National Friends of Libraries Week is here!
National Friends of Libraries Week, observed from October 19 to 25, aims to honor the contributions made by Friends groups across the nation, which often provide financial support and advocacy for local libraries. Their support is crucial for maintaining library services and resources that benefit diverse populations.
The Friends of the San José Public Libraries are wonderful volunteers who work diligently to uplift, strengthen, and enhance public libraries for their communities. They play an essential role in supporting their respective library branch by:
- organizing book sales
- hosting community programs
- sponsoring events
- advocating for the library
- shelving books
- assisting with the organization of library events and more.
This year, we are highlighting two outstanding Friends who go above and beyond to share their talents and advocate passionately for the library.
Meet Kassia
Kassia, originally from Brazil, found a sense of belonging and purpose after moving to San José by volunteering with the Friends of the Library at East Carnegie Library, opens a new window. She brings her business skills and creativity to boost book sales and connect with others. Volunteering has helped her feel more confident, make new friends, and give back in meaningful ways. Her kindness and positive energy make her a true asset to the library.
How Our Friends of the Library Help
Tell me a little bit about yourself:
My name is Kassia, and I’m from Brazil. I started a new chapter of my life in San Jose back in February, and I wanted to find a way to connect with the community. I studied management in Brazil and earned an MBA. I also ran my own e-commerce store, where I sold my own products and helped friends sell theirs as well. I've always loved helping people and it’s something that has been part of me for as long as I can remember. One day, while browsing the library’s website, I came across the volunteer opportunities. I was first invited to participate in Storytime, but as I explored further, I discovered the Friends of the Library program. From the very first meeting, I felt welcomed and at home. The staff, Cathy and Karla, have been incredibly patient and kind, especially since English is not my first language. I try my best, and they’ve made me feel supported every step of the way. Their warmth reminded me of aunties who are caring, encouraging, and always positive. Through this experience, I’ve met other like-minded people who also want to give back, and I’m so grateful to be part of this community.
What does being part of the Friends of the Library volunteer group mean to you?
I began volunteering at the East Carnegie Library in July, and it has been one of the best experiences of my time here. As part of the Friends of the Library volunteer group, I help organize books and manage the bookstore, where some books are free and others are available for purchase. When I first asked how much we usually make from book sales, I was told it’s typically around $100 during a successful event. I immediately thought, “We can do better!” With my MBA background, I started thinking about how we could use tools like social media to promote the sales and reach more people. This experience helped me understand more about how things are bought and sold in America. I suggested creating a book catalog, and the staff responded very positively. I even helped identify book languages using Google tools, and we discussed how this could make the sales more accessible and organized. The staff are always supportive and excited about the ideas I bring. More than just selling books, they encourage me to be creative and contribute in meaningful ways. We have a big book sale coming up in October, and I’m hopeful we can raise more funds. I’ve been encouraging everyone I know including friends and library visitors to support the event. Volunteering with the Friends of the Library has not only helped me learn more about American culture and life, but it has also given me the confidence to speak with new people. I truly feel like I’m making a difference, and that’s what makes this opportunity so meaningful to me.
Can you share an experience at the library that was especially meaningful to you?
Yes, every Tuesday is such a delight when I see Cara reading a book and showing such patience. She’s like magic! I can’t even put it into words she’s a truly beautiful soul. She always does her best to make everyone feel welcomed and happy. Around her, you feel joy, warmth, and a sense of beauty all around.
What advice would you give to someone from the community who is thinking about volunteering or getting involved in their local library?
When you do something for others, it brings a deep sense of fulfillment. In my religion, we are taught to be kind and helpful to our neighbors and to me, the library is like a neighbor. I want to see it that way. Sharing isn’t always just for others; it also nurtures something within ourselves. It’s a way of giving, but also a way of healing. One day, while I was walking and feeling upset, I started reflecting on why I felt that way. I realized that true happiness comes from within. When I visit the library, I experience kindness, respect, and a sense of community. People treat each other with care, and it feels like love is in the ai and it’s almost magical. And sometimes, helping your library just like helping a neighbor can be the path to finding that happiness.
What are you passionate about—inside or outside of the library
I love crocheting, gardening, and planting but my most beloved hobby is cooking. It warms my heart when people give kind feedback on the things I make. One of my favorite things to bake is my cheese bread cake it's one of my specialties.
Meet Justin
After retiring from a career in engineering, Justin joined the Friends of the Library at the Alum Rock , opens a new windowbranch. He values the connections he’s made with neighbors, the opportunity to support lifelong learning, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to the community. His experience reflects how libraries serve as vital community hubs and how volunteering can be both impactful and personally fulfilling.
Tell me a little bit about yourself:
I was born in Florida and have lived all over the place, but in 1999 I moved to San Jose and have no desire to leave! I really love it here. A long time ago I got a doctorate in Engineering and have spent my entire career in semiconductors, and more specifically medical electronics, and even more specifically tiny little sensors that go into the body during surgery. It was a wonderful and fascinating career but I retired at the end of 2023. I live now in the East Hills with my wife and her mother and our dog. We have two grown kids that live in Texas and Pennsylvania. No grandkids at this point. I’ve always loved reading and the arts, but my career didn’t leave me nearly enough time for that. It’s been great getting back into reading and cultural life now.
Name/ Branch you volunteer at/ how long you’ve been volunteering?
After I retired, I immediately started looking for a volunteer position with SJPL, but it took a while to find a spot for me! I started as a Friend at the Roberto Cruz / Alum Rock branch in Nov. 2024
What inspired you to start volunteering at the library?
I have borrowed so much from libraries in my life, I wanted to give back for a change! And in volunteering, I learned that they do so much more than simply lend books. They really can serve as the heart of the neighborhood, a place where everybody can gather for all sorts of reasons.
What does being part of the Friends of the Library volunteer group mean to you?
First and most important, I met many of my neighbors that I wouldn’t otherwise have met, and they were of course neighbors with many of my same interests – reading, learning, giving back to the city. And in addition to raising money for the library, I have been able to pitch in other ways, like connecting the library with medical experts during Black Maternal Care Week, for example.
Although I’d initially hoped to volunteer in the super-cool King library downtown, I’m really grateful to be at Alum Rock – I feel like the library is really an important part of the neighborhood and the people who use it are so grateful for all they offer there.
What keeps you coming back?
Psychologists have learned that three things that keep people happy throughout life include lifelong learning, having a network of friends and helping people who need it. My work with the Friends of the Library helps with all of those! I’m learning about fundraising, responsible spending of volunteer funds and how libraries operate; I’m connecting with the other volunteers and of course the money we raise benefits not just the library but all the people who use it.
Can you share an experience at the library that was especially meaningful to you?
I’m glad you asked! I will be teaching a class up in San Francisco next week on how people can best find reliable information about healthcare online. The folks sponsoring the class asked me for a nice photo of myself, and I didn’t have any. So I went to the King Library, went to the Reference Desk on the third floor and asked one of the helpful librarians if she could take a picture of me in front of a bunch of books. It turned out to be a great photo.
What advice would you give to someone from the community who is thinking about volunteering or getting involved in their local library?
Just do it! If you’re having trouble with the online system – it’s a bit cumbersome, to be honest – just go to your local branch and ask for an appointment with that branch’s volunteer coordinator. Think about what kind of activity you really enjoy – working with little kids, working with disadvantaged adults, IT systems, delivery driving – there’s opportunities to serve many different interests.
What are you passionate about—inside or outside of the library
I feel really sorry for younger people today, and hope to find ways to convince them to turn off their devices and go outside and spend some time walking outside every day. More importantly, find a way to spend time together face-to-face instead of through a screen. (Hey, libraries are great places for that!) With the challenges of global warming, a sputtering economy and ridiculous housing prices, I wish I could do more to make life easier for kids who are now in school and facing a challenging future. We’ll all have to work together to make things better. Nobody can do it alone.
Want to Get Involved?
Our Friends of the Library groups are always looking for new members. Whether you want to help with book sales, events, or work behind the scenes, there’s a role for you!
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