’ve been volunteering at SJPL?
My name is Aastika and I really like animals specifically sea creatures like orcas and humpback whales. I’ve been volunteering at San Jose Public Library for the past 3 years with the Teens Reach program at Almaden, Edenvale, and Santa Teresa. I started volunteering in 9th grade and continue volunteering now in high school and I hope to continue volunteering even after high school.
Q: What inspired you to start volunteering at the library? What keeps you coming back?
As a library user myself, I made a promise to myself that I would volunteer at the library once it was permitted to join the Teens Reach program and am very happy with my decision. Interacting with the public is really fun for me because it helps me get to know and feel connected with my community.
Q: Can you share an experience at the library that was especially meaningful to you?
One of my favorite memories was doing a program that had us create pinatas ( a decorated, hollow container, that is filled with candy, fruit, or small toys and hung from the ceiling or tree and struck by blindfolded partygoers with a stick until it breaks open, scattering the treats), at a teen program and I remember a young girl coming up to me asking me how I was making them. It was just a wholesome moment because she was probably in kindergarten and was asking me if I knew how to make them even if I also did not know but we did it together and I really felt like I was making a difference in the life of this young girl.
Q: How does your cultural heritage influence or inform the way you engage with your community through your volunteer work?
The library hosts a variety of activities that help bring visibility to Diwali and other cultures. These make me feel seen, connected, and a sense of community.
Q: What does celebrating South Asian Heritage month mean to you personally, and how do you choose to celebrate it?
It wasn't until I received an email from the Volunteer Services unit that I realized, “Wow! There is a month for us.” Each June and July, we make homemade chips from my home country, and I want to believe this is a way for me to celebrate and be reminded of my culture.
Q: What advice would you give to someone from the South Asian community who is thinking about volunteering or getting involved in their local library?
I would say go for it because volunteering at the library is the most rewarding and everyone is so kind and welcoming.
Q: What are you passionate about inside or outside the library?
Passionate about a lot of things, such as learning, theatre, and volunteering. Communicating and collaborating with others through my internship and reaching out to the environmental community is my new passion.
Meet Keya
Q: Tell me a little about yourself, and how long you’ve been volunteering at SJPL?
Hello! My name is Keya. I was born in India, where my family comes from the western state of Gujarat, and moved to the United States when I was four years old. I started volunteering at SJPL at the Tully Community Branch Library in 2023 and have been volunteering there for the past three years.
Q: What inspired you to start volunteering at the library? What keeps you coming back?
What initially drew me to the library was my love for literature and reading, which I’ve harbored since my childhood. With the local library being only a block away from my house, I would make frequent visits after school and during break to check out new books or browse the Lucky Day section to see if they’d put out another popular title I’d seen online. Over time, I noticed the lovely group of volunteers and library staff members who were dedicated to serving the community and was inspired to contribute as well.
What keeps me returning every week is the fulfillment of helping out members of the community, especially those who were once in my shoes and were completely new to the library. Whether it was introducing visitors to the weekly events or assisting new volunteers, I felt content knowing I was giving back to the people who had once cordially greeted me into this wonderful society. Another part of the library that I cherish is the ability to connect with other volunteers and meet people who share a love for literature like me, which has led to many new friendships that I hope to continue for the years ahead.
Q: Can you share an experience at the library that was especially meaningful to you?
It was my first time volunteering at Crochet Club. I was still a complete beginner and was unsure of what to expect or if I’d be able to enjoy it. But when I walked in that first day, I was pleasantly surprised by what I saw: a diverse group of people all huddled around a few tables, all bonding over a common hobby. There were some members that were as young as primary schoolers but there were some older folks as well. Certain people were still learning the basic stitches, like me, while others had already moved onto crocheting intricate beanies and scarves. Everyone had their own story for why they initially picked up the yarn, but what kept them all connected and what kept them coming back every week was their shared love for the art. Witnessing these various peoples meet every week truly reminded me of the purpose of any library- to provide a safe space for the community to come together and appreciate members of their society.
Q: How does your cultural heritage influence or inform the way you engage with your community through your volunteer work?
My Indian heritage certainly plays a major role in influencing how I interact with others at the library. Our culture places a heavy emphasis on hospitality and treating guests with utmost respect. When we invite people over to our house, for instance, we always offer them a cup of chai and make sure they are well fed before they leave. This is reflected in how I engage with library visitors as well; I believe it is important to have courteous conversations with members of the community and be generous with the services and assistance we offer them.
Q: What does celebrating South Asian Heritage month mean to you personally, and how do you choose to celebrate it?
We do not usually dedicate a single month to celebrating our roots. Instead, we honor our culture throughout the entire year through our regular festivities and events. For instance, we make time to visit the local temple each Sunday, observe religious fasts every other week, and perform certain ceremonies each month that help us better understand and revere our heritage. In this way, our connection with our culture remains strong during all times of year.
Q: What advice would you give to someone from the South Asian community who is thinking about volunteering or getting involved in their local library?
I would encourage them to give it a try! I believe there’s a part of the library that caters to each person who’d like to get involved because of the wide range of volunteer opportunities available. Plus, what matters about every role isn’t perfection or experience but how much effort you choose to put into it. The library is meant to be an inclusive environment that brings people together and being able to contribute to that process, and create a space where everyone can thrive, feels amazing. Representation, too, is an important reason why I think members of the South Asian community should take that first step- the better a library reflects its people, the better it can serve its community. It’s also a great way to learn a useful skill, meet new people, or simply be more active in your society and give back to those around you.
Q: What are you passionate about inside or outside the library?
I’ve always been deeply passionate about exploring the literary world, and that’s one of the major reasons why the library holds such a special place in my heart. There’s something so fascinating about flipping through the pages of a fictional world or simply perusing through the shelves and admiring all the knowledge that can be contained in a single novel. Outside of the library, I stay connected to my culture by watching classic Bollywood films or indulging in authentic Indian cuisine. I also enjoy going on hikes and learning about new technology!
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