Leaders x Libraries
We're happy to introduce District 9 Councilmember Pam Foley. Elected in 2018, Councilmember Foley represents District 9 neighborhoods located in West San Jose, which includes Cambrian Park.
We're excited to have her participate in our Leaders x Libraries blog series to share what she loves most about libraries and how libraries have shaped her life while growing up.
Get to Know Councilmember Foley
Q. What is your hometown?
A. Portland, OR
Q. Do you have an SJPL Library Card?
A. Yes!
Q. Where did you get your first library card?
A. Portland, OR when I was a child.
Q. Which do you prefer, physical books, eBooks, or Audiobooks/eAudiobooks?
A. Physical Books
Q. What is your favorite book and why?
A. I love historical novels but my favorite books have got to be The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and The Lorax by Dr. Seuss.
Q. What are you currently reading or learning?
A. Recently, I finished The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein. I am currently reading several books on Mindfulness and Meditation. I'm also reading Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro, which is a selection from my book club.
Q. What does the library mean to you, and why do you think libraries are essential to society?
A. I have such fond memories of the library as a child. Each weekend, as a family, my parents took us kids, all six of us, to the library. Later, I would ride my bike, coming home with a basket of books. I spent many hours underneath the shade tree engrossed in the stories about near and far away places. The library was very important to my childhood, and now as an adult.
Q. How did the library shape your life while growing up?
A. Reading opened my eyes to a world beyond my immediate community. The library provided me with the opportunity to expand my horizons outside of the classroom.
Q. Why is it important for everyone to exercise their right to library?
A. It's important for everyone to exercise their right to library because beyond free access to a world of information, our libraries connect the community, provide safe, reliable spaces for all, and ensure our older adults have access to the ever-changing digital world.
Favorite Book
Explore District 9's Branch Libraries
Cambrian Branch
1780 Hillsdale Ave.
San José, CA 95124
Pearl Avenue Branch
4270 Pearl Ave.
San José, CA 95136
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