As we celebrate this holiday season, we want to shine a light on the incredible volunteers whose dedication helps create a truly magical experience at our library. Their time and talents are invaluable gifts that strengthen and support our community.
We interviewed some outstanding volunteers who shared what inspires them to continue volunteering at SJPL and reflected on a meaningful moment from their service.
**Warning: Immense inspiration may be felt; read with caution.
Meet Karla
I volunteer with the Friends of the Hillview Library. I recently moved to California from the Philippines. I was an occupational therapist back home, but shifted to healthcare administration here. Outside of work, I love reading, baking, and finding small ways to support the community. I used to live within walking distance of Hillview, and even though I’ve now moved to San Ramon, I still help out remotely whenever I can.
Please describe your volunteer work/task/project/role. What inspired you to become a volunteer with the San Jose Public Library and how long have you been volunteering?
I mostly help with things like creating posters and materials for events, managing or drafting social media posts, and supporting our book sales. I started volunteering because Hillview was one of the first places that made me feel at home after moving from the Philippines. I loved spending time there, and volunteering felt like a nice way to give back and get more involved. I’ve been volunteering for a little under a year now.
What keeps me coming back is the sense of community. Even after moving, I still feel connected to Hillview because everyone has been so welcoming. I also enjoy being part of something that makes a difference in small but meaningful ways, whether it’s supporting library programs through book sales, helping with posters, or just knowing I’m contributing to a place that meant a lot to me when I first arrived in California.
One experience that stands out was helping with the book sale preparations. It was the first time I got to work closely with the other volunteers, and everyone was so friendly and collaborative. I remember feeling like, “Okay, I belong here.” It was a small moment, but it really made the library feel like a community space for me, not just a place I visited.
I’m most proud of being able to support the library even after moving farther away. Whether it’s helping with posters, social media, or book sale materials, it feels good to know I can still contribute to the branch in a meaningful way. Staying involved despite the move feels like a small accomplishment, but an important one for me.
If you’re thinking about volunteering, just try it. You don’t have to commit to anything big right away, because there are so many small ways to help, and the community is really welcoming. You’ll meet kind people, learn how the library works behind the scenes, and feel connected in a way you don’t expect until you’re actually doing it. It’s a really nice way to give back and feel part of the community.
I’m passionate about helping people and finding small ways to make things easier or more enjoyable for them. That carried over from my previous work as an occupational therapist and continues in my administrative role and my volunteer work at the library. I also really enjoy anything creative: designing posters, organizing information, and working on small projects that support the community. Outside the library, I love spending time with my husband and our dog, exploring new places, and finding spots with good food or good coffee.
Meet Samira
Tell me a little bit about yourself: Name/ Branch you volunteer at and any other information you’d like to share about yourself:
My name is Samira Prasad, and I volunteer as an ELL instructor at the Berryessa Branch Library. I’ve been teaching for over a year, supporting adult learners with conversation practice, grammar, and real-life communication skill
I have been volunteering as an ELL instructor and Conversation Club facilitator for over a year. I was inspired to join the San Jose Public Library because I’ve always believed in giving back to the community, and I’m passionate about supporting learners. My professional background in nonprofit communications and fundraising for educational programs serving underprivileged communities in India also motivates my commitment to promoting literacy and access to learning.
The warmth of the community, the accessibility of resources, and the friendliness of the staff are what keep bringing me back. The library feels like a truly supportive space for both volunteers and learners.
During our Conversation Club sessions, we began as strangers—five people from different ages, cultures, and backgrounds. Over the months, we grew into a close-knit group, and for all of us, including me, it became more than a class; it became a community. The continued learners who had been attending for a while naturally welcomed new participants with the same warmth and openness that define the spirit of our class. Watching everyone support one another—sharing tips, encouraging participation, and celebrating small wins—truly showed me how powerful community can be. Our sessions became a safe space where people not only grow in their English skills but also discover connection, confidence, and friendship. It’s an experience I will always treasure. As the year ends, what accomplishment from your volunteer work are you most proud of?One accomplishment I’m especially proud of is the progress of a learner I taught six months ago. When she first joined, she could barely say her name, but she had the loveliest personality—earnest, sincere, and determined to learn. She attended every session and practiced with so much heart. By the time she returned to her home country, she had become a confident English speaker. While this wasn’t entirely my win, her sincerity and dedication made her learning journey incredibly meaningful. Experiences like this — and there have been many with similar impact — have shaped me not only as an educator, but also as a student of life. They remind me that growth is always possible when we show up for ourselves and for each other.
Volunteering at the library is deeply personal for me. I was a stay-at-home mom for ten years, caring for my son and putting his needs first. A decade at home changes you in ways you don’t fully realize — and when you finally step back into the world, it can feel like stepping out of a cave with the sun in your eyes. Everything feels new, unfamiliar, and a little overwhelming. When I applied to volunteer, I wasn’t sure what I could offer or whether I was ready. But Tiffany was patient, understanding, and kind enough to take a chance on me. That opportunity helped me rediscover my confidence and a sense of purpose. I’ve never looked back. Over time, I’ve discovered that SJPL is a true haven for moms, new moms, newcomers to the area, students, and children. It’s a place filled with kindness, support, and a strong sense of community. So my advice is this: take the first step, even if you feel unsure. You don’t need to have everything figured out — the library welcomes you exactly as you are. Volunteering here is a chance to give back, to grow, and to find a community that truly cares.
I’m passionate about teaching, learning, and helping others. I enjoy supporting English learners at the library, and outside of it I love working on community projects, reading, and spending time with my family.
Meet Mahi
My name is Mahi Mekala, and I volunteer at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library as part of the Summer Learning Ambassador program. I am a student deeply interested in community engagement, education access, and youth advocacy. I love being in spaces where learning and public service overlap, which is why the library has always felt like a second home to me.
As a Summer Learning Ambassador, I supported youth and families throughout the library’s summer learning initiatives: helping children and families track their reading goals, engaging them with educational activities, and creating an environment that encouraged curiosity and creativity. I was inspired to join because of the role libraries played in my own academic journey; they have always been a place where I felt empowered to explore, learn, and grow. I wanted to help create that same experience for younger students. I have been volunteering with the program since this past summer.
The strong sense of community: There’s something inspiring about seeing kids excited to read, learn, and participate in programs. The King Library especially is a hub for so many communities, and being able to support that environment, while working alongside passionate staff, makes me look forward to every shift.
One of the most meaningful experiences for me was watching families come together during story time. Seeing parents pause their busy schedules to sit with their children, read together, and share those small moments of joy was incredibly moving. It reminded me that libraries aren’t just about books but about connection. Being part of an environment that helps families slow down, bond, and learn together felt truly special.
I am proud of the connections I built with the families and kids who visited regularly throughout the program. Being someone they felt comfortable approaching for help, recommendations, or just conversation felt meaningful. I am also proud of contributing consistently to a program that helps prevent summer learning loss and keeps students excited about reading.
You never know how much your presence can mean to someone until you show up. Libraries are one of the rare places where a single volunteer can spark a child’s love for reading, make a parent’s day easier, or help someone discover a new interest. If you are looking for a way to make a real, human impact, no matter your interests or skills, this is one of the most meaningful places to begin. Volunteering at the library doesn’t just support your community; it expands your own world too.
I care deeply about youth empowerment, education access, and environmental advocacy. Outside the library, I work on youth-led initiatives and policy projects focused on sustainability and community equity. Inside the library, those passions show up in my desire to support young learners and help make public resources more accessible and inspiring for everyone.
Meet Jo Ann
I’m a 73 year old retired admin assistant at the Intercultural/International Studies Division, De Anza College. Since retiring I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and undergo bimonthly chemotherapy, which limits my exposure with immunosuppression. Although my volunteer shifts are short with the Friends of West Valley (SJ) Library, I also attend Friends Board Meetings as an At Large member.
While still working at De Anza, my Friends volunteering was limited to setting up and staffing the five book sales. Since retiring, my jobs include: moving donations from the drop box to the Friends sorting area, stocking the Book Nook (honor sales corner), purchasing and donating supplies, sorting and pricing books to prepare for the sales, boxing and preparing select books for shipment to our off-site seller. My inspiration for volunteering was growing up moving every two years and Mom always taking us to the local library, sharing her love of reading and a safe and consistent place for diversity and respect. I’ve been volunteering for about ten years, more actively for the last seven years.
The satisfaction and warm feeling of accomplishment that I am giving back to the community keeps me returning to continue volunteering.
When I was training a new volunteer in donation sorting, a staff member came into the back area asking if anyone spoke Spanish: there was a confused library customer at the Information counter who needed assistance, and our Friends trainee jumped up and met the customer, spoke with him and resolved the matter. It was particularly gratifying to volunteer with a variety of folks who bring broad skills and expertise to our efforts.
I’m most proud of contributing to our Friends group book sales that have raised sufficient funds to support our branch’s programs(Sunday STEAM labs, senior citizens crafts, cultural presentations); and for the first time this year, we were able to share grants of $1k to library branches that don’t have an active Friends of the Library group, or a fledgling group that could benefit from support. Additionally, we were able to offer five smaller grants in time for the holidays.
First familiarize yourself with your local library branch, visit the Book Nook, if there is one. Attend your branch’s Friends book sale, volunteer to help. Contact the Friends group to inquire about volunteering. If your branch doesn’t have a Friends group, consider starting one!
I’m committed to the principle that functional literacy is a right, not just a privilege. Also, that banning books is a threat to democracy.
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