Taking PRIDE in our Volunteers!
Silicon Valley Pride takes place every August, and this month, we’re proud to highlight an outstanding San José Public Library volunteer.
Meet Audrey
She is a passionate athlete and dedicated community volunteer who shares her love for sports, reading, and giving back. Audrey discusses how her lifelong connection to books inspired her to volunteer at the library, a space that has played a meaningful role in her life since childhood.
She highlights the importance of community involvement, inclusivity, and cultural awareness, especially in supporting diverse identities like the LGBTQ+ community. We asked her a few questions:
Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself:
Hi, my name is Audrey! I'm a big sports enthusiast. I love staying active and competing in several sports, including track & field, cross country, and handball (the European kind!). Outside of athletics, I’m passionate about giving back to my community and enjoy volunteering whenever I have free time.
Q: What inspired/inspires you to start volunteering at the library?
I've always had a deep love for books. I typically read several books a week, so volunteering at the library felt like the perfect way to combine my passion for reading with giving back to the community. In addition to the library, I also enjoy volunteering at my local community garden. I find a lot of joy in being around plants, nature, and the library.
Q: What book are you currently reading?
Right now, I’m reading The Wanderer by Sharon Creech. It's been a fascinating read so far!
Q: Do you have a favorite genre of books?
It’s hard to choose just one, but fantasy, non-fiction, and romance are definitely at the top of my list. Each one offers something unique, whether it’s escaping into a new world, learning something new, or getting swept up in a great love story.
Q: What keeps you coming back to the library?
The library has always been a part of my daily routine. Its proximity to my everyday activities makes it a convenient and comforting space, but more than that, it's tied to how I grew up. I used to go to the library after school as a kid, and that routine became something I genuinely looked forward to.
Q: Can you share an experience at the library that was especially meaningful to you?
There are honestly so many, but one that stands out is from when I was in 4th grade. After school, I would wait at the library, sometimes for hours, just browsing and reading. My friends were all readers too, so it became this shared experience that really shaped who I am. More recently, I participated in a debate group that met at the library, which was another way the space continues to support and grow with me.
Q: How does your personal identity, values, or background influence your approach to volunteering and community involvement?
My background has taught me that no one has the exact same experience or story. Identity is made up of so many layers—cultural, personal, emotional—and each one matters. When I volunteer, I try to be mindful of that, recognizing that everyone brings something unique to the table. Respecting those differences and celebrating them is part of what drives me to stay involved and give back in ways that honor that diversity.
Q: What does it mean to you when the library celebrates different identities, cultures, and communities, like during Pride Month?
Honestly, I have mixed feelings. I’m really glad to see recognition happening, especially during months like Pride, but sometimes it feels a bit minimal, like a small table or display when there’s potential for something more meaningful. Still, I appreciate the effort and see it as a starting point. I hope to contribute more through volunteering to help expand those efforts and create a deeper sense of celebration and inclusion.
Q: Why do you think it’s important for libraries to recognize and support the LGBTQ+ community?
Because libraries should be places where everyone feels seen and valued. When the LGBTQ+ community is acknowledged and supported, it sends a message of inclusivity and safety. People are much more likely to return to spaces where they feel respected, welcomed, and represented. It builds trust and community.
Q: What advice would you give to someone from the LGBTQ+ community (or an ally) who is thinking about volunteering at their local library?
Go for it! Volunteering is a great way to feel connected and make a positive impact. It allows you to be part of something bigger than yourself and create meaningful change in your community. Whether you're part of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, your presence matters and it helps foster a space that is inclusive and supportive for everyone.
Interested in Volunteering?
Each year, community members donate their time, skills and talents to strengthen the services provided by San José Public Library.
Volunteering at your local library is a great way to:
- Use your talents
- Provide valuable service to the community
- Share your skills
- Meet great people
- Reduce your fines through service
Add a comment to: Volunteering with Pride: One Volunteer Story at a Time